Category: Nightlife

2018 Ultimate Summer Music Guide

by boisebucketlist, posted in Boise Bucket List Adventures, How-To Guides, Music in Boise, Nightlife

Boise Bucket List Presents:

Boise Ultimate Summer Concert Guide

Over 200 Concerts to Cross Off Your #BoiseBucketList

Summertime here in Boise means long days, cool summer nights, enjoying the beautiful outdoors. It’s also a time to explore all the awesome music here in the Treasure Valley.  I found it hard to find a good list of upcoming concerts to keep track. If I found it challenging, I could only imagine how others felt. Hence the creation of this list!

Follow me on Instagram: @boise_bucketlist

The following is the most comprehensive music guide I could create.  The best way to use this list is by date. I list all the concerts from June thru September.

Below are the venues I featured & had a list of their events available. Please make sure to visit their respective websites to purchase concert tickets (if applicable):

June

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6/6 Revolution Center The Flaming Lips
6/6 Neurolux  Lounge Nude Dude  & Laika  The Dog Tour
6/6 The Shredder HIGH PRIESTESS
6/6 Alive at Five Concert Series Led with Ryan Peck Opening
6/7 Taco Bell Arena Bare Naked Ladies
6/7 Neurolux  Lounge MOTOPONY w/ Ezra Bell and Kyler Daron
6/7 The Shredder HAILSHOT, KAMIKAZE ZOMBIE, KURGAN HYPOTHESIS, CHAOSMONAUT
6/7 Outlaw Field Summer Concerts Barenaked Ladies
6/8 Neurolux  Lounge A HAWK AND A HANDSAW w/ Fleet Street Klezmer Band
6/8 Tom Grainey’s Scott Peberton
6/8 The Olympic HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS with Listener, Hotel Books, Sienna Skies, Heavy Things
6/8 The Knitting Factory BLACKTOP MOJO, LOCUST GROVE, STONE PROPHET, LIKE NO ONE
6/9 Taco Bell Arena Steely Dan and the Dooby Brothers
6/9 The Shredder BREAK SURFACE, GHOSTBOX, MORTAL ENEMY, YEXOTAY, 2018-06-13,SET BLASTERS”
6/9 The Reef  Dusty Leigh and the Claim Jumpers
6/9 The Knitting Factory TRAITORS GATE, INVASIVE, CHAPTER BLACK, MUNCHKIN SUICIDE
6/11 The Olympic RHETT MILLER of OLD 97’S + Lee Penn Sky
6/12 Neurolux  Lounge ACID CAROUSEL w/ Bralettes and Navy Gangs and Ghost in Space
6/13 Neurolux  Lounge HOWLIN RAIN w/ David Nance
6/13 The Reef An Evening with Tony Lucca
6/13 Alive at Five Concert Series Ivory Deville (Bread & Circus Opening)
6/14 Neurolux  Lounge SPEEDY ORTIZ w/ Anna Burch and Xetas
6/14 The Shredder BRENT AMAKER AND THE RODEO, JIMMY SINN AND THE BASTARD KIN, GIPSY MOONRISE
