PLEASE HELP!

I was just catching up on my blog reading for the day, and I found something that made my stomach turn. My friend Living Under the Big Star wrote a post that opened my eyes to something so cruel, so terrible, that I almost cried while sitting at my desk in the office. I knew it happened years ago, but I wasn't aware it was still going on.

Have you ever seen a Baby Harp Seal? They are precious. I have held one in my arms. They snuggle. Like little babies and puppies do. They are defenseless. They don't understand that people want to hurt them. They are curious little babies, and actually come up to you to see what strange new creature has entered their world. Imagine their surprise when they are clubbed to death. People are killing them, and only with our help with this senseless brutality stop. Please go HERE to send a letter expressing your support for this cause. AND...please go HERE to sign a petition. It seriously takes ONE MINUTE OF YOUR TIME.

Thank you :)

T

All's Quiet on the Western Front

Lehrer hasn't called me yet. We went out last Thursday, and it's now Tuesday. Of course, he knew I had weekend plans, but every time my phone rings I stress thinking it might be him. So far. So good.

Is it possible that he DID realize that he isn't my cup of tea? Is is possible that someone in his life told him that the whole "rubbing the hand on the face thing" was probably a "showstopper"? I sure hope so. Somehow, however, I can't allow myself to believe I'm off the hook that easily.

I know that I don't really have "relationships" with these guys, so why is it that I feel like I'm breaking up with them constantly? I stress for days, then practice what I'm going to tell them, then come up with replies to the questions that I'm pretty sure they will ask ....like "why". Afterwards I retire to the bed with a cocktail. It's rough I'm telling you! It's like I break up with someone every other day. Does anyone else experience this? Or do I just care too much?

(disclaimer - I look NOTHING like this tired little pup. I just thought he was the cutest damn thing I'd ever seen, and I can relate to his exhaustion :)

Avoiding the phone,

T

"are you miss rigth?"

I decided to check my match.com inbox, because usually that brightens my day a little bit. Even if it just gives me a good laugh or two. Today, I found it a little depressing. Today's inbox is making me question whether or not I'm being too picky again. But really.....I don't think so.

Match #1
He is almost 20 years older than me. He simply poses the following question:

"are you miss rigth?"

Dear Sir, I am not Ms. Rigth. I'm not sure what rigth means, but I'm guessing you were going for "right". Have a nice day.

Match #2
This one has obviously copied his profile and e-mailed that to me. I'm not sure where he is from....but I've not heard of it. Some excerpts from his e-mail/profile:

"I am very self sufficient in i can cook,wash clothes,clean house."

This line reminds me of a personal ad from a puppy. Haven't you seen those? Where a puppy is looking for a good home and his owner writes an ad from him. Something like "I am housebroken, love to snuggle, and will always be waiting for you by the front door when you get home". I don't know. Maybe it's just me.

"I am looking 4 my soulmate"

"I would probably take u 2 O'Charleys, as is me and my kids favortie place."

I wonder sometimes if older guys think it's clever to type like they are texting? Using the number 4, rather than spelling out for. Using the letter u, rather than spelling out you. I don't think it's clever. Not on match.com. Not in an e-mail. I think it's lazy. I also think that anyone who doesn't spell check/grammar check their profile is lazy. This is online dating. You get one chance to make a first impression. Why not do a cut/paste and run your profile through Word or something? Just a thought :)

Match #3
This guy sends a nice e-mail. However, there is one line that causes me to stop cold.

"I'm what I think could be best described as a "work in progress"

Why would someone say this? I guess we are all a work in progress. To send that to someone in an e-mail though? Hmmmm......

Match #4
Yikes! I don't think this needs an explanation.

"I like going to beach, party some times ,take my boat to the lake,go muding in 4-wheel drive trucks.and any thing that you think that would be fun.maybe we can be friends and then more ?"

Match #5
"Wow, don't you just hate to be put on the spot and have to describe yourself and risk being missunderstood?"

Or...misspelled?

Match #6
"I will fight to protect what is mine. I don't give up easily."

This makes me nervous......

Match #7
"I will listen to you but please listen to me and lets find equal ground. Pretty simple ehh."

What is this ehh you speak of?

