Posted by: ZagFan04 on: November 2, 2009

This single gal hit the town last weekend in celebration of all things spooky, creepy and that go “bump” in the night. I am referring to Halloween of course, rather than my hum-drum dating life. Dressed as a Roman goddess, I was prepared for the evening with the mantra of ”What’s the worst that can happen?” (Courtesy of the Penny & Ben Show. What?? You haven’t listened to the best podcast ever? You need to ASAP.)
Beginning at a mild house party is where my evening began with a finish dancing until 3 am at the local gay bar. Essentially, my Halloween had a 180 degree change from start to finish. In the midst of dancing to “Single Ladies” with new found friends, I took a quick assessment of my overall surroundings and I was struck with numerous ideas to share with you, my reading audience.
First: Halloween is the one night of the year when you can cut loose and be who you are (or who you want to be.) Is it surprising that woman have shorter skirts on this one night? Nope. Halloween allows people to be who they truly want to be, without fear of humiliation or embarrassment.
Second: Halloween is the chance to make commentary on pop culture. I saw multiple costumes referring to H1N1 as well as Kate Gosselin (which had a hysterical wig!).
Third: Halloween is also the chance to make commentary on where you are in your life, currently. My costume as a Roman Goddess speaks to my search for love while maintaining ever femininity. Does a Pope or Nun costume indicate someone doing “soul searching”? Possibly.
I am also willing to admit that I am reading way to much into the costumes, perhaps they were the last thing left at Value Village.
All in all, one hell of a Halloween. I had fun being my “alter ego” of the Roman goddess but quite possibly being the goddess for one evening reminded me that I do in fact have that within me already.
Posted by: ZagFan04 on: October 26, 2009
I will admit it…I am not a very big fan of Halloween. At least that is, I am not a fan of the cheesy pumpkins or fake cobwebs. I am however a fan of dressing up in a fun costume and bringing forth your alter ego for one-night only.
The next podcast for the “Penny & Ben” show will be highlighting funny Halloween costumes as well as mishaps we’ve both had. This made me wonder, what are the readers and listeners pick for their alter ego this year?
Posted by: ZagFan04 on: October 6, 2009
Each year on my birthday I purchase a pair of shoes that border on the edge of ridiculous. This year, in honor of my hunt for love, I have decided to purchase a pair of shoes that reflects my “wild” side. Introducing to the world the newest member of my shoe family…

I believe jaw-dropping is a good descriptor, right? Turning the big 2-8 is so much easier in beautiful shoes like these!
Thank you to everyone for birthday wishes near and far!!
(In case anyone is curious, the heels on these little ladies is a whopping 4 1/2 inches. Not for the faint of heart.)
Posted by: ZagFan04 on: October 5, 2009

You all must be sitting on the edge of your seat waiting for the big write up on my burlesque dance class from Friday night. Well, you avid readers…wait no longer. My roommate and I had no idea what we were getting ourselves into, let alone who would also be in our dance class. I was secretly hoping for someone with zero rhythm or ability to “pop” their hips. (I was also secretly wondering if should have snuck in a flask of liquid courage…)
After signing in, our instructor gave us our prop for the class a bright pink feather fan. Fantastic, I don’t feel silly at all now. She told the group (consisting of eight other ladies, none of which were married…just one engaged.) that we would be doing a dance routine to Marilyn Monroe’s song, “I Wanna Be Loved by You“. The instructor told us that the dance would start off sweet then turn naughty towards the end. Comfort was key and no one should feel like they have to cross lines too quickly, including feeling comfortable removing (or keeping) clothes on. (Um, excuse me? What the hell did I sign up for?)
We begin learn the dance class with some fairly sexy warm-ups. I quickly realized that this is not your mother’s dance class. (Well, maybe it is…but sure not my mom!) After warming up, we got into the routine which I found to be fairly simple and easy to grasp. Towards the end of the class the instructor stepped aside in order to watch the class do the routine to see how we were progressing.
After we ran through the routine (feathers and all), she came up to me to tell me that I was a fantastic dancer and if I ever wanted to become an instructor she could teach me how.
Hmm… maybe I am not so uncoordinated as I originally thought. The next time I may have to bring some killer high heels to dance in.
Posted by: ZagFan04 on: September 26, 2009
“Ben” and I had one good discussion highlighting the “Ex” Factor in the most recent attempt to become professional podcasters. We debated the idea of breakups and ex’s back forth (which you can listen fully to on iTunes, just search “Penny & Ben“). We discussed the ability of being friends with an ex as well as who actually has the power to post break-up. I’ll give you a clue to my thoughts… it isn’t the breakee. The power of a breakup is held in the hands of the individual who called it off. When the breaker-upper called the end of the relationship, I believe that they lose the right to remain friends with their ”ex”.
From the highs and lows of the breakup process, there is no go way to go through a break up without taking the time to mourn the loss and end of the relationship.
Now, I am interested…what do the beloved readers of the Single Girl’s blog think about being friends post break-up with an ex? Aren’t you just itching to tell me what you think? Take this quick poll…
For the listeners of the podcast, I have to apologize for all of my laughter during episode #7. Yes, “Ben” and “I” really do have that much fun at podcasting central.
PPS- If you are dealing with a breakup currently…chin up! Time will help you get through this, along with good wine and friends. I also recommend one of my favorite go-to guide for breakups : “It’s Called a Breakup Because It’s Broken.” Give yourself time to grieve the breakup and do not let other people dictate how long you need for a breakup period. Remember, dealing with heartbreak with help you appreciate the “good stuff” when it comes along.
Posted by: ZagFan04 on: September 23, 2009
Ok, so maybe not a “real” book club where we talk about feelings and cry over the leading character’s inability to love. How about reading a book dedicated to the mysteries of the social pickup artist? A loyal reader and listener to the Podcast (yes, I am plugging the podcast…again.) recommended me reading the book “The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists” by Neil Strauss.
I am always up for a good read but even more so when it dives into the depths of the male psyche. My friend told me that the book is funny and informative so I figure, “Why not?” If nothing else I will have more material for all of my relationship data gathering.
Who knows, maybe I can start a regular readings around the topic of relationships: from getting into them to ending them safely!
(In case you haven’t joined the podcast band wagon, the next podcast is all about the “Ex” factor. From breakups to healing…make sure to look for it coming later this week!)
Posted by: ZagFan04 on: September 21, 2009
As the readership for the blog grows, so is the little podcast that keeps on chugging along: “Penny & Ben”. (You can listen to individual episodes by clicking here or you can subscribe to them all by going to iTunes.)

Now, I am wondering…what would the readers as well as the listeners of the podcast like to hear about next? Is there a topic in the grand world of dating that you are just dying for us to tackle? Have you been recently dumped by a gent? Are you going on a chocolate diet too? Have you recently “nutted” up and want to tell us about it?
Ideally, the new profile on Chemistry.com will grant new and funny blind date stories…or who knows maybe a real something could develop. Fingers crossed & patience!