6/14 The Reef Mobley, James Orr
6/14 The Olympic SCRUNCHIES + DIRT RUSSELL + MARQUINA
6/15 The Shredder GENESIS COMPANY, FALL OF THE FATHOM, LIFE UPON LIARS, CMMNWLTH, ROSES ARE DEAD
6/15 Ford Idaho Center Jacksons Country Stomp Starring Kip Moore
6/15 The Olympic DANNY BLAQK AND THE GALAXY + OK OK + AXIOM THA WYZE
6/15 The Knitting Factory TORY LANEZ – MEMORIES DON’T DIE TOUR
6/16 Revolution Center Ganja White Night
6/16 The Shredder HOMIES AND HIP HOP
6/16 The Reef  Wide Stance
6/16 The Knitting Factory NEVERLAND “GODS OF THE NILE” DANCE PARTY
6/17 The Shredder THADEUS GONZALEZ, FADED LEROY, CHAPTER BLACK, ZEMON LEMON
6/19 Neurolux  Lounge BLACK MILK w/ Zee Will and Earthlings Crew
6/19 The Shredder BREAKING WHEEL, FUMING MOUTH, NATURAL EVIL, KIRA
6/20 The Reef Supervillains, Iya Terra
6/20 Alive at Five Concert Series Ghost of Paul Revere (Andrew Sheppard Opening)
6/21 Revolution Center Summerland  Tour Staring Everclear, Marcy’s PlayGround, Local H
6/21 Neurolux  Lounge THE SOCIAL ANIMALS
6/21 The Shredder BEEKEEPER, RAILGUN, NINJA GANDHI
6/21 The Olympic SHANE SMITH & THE SAINTS + MOTEL RADIO
6/22 Neurolux  Lounge GAYTHEIST w/ Maximum Mad and Un
6/22 The Shredder JOHN DOUGH BOYS, DIRT CHEAP
6/22 The Reef  Moonlight Bloom, Athena McIntyre
6/23 The Shredder CRIMSON GUARDIAN, ATHERUS, BRINK OF EXTINCTION, ROAD LESS TRODDEN
6/23 The Knitting Factory SALSA NIGHTS
6/24 Neurolux  Lounge STILL WOOZY / guests
6/24 Ford Idaho Center Dirty Heads
6/24 Tom Graineys Yak Attack
6/26 Taco Bell Arena Michael Franti  & Spearhead
6/26 Neurolux  Lounge WAND w/ Sofia Bolt and HiHazel
6/26 Ford Idaho Center God and Country Festival
6/26 Outlaw Field Summer Concerts Michael Franti & Spearhead
6/26 The Knitting Factory THE ILLUSIONISTS PRESENT: ADAM TRENT
6/27 Taco Bell Arena Counting Crows
6/27 Alive at Five Concert Series Greyhounds (The Tree of Trees)
6/28 Neurolux  Lounge LITHICS w/ Sick Wish and The Vang Basics
6/28 The Shredder FACELESS, LORNA SHORE, DYSCARNATE, NOMVDIC, ABAASY
6/28 The Olympic CEDAR TEETH + LOW-FI + VASTCADE
6/28 The Knitting Factory BLUE OCTOBER, KITTEN
6/29 Neurolux  Lounge CHARLIE PARR w/ Hillfolk Noir
6/29 The Shredder KRALLICE, WAYFARER, INFERNAL COIL, AERIAL RUIN, EMBRYOCIDE
6/29 The Olympic THE WARREN G HARDINGS + JONATHAN WARREN & THE BILLY GOATS
6/30 Neurolux  Lounge URBAN OUTFIELDERS (album release) w/ The Love Bunch, King and Queen of the Losers, Whippin Shitties