All in all, a rather pitiful inbox for this online dater. It made me yawn. Perhaps Monday isn't the best day to try to cheer oneself up? Or, perhaps my match.com dating profile is "a work in progress"? It seems that I'm not doing a very good job of attracting the type of man that I want. Maybe a little re-vamp is in order?

Here's to Tuesday!

T

My Car is Just As Tired As I Am

Sunday was a bummer. It started out pretty okay, but that didn't last. A friend just moved. Went for a visit. Saw the new house. Visited with the kids. Blah, blah....heading home to relax for the afternoon. Maybe read a book? Stop by Walgreens to pick up some beauty products and stuff. Blah, blah.

END OF PLEASANT AFTERNOON

My car doesn't start. Stranded in the Walgreens parking lot. Booooo! I call around asking friends what their opinion is on the culprit of my immobility. It could be the battery. It could be the starter. OR...could it be that my car is just as tired of dating as I am? Perhaps my car has decided to quit, so that I have an excuse to do so? This is seriously what I'm thinking while pacing in the Walgreens parking lot. I'm over it. I'm done. I don't want to date anymore. EVER. Pity party for T was in full swing when the nicest lady strolls over and says "hi, do you need a jump?"

I tell the nice lady that I haven't a clue what I need. I'm still on my cell phone, and can't seem to get off the phone. I'm pretty sure she thinks I'm nutso, but asks if I have jumper cables. I tell her I do, but I don't exactly know how to use them. She does. I'm trying to end the call with my friend who wants a play by play of the dead battery action, and I finally hang up on her. By this time the lady has my jumper cables attached to our respective cars and is telling me to start my car. I start it and she unhooks the cables and hops in her car saying "have a nice afternoon". Okay, what? I'm still standing there, holding my jumper cables, feeling like a full on idiot. Why was this so easy for her? Why don't I know how to do this? I'll tell you why. I've always had some man to do it for me. Perhaps I need to remedy that. Because seriously.....if I had a flat tire I would probably just lock myself in my car until help came. I wouldn't even know where to begin :(

I am advised to purchase a new battery at Advance Auto. I do so. While the nice man is putting the new battery in my car he proceeds to tell me I need new tires. Mine are somewhat dry rotted. WHAT?!?!? How does this happen to me? How can I not know this stuff? I always thought that video they showed you in Driver's Ed was ridiculous. You know...the one where they tell you to walk around you car, and to kick your tires, and to check to make sure your blinkers are working. Who does that? Not this girl. Apparently I need to start.

I went directly home after having the new battery installed and proceeded to take the rest of the day off. From Life. I turned my cell phone ringer off and vegged on the couch feeling sorry for myself. Do I need to keep dating so that I can find a man to help me with all of this car stuff that I apparently don't know? OR...is there a class I can take on how to take care of yourself when you are a single woman? You know, how to know your battery needs to be replaced. How to jump your car when said battery dies. How to know that your tires are dry rotted and could potentially explode in the near future. How to change a tire. Let me know, because I will sign up ASAP!

Here's hoping Monday is better than Sunday.

T

Dinner with Ronald Reagan

Saturday night was the fabulous Republican fundraiser I told you about previously. (you know, the one that Lehrer made fun of). It was raining cats and dogs, and my hair was demolished, but other than that it was a lovely evening!

I was happy to see so many young faces in attendance. I don't know if you experience this in your city, but young people seem to be less and less involved in politics in Smalltown, VA. It isn't that they don't vote, or that they don't get into heated debates at the bar. It's that they don't DO anything. They aren't INVOLVED in helping to make their party a success. This is a problem on both sides of the fence in Smalltown, VA, and it really irritates me. Young people are tomorrow's old people. If we don't get involved, who will there be to represent our parties 20 years from now? We are the people that will be expected to run for office in a few years, if not NOW. Do your friends even know who their local candidates are? I know that most of my friends don't.

I had the pleasure of sitting next to a young man who is running for office. Both he and his wife are amazing, and I can't wait to support him come voting day. However, I really should have asked what I could do to help today. I think I will do that. Because really....if I like him, and want him to win, shouldn't I let other people know? Every vote counts.

