I deserve spectacular

I know when a man is interested, they follow up, they pursue, they do the nice things. I know that feeling. When it eases up, I know I get nervous. I know I deserve and will find that right perfect match. No anxiety, no worries, no wondering if he'll call or communicate. Comfort in trusting them from the very beginning.

I deserve a partner for all times, to grow with, to explore with, to want a life fulfilled. A christian man who can support me and I can trust to be there. Someone mature with wisdom in how to treat a woman and offer her comfort and truly support her in lifes challenging days. They know to listen, not fix. The probe with questions, they seek to understand. They offer a hug, a compliment and a shoulder of comfort. They are strong when I am weak. They know what I need before I do, I don't need to ask.

He will be a man of character, respected, sincere with all people. He will support, offer praise. He's more emotionally stable then I am. He will broaden my horizons teach me new ways of being and surviving. He will ADD something other than worry and anxiety. He will teach me to be me at all times and will bring out the best in me. He is my lover and friend through all times. He doesn't have a past that haunts him, but a quest for a joyous future. He closes doors on relationships past and looks boldly ahead at great futures. He isn't afraid to give up. He is knows what he wants and goes after it.

He saves money instead of spending on toys for short-term satisfactions. Pleasure comes in serving others not in joy rides and expensive gifts for self. Fast cars and motorcycles are child's play. A man who enjoys being with people and knows who he is.

He's confident in his world, doesn't need constant ego stroking or gestures of kindness. He is solid in his faith, his foundation and knowing he's just as magnificent as I am. He knows his amazing pleasures that don't take risks, but rather fulfill dreams. Adrenaline is not the rush and drug, but risk-taking to the minimum. Comfort and peace is found in normal lives of work and play and family. Not unusual taking half a year off to travel and work half year. There is no savings and solidarity to that.

Lord I know he's out there. As I get ready, please prepare him too. In your name please send the right one, soon so I can see his face and know you hear me too.

Put it out in prayer

The hardest part of preparing to find your husband is looking back at the past, some closer in the rear view mirror than you'd like, but you must get rid of the old to make room for the new. Broke up with a great guy two months ago (after his ex, who he loved stepped back in), we spoke tonight about the magic we shared and how we still had hope for he and I. Its hard to put an "end" to this one. I know my husband is here and around the corner is it him, if it his not him, as the turn of events would make one believe, then I need to move on. I have peace in that. Right now, my gut says I must. Moving on to move forward.

Knowing what a great match he was -- I can only imagine how spectacular the next one is. Lord, I pray please send me my husband and make it obvious! I know the course of life is in your hands. Sending me a man who doesn't even believe in you has got to be a sign that he isn't the one despite all the other signs. In a few months will it feel like he is? Who knows, my gut today says no--as he's still chasing someone else. Perhaps when that is lifted things may change. Still even now I can't move on. Lord, prepare me for my husband and thank you for preparing my husband as well. I know when this happens, it will be incredible and I can not wait for the magical moments and years ahead! Praise God!

Catherine's Partner Job Description

Last night, a dear new friend suggested I need to stop being ambivalent about dating and put my thoughts onto paper of what I'm looking for. I gave up on my list long time ago realizing that no man would ever meet everything. But to the point of must haves and wishes, there's no harm in putting it out there. So here we go, but please give me the opportunity to modify.

Skills:

• Communicator - someone I can trust to share, be open, trust in life's journey
• Giver - willing to give verbal compliments and do thing to make me happy
• Lover of life - someone who is active with outdoor hobbies (meaning not just someone who works out all the time, but someone who has an active lifestyle, who needs the gym)
• Learner - someone willing to learn and grow and help the other do the same
• Strength - someone to hold me when I cry, comfort me after a bad day, someone with a bear hug that can't be beat
• Lives life - someone with his own hobbies and friends that add something more to my life
• Outdoors - loves nature and being out of the city and has skills to do that

Vision:

• Sunday European family day with nature, learning or exploring
• Someone who joins me for church with our children, prayer before meals and bedtime is taught to them
• Date nights monthly after the children, couples retreats, counseling as needed to help us communicate and grow - solid foundation of partnership first
• Dating we either speak on the phone or see each other every night, especially when we travel, we always talk
• My personnel champion - someone who can read me knows how to help me reduce my stress
• Someone who expands my horizons, teaches me more and how to be a better person
• Shared partnership at home on household things, laundry, cleaning, cooking, kids - all split 50/50
• Financial understandings are critical - to be discussed

The dream:

I've struggled enough with matters of the heart that I'm ready for the deep plunge with someone I love. I want it to be a dream come true, great escapes, great chemistry, connections that can't be replicated. Is that someone out there.. I know he is, that will make me smile through and through. Trust me, I know what makes me happy, and am not afraid to ask, are you the one that can be there to put a smile on my face today and always? I know you're out there and finally I think I'm ready.

How I'll feel:

The right man brings out the best in me. He is someone I respect for his values, how he lives his life. I trust they'll follow through, they'll call when they say, they will be there through thick and thin. Someone who doesn't give up.