July

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7/1 The Shredder KRALLICE, WAYFARER, INFERNAL COIL, AERIAL RUIN, EMBRYOCIDE
7/2 Neurolux  Lounge BOY TOY w/ The Entire Universe and Seatopians
7/3 Neurolux  Lounge BENT KNEE w/ Sun Blood Stories
7/3 The Shredder IN THE WHALE, JETSKI, JERWADZ, NO!
7/4 The Shredder SAMM BONES, CORDUROY BLUES, ANDY C.
7/4 Alive at Five Concert Series Lounge on Fire
7/5 Neurolux  Lounge ELDREN w/ Jupiter Holiday
7/5 Ford Idaho Center Kenny Chesney
7/5 The Olympic THE BLACK LILLIES + THE ARTISANALS
7/6 Revolution Center Ja Rule and Ashanti
7/6 The Shredder PATRIMONY
7/6 The Knitting Factory 100.3 THE X PRESENTS: MIDDLE CLASS RUT
7/7 Neurolux  Lounge THE REMEMBERABLES w/ Blacksage
7/7 Tom Graineys Sol Seed
7/7 The Knitting Factory SOCIAL DISTORTION, AARON LEE TASJAN, LOW CUT CONNIE
7/8 Neurolux  Lounge ELECTRIC SIX
7/8 The Olympic JADE JACKSON
7/9 Neurolux  Lounge SPARTA w/ guests
7/11 Neurolux  Lounge WYE OAK w/ guests
7/11 Ford Idaho Center Logic, NF and Kyle
7/11 The Olympic GRANT FARM
7/11 Alive at Five Concert Series Afrosonics (Xabi Aburruzaga and Aitor Uribarri opening)
7/12 The Shredder ILLICIT NATURE
7/13 The Shredder THE DEADRONES, PISTON BULLY, NON FICTION
7/13 Tom Graineys Brewfish
7/13 The Olympic HUNNY + GLEEMER + FRINGE
7/14 Neurolux  Lounge YOB w/ Bell Witch
7/14 The Shredder THE MYSTIC, FAMOUS FRIENDS, ALL THAT FALLS, SPORTSCOURT
7/14 The Knitting Factory VIOLENT FEMMES, MARCIA MELLO
7/15 The Olympic ROGER CLYNE
7/15 The Knitting Factory X AMBASSADORS – THE JOYFUL TOUR
7/16 Revolution Center Brit Floyd
7/17 Taco Bell Arena Sheryl Crow
7/17 Neurolux  Lounge JAMES MCMURTRY
7/17 Outlaw Field Summer Concerts Sheryl Crow
7/18 Neurolux  Lounge BLITZEN TRAPPER w/ Dead Lee
7/18 The Shredder RIGHT ON KID, NOISE BRIGADE, HARD TO HIT
7/18 The Olympic TATANKA
7/18 Alive at Five Concert Series The Stone Foxes (Luke Messimer opening)
7/18 The Knitting Factory JJ GREY & MOFRO
7/19 The Shredder WERE ALL MAD TOUR
7/19 The Knitting Factory THE DOLLOP
7/20 Taco Bell Arena Five Finger Death Punch & Breaking Benjamin
7/20 Taco Bell Arena Jackson Browne
7/20 Neurolux  Lounge BIG UPS w/ Black Bolt
7/20 The Shredder BORAH 20YR REUNION
7/20 Outlaw Field Summer Concerts Jackson Browne
7/20 The Knitting Factory RANDY ROGERS BAND, PARKER MCCOLLUM
7/21 Neurolux  Lounge TANGO ALPHA TANGO w/ guests
7/21 The Shredder EXMORTUS, THE ABSENCE, HATCHET
7/21 The Olympic QUINN DEVEAUX + LIKE A ROCKET
7/22 The Shredder GRAVESHADOW, TULPAA, ATHERAS, ROSES ARE DEAD
7/22 The Olympic THE WEIRDOS + EGRETS ON ERGOT + MANTOOTH
7/23 Neurolux  Lounge FLASHER w/ guests
7/24 Taco Bell Arena Chris Issak
7/24 The Shredder AS FIRE FALLS, SIGNAL VS NOISE, RED LIGHT CHALLENGE, TONIGHT WE RISE
7/24 Ford Idaho Center G-Eazy , Lil Uzi Vert
7/24 Outlaw Field Summer Concerts Chris Issac
7/25 The Shredder SUICIDE FOREST, SPLATTERED THROAT
7/25 Alive at Five Concert Series Brad Parsons & Starbird (Innocent Man opening)
7/26 The Olympic GRIEVES + AXIOM THA WYZE
7/27 The Shredder AAB BASS PARTY
7/27 The Olympic BAMBOOZLE
7/28 The Shredder JORDAN COLLINS, MANTIS, ANA LETE
7/28 The Olympic FIVE ALARM FUNK
7/29 The Shredder MEPHISKAPHELES, THE USELESS, CLITERATI, SELF SMARTID
7/30 The Knitting Factory SEETHER – POISON THE PARISH WORLD TOUR
7/31 The Shredder OLD MAN WIZARD, WORSHIPPER