There was another young man from Smalltown, VA at the fundraiser who is also running for a local office. I know his campaign manager, and think I will reach out to him as well. Sitting around complaining about people not being involved doesn't really accomplish much. Perhaps if I sign up others will follow? I have a sterling silver bracelet with the words "Be The Change You Wish To See In the World - Mahatma Gandhi" engraved on it. My mother gave it to me because she knows how much I believe in these words. I know that helping to support my local politicians might not change the world. But hey, it's a good start!

After the fundraiser was over, most of the younger attendees gathered for cocktails. I ended up playing pool, which I'm usually terrible at, and was a shark! I met quite a few new people, and ran into the mutual friend of Crush and I. He apologized for not texting me back with info, but explained that it would have been an awfully long text. We gossiped about Crush for a bit, and I really hope I get to re-meet him soon. Odds are that he won't be in Smalltown, VA for the long haul...but I still want to get to know him better.

All in all a successful evening. I headed home with many things on my mind. Most importantly, I want to start DOING more to support the things I believe in. If I don't.......can I honestly expect anyone else to?

T

FRIDAY - NO MEN ALLOWED!

Friday night...wow. I definitely had 1 too many martinis. I deserved them, but didn't so much enjoy the headache that greeted me when I awoke Saturday morning :(

A bunch of my girlfriends flocked to the great happy hour that Efficient With Glasses found for us downtown. $2 martinis, $2 glasses of wine....are you serious? It was great! Well, mostly great. I had invited some of our guy friends to join us, but told them they wouldn't get the great happy hour specials. They were okay with that. Thinking, of course, that they could pay full price and still socialize with us. WRONG. The particular bar where this fabulous happy hour was taking place has two floors. The great drink specials were upstairs, and there was a "guard" at the bottom of the stairs assuring that NO MEN passed through. WHAT?!?!? You got it. The guys had to stay downstairs. I felt terrible, as I had spread the word that this was 'the place to be'. Thank goodness the guys forgave me :)

I was most excited to be out gossiping with my girlfriends that night though, as I have a new crush. Well, I'm not sure crush is the right word. I met him once. The next day he facebook friended me. We haven't communicated since, but I "discovered" his facebook page the other day and think I find him interesting. I texted a mutual friend of ours asking for the 411 on my new crush, but didn't hear anything back. I was a little stressed until I ran into this mutual friend Saturday night and got the low down.

More on that in Saturday's belated post!

T

"I Enjoy Studying Math on Friday Nights"

My date last night with Lehrer. Wow. Where to start? Let me begin by saying that I have called for full on happy hour with the girls tonight. It is needed. Believe me! Cheers to Efficient With Glasses, one of my girlfriends, who discovered a monumental ladies happy hour deal for us at a local bar. I am counting down the minutes, and unfortunately have a feeling that I am going to tie one on tonight. Oopsies!

I arrive at the Mexican restaurant about 15 minutes early. I had no idea where I was going, so I didn't want to get lost. I'm on the phone with my friend (and date for Saturday night's Republican fundraiser) TWW. TWW and I are making plans, and discussing the fabulosity of the evening when 7:15 arrives. You may remember TWW from a previous post about chickpeas and such found HERE. I tell TWW that I have to go, and step out into the rain. Blech! My hair isn't looking it's best, but overall I feel good about my outfit. I'm excited to see Lehrer again, and to figure out what it is about his mouth that bothers me. I'm also excited because this is the first time I have actually been looking forward to a second date with someone from match.com. WHAT WAS I THINKING?!??!!

Apparently Lehrer is running a bit late, so I sit on the bench right inside the restaurant and wait. About 5 minutes later he arrives. I stand up, smile and say hello. He wraps his arms around me in a bear hug. This would be sign #1. Remember Liz H. Kelly's advice about following your GUT, and looking for "showstoppers" I wrote about HERE? Well, my GUT was telling Lehrer to back off.

***Side Note - I'm not a touchy feely person. I've talked before about the fact that I don't like to kiss people before I've decided I really like them, and I certainly don't hold their hands or have bear hugs with them. I mean I really don't even know this character! What gives?

Lehrer and I are seated and begin talking. It's kindove awkward at first, but things get a little better. I'm realizing that I don't find him the slightest bit attractive. I'm not sure what I was thinking on Sunday. The thought of kissing him really makes me want to vom. Was it just the over exuberant bear hug that set me off? I'm contemplating this, when the REAL FUN begins. Get ready friends. This is bad. I mean B-A-D!

