I have an uncanny ability to will things to myself. An unrecognized talent really, wholly underrated because it's just not commonplace when people ask what you are good at to say, "Oh I have an amazing ability to channel my energy so that the universe sends me what I need...or sometimes what I want." Nope, not common. People think that's a little bit weird actually. People are wrong.

As you all know I was recently sans phone for the second time in a year. Unlike the first time, I knew I couldn't will it back to my hot little hand, so I went eight days without a phone. Um, I was busy. Duh. Saturday I arrived in St. Louis for a much needed visit with Pops & Co. We had some delicious Malibu and Mountain Dew mixtures and chatted the afternoon away. As the night wore on, I decided a little socialization might be good. Plus I recently exchanged a totally inappropriate lingerie gift for ten pairs of Wolford tights. One sheer flowery pair I was dying to debut. When my BFF picked me up she absentmindedly said, "Who have you talked to?"

"Um, no one!" I shrieked. "ReMEMber? No mobile."

"Oh, sorry. I forgot."

"I figure whoever I am meant to see the universe will provide for me," I replied positively.

"Um, okay," she replied.

Every now and then I flirtatiously chat with a tall, very handsome guy I was quasi-friends with in high school. We kind of  have a fake, semi-silly secret crush on each other - the kind of imaginary relationship you wonder about but never comes to fruition. One of those things you both know but never talk about because it's nothing and even writing it now is a borderline loser. So anyway, fast forward our drive to the meeting place - a restaurant where we are meeting our two friends. Inside, I put down my coat, look over and see said guy. No joke. That's who the universe sent me. Across the whole universe, I get him; and it was a pretty clear sign because no one else unexpected was there. I only ran into one person: him. (The universe likes being clear.) I turned back and said to my friends, "Shut up. SHUT. UP. Like for real? This is who the universe sends me?" To which they probably rolled their eyes. I applied some lip gloss and turned around to tell him the exact story I am telling you now about lost phone and channeling my energy and the universe sending me him and all that jazz.

"Are you serious?" he said looking at me like I might be a bit crazy.

"I swear on my life. This always happens to me," I replied dramatically.

"Too funny. You are nuts, but I kind of love it," he responded, laughing.

"I mean not really. I'm just an extremely self-aware, in tune human." Hm, maybe I didn't say that because that sounds a bit weird; but it was something like that. So I'm not sure why the universe sent me him. I'm way better at Square 1 - willing that which I desire - than I am at Squares 2 through 4. Hence the reason I've had so many first dates. I'm so great at baiting. I'm like the baiting pro; but I'm not so great at reeling it in, deciding if it's a keeper, filetting the poor thing, and so on.  Basically, I have no idea what to do with what the universe sends me.

He did, however, promise to renovate Emma Dilemma for my Christmas present. He's Emma Dilemma's cyber Stacey and Clinton. I'm sure he's thrilled to hear that.

Speaking of 2010, I resolve to share a glimpse into my 66 First Dates book with my readers. If you have title suggestions, please feel free to email them to me and thank you to those of you who already have although I must say they have been mostly shitty suggestions. I also resolve to eat less sugar, become a better skier, and lose five pounds.  My 2010 goal: finish and publish my book. (You should have both resolutions and goals. You could resolve to follow through with your goals, and if you need help, hire a life coach. I have a great one.)

Lastly, in 2010 I hope (because you should have hopes too!) to go on less dates. An awesome friend told me today that, excellent baiter or not, I needn't give men who have just one requirement a chance because sometimes in life, it's all or it's nothing.

Go for all.