Tamara: Urbancougar of the Month | November 2009

Tamara

Urbancougar of the Month | November 2009

Age

39…..40 in January!

Hometown

Born in Panama but raised in Anchorage, Alaska

"Older men can be a little stuck in their routines and take women a bit for granted.  With a younger guy you feel a bit more appreciated.  I also think the agenda is different with younger guys they are more liable to try to get to know you rather than to want to change you.  And they tend to step their game up when they are with an older woman so that can be a big plus too. It’s nice to have a guy want to impress you."

Tamara is our kind of cougar. Born in Panama and raised in Alaska, she’s parts tropical cat and snow leopard, a truly rare combination that undoubtedly contributes to unique worldview and undeniable sex appeal. But it’s more than that. Her insatiable appetite for trying new things – whether it’s traveling to foreign lands or playing women’s flag football (“It was a blast,” she tells us) – underscores a youthful exuberance that is impossible to ignore. Right now, she says, “I mostly concentrate on improving my golf and tennis skills.”

Okay, she loves sports and plays golf. She’s a keeper. Did we mention she was an NFL cheerleader at the age of 36?

On the verge of turning 40, Tamara shows no signs of slowing down. The only question is whether the cubs can keep up.

You mentioned that you first didn't like the term "cougar" but now fully embrace it. Why the change of heart?

No ….It seemed so negative sort of like the term gold digger. But I think it was just given that light to scare women out of dating younger men and feeling great about it.  I am divorced and now that I am dating again those stereotypes can just hold you back from finding someone amazing. Younger guys hit on me and if the connection is there I go with it and don’t think twice about the age difference.

When did you realize you were attracted to younger men? What's it about a younger man you find appealing?

Just recently I started looking at younger men in a different light.  I like their energy and the freshness they have about romance.  Older men can be a little stuck in their routines and take women a bit for granted.  With a younger guy you feel a bit more appreciated.  I also think the agenda is different with younger guys they are more liable to try to get to know you rather than to want to change you.  And they tend to step their game up when they are with an older woman so that can be a big plus too. It’s nice to have a guy want to impress you.

You say women who judge cougars don't know what they're missing? Well, what are they missing?!

They are missing a chance to feel ultra unique. I like that being with a younger guy takes the pressure off and reduces the drama and that can make things so much more fun.

You own your own business. Do you think that might intimidate some of these women? What about the cubs? How do they feel about you being a successful woman?

Women can be so catty and not support each other like we should so as a business woman I have to rely on myself and my strengths to get things done. I was an NFL cheerleader and I made the squad when I was 36…it was so fun! Most of the girls where much younger than me. I saw how the female fans would sometimes insult our girls and say that they only looked great because they were only 20 and the girls would tell them to check me out that I looked hot in the uniform at 36. Women need to stick together more and support each other.  At that time I was dating a guy who was maybe 11 years younger than me and he was so proud of me. I could hear him yelling the loudest in the stadium and it wasn’t for the players.  Cubs are impressed by me being successful yes and that feels good to have someone care about you instead of just about their own careers.  I also try to help them reach their goals because I want to see them be the best they can be and I know they can do it if they try.

You love to travel. What's your favorite place you've been? Any spots you're dying to take a cub?

I adore traveling. Any time I can get a break and grab a ticket I am on the road.  Italy is my heaven and when I am there it is like a transformation takes place.  I love the food, wine, art, culture, music, shopping and the men. The younger men in Italy are passionate and aggressive. It is a great place for a girl’s ego.  I rode all over Rome on the back of a motorbike with a cub and he showed me so much cool stuff in that city.

I like taking cubs on tropical vacations for fun in the sun. I took a cub to Panama and we explored the city for a few days and then went to a quiet island on the coast and just enjoyed the beach, snorkeling, fishing, hiking in the jungle and the steamy tropical nights. 

You say, "The sunshine gives me energy to prowl." What else do you do to stay sexy?

Working out is the best way to start my day and to keep what Mother Nature gave me before Father Time takes it away.  Staying fit and active maintains that vitality needed to be a sexy cougar. 

I feel good when I get a night out to just dance. I stay on the dance floor and let the music move me.  I do think younger guys are better dancers for sure.

Any words of encouragement or kernels of wisdom for your fellow cougars out there?

Just trust yourself and go with it. Embrace the idea that younger men can bring a special new dimension to your life.