Lehrer takes my hand in his and starts rubbing it. Then, he leans in and attempts to rub my hand on his face. OH YES. He really did. (showstopper #2) I know that I must have had a startled look on my face, but that doesn't deter him. I snatch my hand away and explain to him that I'm not a touchy person, and that I don't like to be "physical" with people when I first meet them. Do you know what he says? DO YOU KNOW WHAT HE SAYS?!?!?!?! He proceeds to tell me that I just haven't been with the right man yet. WHAT? I thought I was going to pass out. Real people don't say this. Do they? Well, apparently they do. (showstopper #3)

The night went downhill from there. Why the heck didn't I just jump up and leave? Why didn't I let a showstopper be an actual showstopper, and listen to my GUT? Good question. Unfortunately, I don't have an answer :( I continue to listen to him talk, and somehow we end up on the subject of what we do on the weekends for fun. I'm very social, and usually have a cocktail party or event to attend. I'm waiting for him to tell me that he does the same type of thing....or....that he would find that fun. Oh no. Not a chance. HE likes to "study" or "play Peanuckle". You think I'm kidding? Nope! AND...he's not even in school. So what the heck is he studying you want to know? I want to know too, so I ask. Apparently he studies math, statistics, WWII, etc. Like real studying. Things that cause you to go to the library to do research and stuff. I can't help myself here. I have to ask. It goes something like this:

T: So...ummm....WHY exactly do you study this stuff?
L: I find it interesting. I can't stand to not know something.
T: But seriously. You do this on a Friday night at home by yourself?
L (while looking like this is completely normal and he can't understand why in the world I would question it): Yes
T: Oh.
L: I'm not a geek or anything though.
T: Okay.
L: You sound like you go out and drink a lot.
T: Well. Compared to you, I guess I do.

It's bad. I don't know what else to say. I launch into some discussion about an upcoming steeplechase I am attending, and then rattle on about a polo cup I am going to. He breaks in and says that I probably need a date for those things. Don't I? I tell him that I am looking for someone who also finds these things interesting. That's kindove a necessity for Mr. Seersucker. I'm hoping this tells him that he is NEVER going to be Mr. Seersucker. Nope!

Lehrer says that he would probably go to one such thing a year. Then, he proceeds to make fun of seersucker, big hats, the Kentucky Derby. Uggggghhhh!!! Back off you idiot! These are all of the things I love, and you are making fun of them!!!!

He then says he would like to have me come to his house to watch a move. THAT NIGHT! Jesus. Someone please just put me out of my misery.

I packed up my purse and said I was tired and ready to go. He walks me to my car. He says that a friend from Germany will be in for 2 weeks, and wouldn't I bring some friends out and we could all hang out. I say "whatever. call me". I just can't bring myself to tell him to get lost at that point because I am too exhausted.

How is it that people who seem perfectly normal at first turn out to be such weirdos? Is it them? Or...is it me?

Looking forward to happy hour,

T

Coffee & Crazy...Overall, A Lovely Evening

We have now caught ourselves up to yesterday. Yesterday evening I was scheduled to meet my new friend! For those of you who don't know who my new friend is, read THIS. I knew that I was going to find my new friend quite interesting, and I felt sure we would have many laughs. Let me tell you...we sure did :)

Because I think he is really nice, and because I want to respect his privacy, I'm not going to go into much detail about him. What I will tell you is that he's a very interesting GENTLEMAN (read=he has manners which is so refreshing after Lehrer), and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting him. We met for coffee, and I dare say we talked non-stop for 2-1/2 hours! I'm kindove a motor mouth, and I admit it. However, I found my friend to be so interesting I just kept asking him questions and listening to what he had to say.

Due to the fact that I found him so interesting, I wasn't really paying attention to our surroundings. At one point, my friend was trying to tell me a story that I was very interested in. I was listening intently when I realized that somewhere close to me there was a person yelling out "And Jesus said...and then Isaiah came down....and the Lord did this...and the Lord did that". My friend and I both just looked at each other and cracked up :) It wasn't like someone was preaching out on a street corner. We were in an establishment where people sit down to eat, drink, whatever. He was so freaking loud that we (while sitting right next to each other) couldn't even hear each other. We decided to move.