 

August

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8/1 Taco Bell Arena ZZ Top
8/1 The Shredder FOR YOUR HEALTH
8/1 The Olympic HONEYHONEY + DEAD HORSES
8/1 Outlaw Field Summer Concerts ZZ Top
8/1 Alive at Five Concert Series The Young Dubliners (Curtis/Sutton  & the Scavengers Opening)
8/2 Neurolux  Lounge MOURN w/ Chastity
8/3 The Knitting Factory DEATH CAB FOR CUTE WITH PEDRO THE LION
8/4 Ford Idaho Center Chris Stapleton
8/4 The Knitting Factory BEATS ANTIQUE, PLANTRAE
8/5 The Knitting Factory SLIGHTLY STOOPID: SCHOOLS OUT FOR SUMMER 2018 TOUR
8/8 Taco Bell Arena Amos Lee
8/8 Neurolux  Lounge DEAFHEAVEN w/ Drab Majesty and Uniform
8/8 The Olympic JONNY FRITZ + LESLIE STEVENS
8/8 Outlaw Field Summer Concerts Amos Lee
8/8 Alive at Five Concert Series The Talbott Brothers (The Pan Handlers opening)
8/9 Neurolux  Lounge THE LONESOME HEROES w/ Leo Rondeau
8/12 The Knitting Factory FATHER JOHN MISTY, LUCY DACUS
8/13 Neurolux  Lounge GRATEFUL SHRED w/ Mapache
8/14 Neurolux  Lounge HOP ALONG w/ Thin Lips and Western Daughter
8/14 The Shredder HICKOIDS
8/14 The Olympic HUNTER & THE DIRTY JACKS
8/14 The Knitting Factory PUNCH BROTHERS WITH SPECIAL GUEST MADISON CUNNINGHAM
8/14 The Knitting Factory RAINBOW KITTEN SURPRISE – THE FRIEND, LOVE, FREEFALL TOUR
8/15 Alive at Five Concert Series Joceyln & Chris Arndt (Luci Kolada  opening)
8/15 The Knitting Factory YELAWOLF, WAYLONE & WILLIE
8/16 Neurolux  Lounge KASEY ANDERSON w/ Travis Ward
8/18 The Olympic THE SEA THE SEA + LUKE MESSIMER
8/20 Taco Bell Arena Steve Miller Band with Peter Frampton
8/20 Neurolux  Lounge DE LUX w/ TRAPS PS
8/20 Outlaw Field Summer Concerts Steve Miller Band
8/21 The Shredder SET IT OFF
8/21 Ford Idaho Center Slayer
8/21 The Olympic THE HIGGS + JUPITER HOLIDAY
8/22 Alive at Five Concert Series The Brevet  (Nick Delffs opening)
8/23 Taco Bell Arena Rebelution with Stephen Marley, Common Kings & Zion -1
8/23 Neurolux  Lounge Smokey Brights / Jared Mees / New Move / Cave Clove
8/23 Outlaw Field Summer Concerts Rebelution
8/23 The Knitting Factory THE CADILLAC THREE, AUSTIN JENCKES
8/24 Neurolux  Lounge THE LAST BANDOLEROS
8/24 The Shredder STICKUP KID, SUNDRESSED, BLACK BOLT
8/26 The Shredder ADAM FAUCETT, JIMMY SINN
8/26 The Knitting Factory NAHKO AND MEDICINE FOR THE PEOPLE, XIUHTEZCATL
8/28 Neurolux  Lounge SALES w/ No Vacation
8/29 Alive at Five Concert Series Ripe (Rippin’ Brass opening)
8/30 The Knitting Factory E-40, NEF THE PHARAOH
8/31 The Shredder G-LIFE

