Hi !

I just wanted to say a little hello from Germany ! I love reading your blog from time to time... and I wanted to say a little "hourra" to the Shiny New You :)
Ben (french)

That's more than I've accomplished in weeks. Bravo to the (bright! shiny!) New Single You.

wow the shiny new you is like inexhaustible. :) i say take a break, and be shiny again when the weekend comes. hang in there, dudette.

After ending my 6 1/2 year relationship (!!!!), I rearranged and redecorated my entire apartment. We're talking, moved pictures, put books on different shelves, changed where I kept the glasses in the kitchen. I also bought a new, nice set of sheets. It is amazing to me even now, two years later, how pivotal those little things were.

I completely understand.

I second the purchase of new sheets and/or other bedding. I had to get rid of everything but my mattress, because it was too too too reminiscent of...well...the ex. And sex. And maybe because I was all "AND I AM NEVER GOING TO HAVE SEX AGAIN AND SLEEPING IN THESE SHEETS WILL REMIND ME OF ALL THE SEX I ONCE HAD THAT I WILL NEVER AGAIN HAVE AND I THINK I AM ALREADY GROWING COBWEBS DOWN THERE", but I did up and go to BB & Beyond to purchase new sheets, pillows and a new duvet cover. Yep. Sure helped.

Jen, you are an inspiration to shiny new people everywhere! And to people in general. And to me especially. It was so good to hear your voice on Saturday. I can't wait for my next opportunity to encourage you to engage in booty calls with inappropriate men (using appropriate protection). Don't worry, I expect a fight.

Dude, I've been feeling like nothing I've said to you during this crappy time has been adequate. Now I realize this is because you can't in good faith try to comfort a bad ass.

Dude, I'm gonna need that scone recipe too.

Do you have any recipes for spaghetti squash? I've always wanted to try it, but I don't want to randomly try a recipe without first having someone's recommendation.

You sound like you're doing well. Just remember that it's okay to feel whatever you're feeling at any given moment.

I can relate to your Shiny New Person of old. I have been trying to break old patterns since June and have been trying my best to avoid Mr. Right Now. Perhaps that's why I was doing so much cooking over the last few months. I like to think that cooking works. And when the new Mr. Right enters, you'll have even more recipes in the arsenal to try out on him -- if you decide that you will cook for him. I tend to shy away from the "cooking for guys" thing since it makes it harder for them to realize that it's time for them to go -- out of my life. And I got the travel mug so that I could start making my caffeinated beverages at home, instead of giving Starbuck's $3 a day. Because that $3 could add up to a new outfit or at the very least a new lipstick. That I will be wearing when I meet Mr. Right.

I'm actually in the process of finding the Shiny New Me! Of course, it's more difficult when you have three kids along for the ride. I just wanted to pop in and tell you that I can so relate.

We could all use a little shininess!

I like this you. And I tell you what, the acorn squash, oh come to mama!

Break ups, they suck. I don't get so new or shiny...mostly depressed and crazy. Your way seems much more bad ass to quote the comment above. Rock on with your shiny self!

I hate him. I don't even know him (or technically you for that matter), but still, hate him. Here's to something better and brighter. (Oh look, a pun just for you.) Way to keep your chin up, kiddo.

Hi Jen, I've been lurking on your blog for about two years now and just wanted to say that I'm sorry about the breakup and love the Shiny! New! You! Hang in there.

Also, I made the acorn squash last night and it was, in fact, freaking awesome. Thanks for the recipe.

I'm leaving my first comment to say that you're a true inspiration to me, who is feeling a need to shed a rather lackluster and old suit.

I hear ya ! As a not-so-new singleton, I understand exactly what you mean. Been there. Just be the best you that you can be. Nothing more. Nothing less.

By-the-way: I have the Jeeves book too. Enjoy.

And, PS: Please send me the scones recipe. Yum !

Hi Jen,

I've just come here from...someone's blogroll, and wanted to cheer on the Bright! Shiny! Single! You! a bit. I am 100% for that sort of thing; change isn't easy, but it's good. When I dumped my ex of a few years, I decided on a few things:

-I would not wear clothing that was trendy, just to be trendy - (I know, what a revelation, but consider I was dating a total clothes-horse/whore) Guess what? 90% of it doesn't look good on me.

-I actively avoided Nordstrom for about ....five years.
-No more sushi, ever
-New rules for me included: Traveling as soon and often as possible, and saying "yes" to things like casually dating any/everyone that asked me out. This meant I had a few ....interesting dates.

It also meant I started dating my husband. We've been married for seven years +. Not that I'm saying Mr. Right/Right Now will automatically fall into your lap, but sometimes an eye-opener is just that.

Take care, am v. jealous of your squash making skills!