We talked more, AND THEN, another freak materialized. He was sitting next to us and was reading a newspaper. Then, he proceeds to get into an argument with said newspaper. Seriously. My friend and I both turned to look at him, and gaped. Obviously this poor man needs to dial back the crazy ASAP! Crazy left, and my friend and I continued to chat until we realized how late it was. We both decided it was time to head home.

I am so glad that my friend (yes, I know...he still doesn't have a name) and I decided to meet. What an interesting start to a friendship, huh? I'm just really glad that he didn't think I was an arse, and that he helped me to realize that when you put your life out on the internet people are going to read it. I mean, I knew that...but you know.....

T

You Can Call Me Back If You Want To

Lehrer calls me Tuesday night. I missed the call, and didn't check the voice mail until Wednesday morning. That's never a good sign :( Anyway, when I did check the message he was just calling to say hi. He told me that I could call him back if I wanted to. (Well thanks! I appreciate you letting me know that.)

I decided that I would call him after work on Wednesday, but before I met my friend for the first time :) I would tell him I had somewhere to be, so that would limit the amount of time we were on the phone. He isn't a very good phone talker. He has lots of pauses, and it makes me sleepy. Also, he has this really, really, really strong northern accent that kindove gives me a headache.

I called Lehrer back on my way home from work on Wednesday and he was on the other line. He asked if he could call me back in a bit. I said that I actually had plans, so he had about 10 minutes in which to catch me. He called me back in about 45 seconds. That's a good sign:)

Lehrer wants to chat. I tell him I'm not much of a phone talker. Actually, I hate talking on the phone. I do it all day, and tend to shut my phone off when I get home. I cut to the chase "So, do you still want to get together tomorrow night?". He says he does. I say "Great. What do you want to do." Because really...he needs to take charge here. If I am going to have to open my own doors and such, he can be the planner. Well...guess what...he asks if I like Mexican (which I love), and then proceeds to suggest a Mexican restaurant that is right near his house. ON THE COMPLETE OTHER SIDE OF TOWN FROM ME! Geezzzz. His parents surely didn't teach him any manners did they? AND...I do believe that this is most certainly why the guy is still single. Whatever. I'm driving to the other side of town for dinner tonight. With Lehrer. I forewarned him that I LOVE MEXICAN, and that I will eat two baskets of chips on my own and also a Speedy Gonzales. I told him that I was NOT the type of girl that eats 3 bites of a salad because she is in front of a man. He laughed and thought that was funny. I was being serious. And what the heck? If he's going to be tacky, I will be too. This could be fun!

I reported the results of this call to my girlfriend Daisey, and she was equally appalled. She suggested I call Lehrer this afternoon to tell him that I had been held up at work. She then suggested I should tell him to drive his arse over to my side of town to make it easier for me to get there on time. I'm not going to do that, and I will tell you why. It's simple really. When I decide that I no longer want to go out with Lehrer I will have many, many tidbits in my basket of reasons to share with him. I will tell him that he is very nice, but that I am looking for a gentleman and that he really isn't one. I will smile sweetly, twist my hair and look at my shoe while telling him this. I will make him understand that it isn't his fault. It's just that I am from THE SOUTH, and manners are very important to me. I will also find a way to suggest that on future dates he treat a lady like a lady, and then he might have better success.

T

Neck Braces & Boneless Chicken Wings

LONG POST ALERT!! LONG POST ALERT!!!

Hello friends. I'm FINALLY back from posting random blurbs, and am ready to give you my dating updates.

Let me take you back to Sunday, and my date with Lehrer. We are meeting at Barnes & Noble at 3pm. Remember? I'm a member of this PJ Brunch Club (yes, we really all show up for brunch at each other's homes in our PJs), and had rushed home to change for my date. It was a rather warm day....so I wore a navy shift dress, gold sandals, a long string of pears and a little yellow cardigan. I arrived right on time and entered Barnes & Noble looking around for the coffee shop. I assumed this would be where we would meet, as Lehrer hadn't really given me any specifics (ie. meet me in the science fiction section). I looked around and saw the coffee shop. As I headed that way I saw this somewhat familiar face standing in the coffee shop smiling at me. This familiar face was also wearing a neck brace. It took a minute to register, but then I realized who it was! One of my ex boyfriend's best friends. I adore this friend (who we shall call Neck Brace) and broke out in a big smile myself.