September

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9/1 The Shredder ACID TEETH, NON FICTION, MUNCHKIN SUICIDE
9/2 Taco Bell Arena J.Cole
9/4 The Shredder SORXE
9/4 Ford Idaho Center Jason Mraz
9/4 The Knitting Factory COLD WAR KIDS, DAYSORMAY
9/6 The Shredder TOTAL CHAOS, PISS POOR,ALLEGED, KANCHO
9/6 The Knitting Factory MILKY CHANCE: BLOSSOM TOUR
9/7 Ford Idaho Center The Smashing Pumpkins
9/8 The Shredder GREEN DRUID, EALDOR BEALDU
9/12 The Shredder LIONHEART
9/13 The Shredder THE DEADSET
9/13 The Olympic RIVVRS + PAUL MCDONALD
9/14 The Shredder SEER, HASHERTOID
9/17 Revolution Center Rise Against
9/20 Taco Bell Arena The Avertt Brothers
9/20 Ford Idaho Center Luke Bryan
9/20 Outlaw Field Summer Concerts Avett Brothers
9/21 The Shredder COVEN, DISCIPLES OF DISSENT
9/22 The Shredder INCITE, LODY KONG
9/22 The Knitting Factory WELLRED: FROM DIXIE WITH LOVE FEATURING TRAE CROWDER, DREW MORGAN & COREY FORRESTER
9/23 Neurolux  Lounge JAPANESE BREAKFAST w/ Ought
9/24 Revolution Center Iron and Wine
9/25 Neurolux  Lounge CARBON LEAF
9/26 Neurolux  Lounge TREVOR POWERS
9/26 The Shredder UNITED DEFIANCE
9/26 Ford Idaho Center Journey and Def Leppard
9/26 The Knitting Factory TREVOR POWERS
9/27 The Knitting Factory BOB MOSES – BATTLE LINES TOUR
9/28 Taco Bell Arena Keith Urban Graffiti U Tour

 

Summer Music Festivals To Checkout:

Do you like this list? Do you want more?! Make sure to follow me on Instagram at @boise_bucketlist or Facebook at @Boise Bucket List 

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My Top 6 Picks for BOI Summer Concerts

by boisebucketlist, posted in Boise Bucket List Adventures, How-To Guides, Music in Boise, Nightlife

 

I love music.

Let’s be honest – who doesn’t enjoy some good tunes. I’m fortunate to be living in a city with a vibrant and eclectic music scene. With summer months ahead, I have my calendar constantly filling up with upcoming tours & music festival I can’t wait to attend. That said, here’ my Boise Bucket List of the 6 Must-See BOI Summer Concerts!

  1. Dirty Heads & SOJA (Friday, July 7th, 2017)

Where: Ford Idaho Center Arena, Nampa

Ticket Prices: $25-$125

I’ve been a personal fan of the Dirty Heads since about 2011. In 2012, their summer tour brought them to Portland, ME State Theater. You’d think I’d go and see the Dirty Heads with them being in my ‘hood. Nope. Didn’t happen.

Life got busy after, and I wasn’t too concerned with going to any local concerts.

2017 – I have another chance to see the Dirty Heads. And this time, it’ll be VIP!

Dirty Heads have those reggae vibes infused with hip-hop beats. These Huntingon Beach, CA natives make me feel like I’m at the beach, vibing with a tropical drink in my hands. All my worries go away when I jam out to “Spread Too Thin.”

  1. Boise Music Fest (Saturday, June 24th, 2017)

 

Where: Expo Idaho, 5610 North Glenwood, Garden City

Tickets: $25-$125

In the past 7 years, Boise Music Fest has grown to a become a huge family event, attracting attendees from all over, especially in the Mountain and Pacific Northwest. This year should be no different. From carnivals to food vendors to multiple stages – it’s the summer music fest you can’t miss.

This year’s lineup includes:

  • Flo-RIDA (of course a Floridian is heading to Boise while I’m here)
  • The Band Perry (If I Die Young – my jam!)
  • Sean Kingston (Durty Rock with Nicki Minaj was my dancing anthem when in law school)

  1. Train, Natasha Bedingfield, and O.A.R.

Where: Ford Idaho Center Arena, Nampa

Tickets: $58-$85

Whenever a Train song comes on, I inevitably sing along. And Natasha Bedingfield? I was one of those that used to watch ‘The Hills” and jam to ‘Unwritten” like my life depended on it.