I'll love looking in your eyes or just feel comfortable sitting with you. I know you're not judging, but adoring. You open up my heart knowing you'll treat it kindly. I can count on you always, no matter what, even after I make a mistake. I know when to compromise and apologize and express what I want. If you make me mad, it will just take me a bit to figure out why, so bear with me. If I can trust you, I'll always be able to communicate. When I stop, that's when you need to worry. Ask me and I'll share, I'm open and honest.

The reality:

I know I've been single for a while, but not one to be set in my ways. I know I'm a bit too adaptable and flexible. I'll need my space every once in a while to get my life back in control, be it work, stress or my health. If you can help me recognize when I am earlier then I do... all the better. I know single life I've been able to call the shots alone, together it will be tougher to make sure I still get my needs met, as I'm sometimes a bit shy to ask, but I've gotten much, much better at that. I know how to take care of myself (a new skills :) and am being wonderfully kind to myself on this journey. Relationships do take work and I know it will be tougher than the single life I have now, but I'm ready for that.

Interview questions:

Are you ready to grow with me and help me grow? You ready to live an extraordinary life? Are you one who inspires and supports? Do you know how to take care of yourself? Do you believe in how things are just meant to be? Do you believe in one love forever?

Praying for my Prince

It was one year ago my dreams of living abroad were starting to materialize, after less than a year of putting the plan into action. I learned how the power of your word can create your world and now I hope to do the same for my next major life dream.. to find my husband and lifelong parter.

Only since moving abroad eight months ago, has it become very apparent that for the first time in my life I am truly ready for someone to share life's journey with and I still do want a family. That is a strong dream that just has never materialized. So today, I'm going to replicate the success of my past of pulling off this expat move and finally make action in one of life's biggest struggles for me.

From this day forward it won't be tough, it will be easy. I know the reason I am here is my husband is here. I'm confident in that. God has brought me here for a reason and I need to trust the flow of life that the time is nearing. So tonight, I start my prayers and requests directly to God to fulfill my hearts desire--to send me the love of my life.

Back in fifth grade I was Snow White in the school play and sang my first solo, someday my prince will come. I know he is near and pray that God guides me on this path. I know he is with me. I'm ready to leave a legacy through my family. I want to make couples as friends, not single people. I want to build a community of families to have fun. Guide me lord. I know you will show me the way.

Home sweet home

Back one hour early-quick flight. Back to hurried America. Feel free to call me today til 7 pm. I know Ill need some help staying up ;). See some of you Saturday.

Shanghai cost of living

For being one of the most expensive cities to live in, I'm amazed at how cheap the necessities are. I took a 20 cent ferry ride across the river, and a good noodle meal - which is supersize can run you maximum 2 dollars in a neighborhood. Subway across town cost me 75 cents and my taxi ride - over and hour in rush hour to the other side of town cost me 6 dollars. When I gave him a 3 dollar tip I know he was amazed.

I've been getting the bargaining down and now get most things for less than a quarter of the initial price. There's a whole game to it Ibe finally learned.

Since every trip has to have a scary minute - I had mine when trying to get a cab. I saw an empty one pass so I ran to catch up with it and was just going to knock on the window as it was caught in traffic and I heard a noise turned left and a bus was about 10 feet from me coming to a halt. I quickly jumped back to the curb. My heart race the cab is still there when the bus passes and I'm safely in. I was so proud of my navigating the city today by subway, ferry and by foot and by instinctive navigations without a map - that it was ironic my last easy transportation move - finding a cab-nearly cost me my life. Crossing the street is hard here- much easier by far than Cairo- you really focus just looking one direction to cross half way - cars, scooters, bikes all at different speeds you'll be dodging and than you sometimes find yourself in the middle of the street completely forgetting you have to look the other way to navigate the second half now. Have no worries friends my last adventure tonight is just around the corner on the same block. Some good foodshops right across from the train station which is a block away. I won't be crossing any streets anymore. 6:30 am airport pick up and Ill be safely on route by air for the rest of my journey.

Just hoping my slight cold and sore throat won't give me hassles on the flight - need to get some good tea in me - I think its been a full day since I've had some. Ironically, bought two really warm sweaters here and a scarf - which was 1 dollars 25 cents gotta love that. For those who think I spent a fortune on this trip - as you're starting to see with a 50 dollar hotel in Shanghai- a Holiday Inn newly remodeled and 50 a day in tourism site tickets its a destination that doesn't break the bank. I'm wondering if my tour organizer even made anything off me for this ;) now to dinner to spend the last of my RBMs.

Jinmao Tower

What a beautiful sunny, clear day for me to head across the river by subway to the TV tower and JinMao tower in Pudong and to see the whole city of Shanghai. The massive scale of China is overwhelming - especially knowing I'm just seeing Shanghai. There is little green space and the high rises in the distance only disappear into the hazy of the pollution. The western brand signs dot the river. I hit the "super brand mall" complete with a Best Buy at the top. Very fun to look inside and try to compare prices.

With a birdseye view of the world expo construction - proof of a country trying to prove itself again to the outside world. Now seeing the vastness of this city- the minor rebuilding of that site is really just that only a small plot in this massive city.

Truly an amazing journey and now a deeper understanding of a country America is sometimes so obsessed about. Could I ever live here perhaps someday.