Of course I asked Neck Brace what had happened, and he informed me he had broken his neck.....AGAIN. Yes, that's right. This is the second time! Can you imagine?!?!?! He's so very lucky to be alive and walking. I momentarily forgot about Lehrer and asked for the details. Neck Brace proceeds to give me a recap of a bachelor weekend full of drinking, dancing and mechanical bulls. The mechanical bull being the cause of his current condition. I was laughing and having a lovely time when I remembered about Lehrer! I told Neck Brace that I was supposed to be meeting someone. Our conversation went something like this:

NB: Do you see him?
T: I don't know.
NB: What do you mean you don't know?
T: Well....okay....here's the thing.....I'm on match.com :)
NB: What? Are you serious?
T: Yes. Don't laugh at me please.
NB: Well, what do you think he looks like?
T: Ummmm, tall, brown hair. That's really all I know.
NB: Could that be him? The guy in the corner with the hat?
T: No. That doesn't look like him at all.
NB: It's 3:10. Maybe he didn't come?
T: Thanks.
NB: Wait! There is this tall brown haired guy over by the front door who is looking at his phone.
T: Don't stare! I'm going to turn around. Hmmm...could be him. I'm just going to walk up and ask him if he's called Lehrer.
NB: Okay. If it isn't and you feel stupid I'll be here and you can come back and have a coffee with me.
T: Okay.

It was Lehrer! I told him all about Neck Brace, and how I had to hear the story and wasn't sure where we were meeting and so on. Lehrer says he thought I might be me, but then I was talking with a guy, so he though perhaps not? Anyway, Lehrer says it's a beautiful day and what would I like to do. WHAT?!?!? I thought we were going to sit at B&N and have coffee.

***Side Note - I don't drink coffee. Everyone is always trying to have a coffee with me, but I don't drink it. I always say yes, and then get a hot chocolate:)

I tell Lehrer that I thought we would be staying at B&N and therefore hadn't really worn clothes to really "do anything" in. He says that there is a Buffalo Wild Wings in the mall that B&N is in, and that we could go there. Ick. I don't like BWW. It's dark and loud and full of TVs playing sports :( I say okay.

On the walk down to BWW Lehrer tells me that he is pleasantly surprised by me. He thinks I'm pretty, and says I seem very nice and normal. Wow. I guess he's had some bad dates? (I'm rather pleased with him too. He's a bit shorter that he stated, but still taller than me. His "bad hair" has been remedied and he's pretty cute.) He proceeds to tell me that he always suggests meeting at B&N so that if the girl is awful he can have a coffee with her and then say goodbye. I guess that's pretty smart of him. I usually end up getting stuck with someone for drinks and want to slit my wrist about 20 minutes into it.

So far so good. And then....we get to BWW and he opens the front door.....and walks in! HE DOESN'T HOLD THE DOOR FOR ME. Most of the men I know, or come in contact with, just do that naturally. They always hold doors open for me (and other women). I was kindove shocked and reached forward to grab the door so that it didn't slam in my face.

Then, when the hostess says "follow me"....HE DOES! He doesn't step aside and let me go first. Hmmmmm.....this is very interesting. I've never come across such a thing. He sits down first. He orders first. I'm not sure how I feel about this? Perhaps this is why he is 43 and has never been married? Needless to say my impression of him is not so good at this point.

Things get better though, and we end up talking for 3 HOURS!! I went to the restroom and glanced at my watch. 6:00! Yikes. I have stuff to do. So, I tell him that I've had a lovely time but really do need to be heading home as it's 6:00. He seems surprised as well.

***Side Note - Lehrer is a raging liberal and tries to speak to me about politics. I cut him off by saying "Look here Lehrer...you are not going to sway me, and I am not going to sway you. Let's just not speak about politics today, or I can assure you there will never be a second date".