No. Seriously.

I’m looking forward to taking it back to some good hits which bring me back great memories. I can say my life right not is definitely unwritten.

  1. Idaho Botanical Gardens Summer Concert Series 2017

Where: Idaho Botanical Gardens

Tickets: prices vary

Imagine watching your favorite artists perform with the foothills surrounding you, and a late-night summer Idaho sunset. Yes, that’s what you get with the Idaho Botanical Gardens Outlaw Field Summer Concert Series.  This summer’s lineup includes:

  • John Mellencamp
  • Santana
  • Dashboard Confessionals
  • Diana Krall
  • Michael Franti & Spearhead

Make sure you grab your tickets quickly! These tickets sell out, like Santana’s.

  1. 311 & New Politics

Where: Revolution Concert House

Tickets: $40

311 has been a favorite of mine since I was in high school. Who doesn’t remember “Down”? I think that’s when I really got into the reggae-fused alternative sounds. Like the Dirty Heads, I had a chance to see them back in Maine, but nope. Miss that opportunity too! My personal favorite songs are “Amber” and “Love Song” from one of my favorite movies 50 First Dates.

  1. Downtown Boise Alive After 5 Summer Concert Series

Where: The Grove Plaza, Downtown Boise

Tickets: FREE

For over 30 years, Downtown Boise Association put on weekly concerts at the Grove for the public to attend. This year, summer concerts will run from June 7th – August 30th.  The concerts start at 5pm and end around 8pm.  Make sure to visit the website to see the complete list of artists scheduled to perform

Honorable Mentions:

Here are some concerts and festivals I think you should cross off your #BOImusicbucketlist

 

  1. The Beach Boys – July 9th, 2017
  2. Korn – June 25th, 2017
  3. Blondie & Garbage – July 14th, 2017

What are some of the concerts you plan to attend this summer?! Don’t forget to share on this post on my page at @boise_bucketlist. Use #BOIsummermusic2017 to be featured on my page!

Dating in the BOI: Ghost of the Ex

by boisebucketlist, posted in Dating in the BOI, Nightlife, single life

Being single — whether it’s in Boise or another city — there’s moments where you feel like there’s a ghost of boyfriend (or girlfriends’) past.

What do I mean?

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on my recent dating experiences and the takeaway from each one. I feel it’s essential given I’m not having the most positive experiences.

One common denominator is that none of them have elevated to a level of genuine seriousness like I had with my ex.

This is where ghost of boyfriend’s past comes in.

I don’t share much on my blog about my personal life, but I think it’s important for this post.

My most recent relationship was the one where I underwent the most change: love, adoration, pain, hurt, sorrow, laughter.

Backstory:

I met Mr. Handsome (that was my name for him in my cellphone) in late 2012, during my last year of law school. He was my escape. After being highly engaged as a student, I was in need of my own space from my law school duties.

Insert Mr. Handsome.

  • Tall (6’4)
  • Older by 3 years (which I prefer)
  • Dreads
  • Father
  • Worked in education

Over the course of November & December, Mr. Handsome and I had a connection that i hadn’t had since my last boyfriend.

We:

  • Talked on the phone every night during the week (he had his daughter on the weekend due to a temporary custody visit schedule)
  • Met up at a location between our respective places we lived ( i lived in Portland, ME and he lived in Auburn, ME)
  • Usually met either at the LL Bean in Freeport or a McDonald’s in Gray, ME
  • Talked for hours ( I remember he and I being tired the next day because we were out too late)

After about 6 dates or so, he asked me while we were packing up from a night of bowling:

Mr. Handsome: Can we be daters?

Me: Daters?

Mr. Handsome: Yes (shyly).

