Introducing ... Quinn!

I really thought that the word "cougar" was a term used for a confident, beautiful, sexy, and sophisticated feline that prowls after younger men. She also avoids a real relationship in favor of ... the adventure of the hunt. I don't think I am a cougar. Yes, I do tend to date younger men, but I am not the aggressor — they always approach me. I don't think about age a lot. I have many friends male and female with age ranges from 22-85. I'm a kid at heart and that keeps me young. But lately I've been reading up on the "cougar," MSN did a great article. Check THIS out! Hmm ... after reading that article maybe this "cougar" thing might not be too bad! Meow!

You might wonder what age would be too young, and the answer is 26! And yes, I agree that is too darn young and I'm not as hot as Demi Moore ... we have all decided that [waves at Tamra — I still love ya girl.] When Jared and I first met (over a year ago) I had no idea how old he was. He was smart, articulate, smooth, confidant, witty, and very, VERY charming. He was also hanging out that evening with other men in their 30s and 40s, so I took him to be somewhere between 32-36ish. We never talked about age at all; we just flirted most of the night. Who can blame me? He is a hottie!

I don't like to put an age range on people, so I don't have an age maximum. I have dated men in their 60s, and they are handsome and articulate men. They treat women with respect and don't play games, which I like. I'd love to date an older man — he just needs to be nice and ... able to keep up with me!

I do see myself settling down in the near future. I would get married and settle down tomorrow if I found the right man. I'm tired of being alone and I'm tired of dating. I get very lonely at times and it's hard. A thought: Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one, so that when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be grateful for that gift.

Fortunately, my religious beliefs do not conflict with my dating life. Well first off let's define "dating." When I go out on a date, we go to the movies, go to dinner, or go walk around Laguna Beach and pop into the many quaint shops along Forest Ave. It's a nice evening out and maybe they get a kiss at my front door before they leave. Dating, especially at the beginning, is all about the 20 questions, which gets old fast, and it takes a bit before the religion question even comes out. A perfect date for me would be ... for a man to pick me up and take me to church in the morning, then hop on the back of a Harley and go for a ride down the coast. My conflicts arrive when they do not hold the same belief system as I do, or when we have been dating for months and they want to take it further on a physical level. That's the hard part.

Now, onto what you really want to know — what do I think of the Housewives. When I first met them I was so nervous to meet them and a bit scared to be honest! They were downright catty! I went into the group with an olive branch and left scratching my head and thinking what the heck just happened? I wanted them to like me, but well ... I guess they will take some time to get to know me.

I felt a connection with Jeana and Tammy — maybe because they were brunettes ... just kidding! But really, they were nice to me and I felt they welcomed me. Tamra and I have been bonding this past month on e-mail and MySpace. She is happy to be passing me the baton, so to speak, as "The New Girl." Last night in fact Vicki, Jeana, Tammy, and I all had dinner and cocktails together out at a local restaurant. It's nice to be able to spend some quality time together and get closer. I had a nice time, and I'm looking forward to being able to do more of that in the future. The girls are funny and smart, not to mention much more beautiful in person!

Vicki I'd say is the hardest to get to know, which is unusual for me. Maybe because I felt somewhat attacked at the restaurant and I was in defense mode. But I also understand that I'm a new face, they have all been friends, and they don't know me at all. I, like them, choose my friends wisely. I only have a few core girlfriends, but we would go to the ends of the earth for each other. I know that once we all get to know each other better, we'll find a way to better connect. At least that is my wish.