a new hobby? hmm...

"Does the flower get thirsty too, or is it just the root that needs water?"
Honest question from me, a gardening simpleton.

With my new place came flower beds and flower boxes. The seller informed me that "those flowers in the walkway are yours to care for." Great, I thought. It's not that I don't think the flowers are pretty, I just don't want to be responsible for keeping them alive, let alone responsible for the aesthetics of the walkway that I share with five neighbors. My gardening resume is shallow - ranging from carrying plants to pulling weeds to killing a bamboo plant. I have never even bought a plant. I'm just being honest.

With some serious consideration, it seemed fake flowers would be the best option for the flower boxes - no financial or time commitment needed on my part. They'll last, they'll look real from far away, and they will not die... so my mom went shopping for some and comes home with some gerber daisies, some green leafy plants, a sprawling flowering plant, and something else called "silver fog." Fake? Nope, they're real.

So here I am, three weeks into my new place and watering my flowers every morning (almost). They are alive. They have blooms. The soil is moist. And today I received my first compliment on my flowers. I was kind of proud.

I hate to generalize, but I'm pretty sure gardening is for women older than forty ... so I'm wondering, just what have I gotten myself into?

the ring.

I never use to look for it. I could hardly remember what hand it goes on. I was quite oblivious. But things are changing. I am quickly realizing that looking for the ring is crucial - and spotting it can be a real bummer.

Case in point...
A really cute guy had caught my eye in the computer lab at my school. Everyday that I had class, I would see him, and we often would catch eachother in eye contact. I thought to myself, I need to strike up a conversation with this guy. So, I finally work up the nerve to say something ... I see him in the computer lab ... I sat within chatting distance ... I glance over and remember to check the left hand ... and sure enough a wedding band. Case closed. This guy is off the market. Bummer.

So I'm learning. Check the left hand. Not only is it an availability indicator, but awkward conversation preventer for sure. It's a must.