We’ve been on 6 dates (Mr. Handsome loves numbers and he would remember dates & periods of time).

I thought it was cute, because he was basically asking if we could be exclusive.

That was the beginning. During the course of our relationship, I thought I found my person. He was introverted but ideal for my outgoing personality, introduced me to his interests, we had our own language and ways of talking to each other, and our own routine.

But lots happened in between:

  • Met his little girl (took 6 months to meet her, which I’m proud about)
  • Met his family
  • Moved in together
  • He won primary custody of his daughter
  • Broke up
  • Moved out
  • Got back together
  • Broke up
  • Got engaged
  • Broke up
  • Moved away

Yes, did you catch that? We were engaged.

See, the thing is that our relationship was complex, filled with raw emotions, real love, and lots of back and forth. I thought engagement would be the best next step.

No, unfortunately not.

I’ll just say this: sometimes you can’t fall in love with the potential or hope of what the person will become.  I don’t question whether or not he cared for me, but he couldn’t reciprocate the love I needed in return.

Thus, broken engagement left me distraught and having to leave the life I built in Maine.

Now, I’m here in Boise, living a life where I’m Working in a field I love, traveling , and enjoying exploring

So why am I saying all of this?

I know a few of you who read my blogs (thank you!), whether married or single, go through the motions of relationships. If you’re single like me, there will be moments where you think of the times with those from your past.

Last year before moving to Boise, I wouldn’t entertain those thoughts. I buried them so deep inside, I’d forget about my time with my ex, the life we could of had, and the life I left in Maine.

With these recent dating experiences, I’m  realizing I’m attempting to absolve myself with any thoughts of my previous life. these dates have left me to feel empty.

The issue with this method is that nothing is absolved. It’s a temporary fix. None of them give me that feeling of Yes, I’d like to learn more about him. Maybe it’s a Virgo thing or maybe it’s my personality (or a little bit of both), I don’t quickly fall for someone. Honestly, it takes me quite some time to establish a real connection with another person. I do not share the “real” me until I feel they are worthy.

I’m using this post to celebrate what I’ve got from my past relationship with Mr. Handsome, and thinking of the days we’d meet again. Maybe to talk, maybe for closure. Not sure.

Artifacts from the Ex:

  • Enjoy watching English Premier league and US Soccer
  • Hard to listen to Bob Marley Songs
  • My jeep (his dad helped me select it when car shopping)
  • Blue Memphis sweatshirt
  • My gray calf boots (his mom gave them to me)
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Tirtles (his daughter loved watching the cartoon)
  • Drink Blue Moon (his fav)
  • Hard to look at lead singer of Rage Against the Machine (someone said he looks like him when he had dreads)
  • Appreciation for running (his fav way to stay in shape)
  • Learning that I cannot wait for the day to become a mother

When dating someone who has children from a previous relationship, it can be challenging if you break up. The hardest part of the breakup was saying goodbye to his little girl. I lived with her for over a year. My bond with her was deep, rich, and impacted me in ways I can never truly express in words. From her hugs to her personalized handmade letters, she gave me a snippet into what life may be like as a (then) step mom. Saying goodbye was heart wrenching and a moment of my life I would not want to re-live.

Moving forward, I plan to focus on my priorities. And I’ll admit (finally), dating isn’t one of them. I’m no longer interested in spending time on the whole let-me-get-to-know-you show. All I end up doing anyway is thinking about my ex; no one even remotely comes close to my connection with him.

  • Wasting time respond to a text
  • No longer responding to subtle attempts to seek attention
  • Deactivate my dating profiles
  • Cutting someone out the moment they play stupid & ridiculous games

I’m going to Date Myself.

Yes, that’s what I said.

Do things I’ve put in the back burner, such as:

  • Get back into running
  • Get back into reading
  • Get back to aimlessly roaming a city with no expectations
  • Get back to event planning
  • Get back to ME

Ghost of boyfriend’s past is a reality. I acknowledge it, and I’ve grown from it. Cheers to growth!