Lehrer walks me to my car and asks if we can get together again. I say that I would like to go out with him again, and I mean it. Lehrer will never be my serious boyfriend because he has no manners, but he's cute and would be an acceptable date to functions and such. I will just have to be sure to explain to him that he needs to open my door, let me sit first, etc. before I take him anywhere. Otherwise, my friends would probably be appalled and wonder what in the world I was thinking to be out with someone so rude!

Lehrer wants to go out Saturday night. I tell him that I am not free Saturday night. I explain that I am attending a dinner that is a Republican fundraiser, and I am a sponsor of the event. I have a table and everything, and it's going to be really fun. I tell him this because I want him to know that I enjoy doing such things, and I want to see if he thinks this type of thing is fun as well. Unfortunately, he replies by telling me that I shouldn't be giving me money to the Republicans, and that I should do this, that and the other with it. I give him the "stink eye" and tell him that I am not free Saturday and to lay off telling me what I should and shouldn't do. Because seriously...he's fed me some boneless chicken wings and some diet cokes and that certainly doesn't amount to him having any input on my life!

Lehrer asks about Thursday night. I say I'm free, and that he should call me to schedule something. I drive away a bit perplexed, but quite energized. I am always exhausted after first dates, and this time I'm not. I believe Lehrer has as much energy as I do, and is quite talkative. Therefore, I didn't have to lead the conversation and that was nice.

I'm really not sure that I can give a full on assessment until our second date, but I do know that there is something weird about his mouth. I will have to stare at him more on date 2 to figure out what it is.

T

Make Over Anyone??

I've just entered another giveaway for a free blog make over! Isn't that exciting? I know that many people will enter, and I probably won't win, BUT....just imagine if I did!

Does your blog need a free make over? If so, visit Danielle at Well, That's Just Fabulous to enter!

T

Hmmmm.....

Dynamic Director

You are a Director

As a DIRECTOR, you combine an unusual openness and passion for beauty and style with confidence and a down-to-earth sensibility that allow you to realize your vision.

You are practical and pay attention to the details that others tend to miss.

By focusing on what is real and concrete, you achieve more than those who always have their heads in the clouds.

When it comes to what really matters in your life, you are confident in your ability to succeed.

Having beautiful things in your life gives you pleasure and satisfaction - you have a keen eye for style.

Even when problems present themselves, deep down you know you will overcome these challenges.

When routines get too familiar, you become bored and start looking for ways to spice things up.

You are open to new types of experiences – you are not afraid to take a risk on something new.

You have a highly developed sense of taste – you know what looks good on you, in your home, and in the world at large.

Your independent streak allows you to make decisions efficiently and to trust your instincts

You're not afraid to let your emotions guide you, and you're generally considerate of others' feelings as well.

You prefer to have time to plan for things, feeling better with a schedule than with keeping plans up in the air until the last minute.

You are a fashion maven, up on trends, but distinct in your own style. You don't follow trends, you set them.

Generally, you believe that you control your life, and that external forces only play a limited role in determining what happens to you.


If you want to be different:

Occasionally let yourself dream a little more, even if it doesn't seem practical or efficient.


You are Dynamic

As someone who is DYNAMIC, you do not have a hard time meeting new people, and you have a bunch of close friends.

You are not overly concerned with what others may think about you, which leaves you free to be thoroughly involved in the world around you.

There are those who find being around people exhausting—but not you! Interacting with others, whether at a party or in conversation, gives you energy.

You have a strong sense of what the world is like and how it should be.

You have enormous respect for those who have earned their success, and have little patience for those who try to bend the rules or ride on the coattails of others' hard work.

Believing in the importance of integrity and hard work doesn't stop you from believing that people will do the right thing—you know that people are good at heart.

You sometimes have trouble understanding why others feel the way they do, but it doesn't stop you from having faith and trust in those around you.

Part of what makes engaging with people so interesting for you is that you occasionally learn something new about yourself or about a problem you're having when discussing things with others.

Your strong worldview leads you to believe that people shouldn't rely on their emotions so much when making decisions.


If you want to be different:

Taking some time to explore others' perspectives could make spending time with people even more compelling than it already is.

Making an effort to see the complexities of situations might open your eyes to alternative perspectives of how the world works.

Those who are as outgoing as you are often need to remind themselves that time alone can be just as fulfilling—take some time for yourself and you might find that there are many things in your inner world that are just as compelling as the world outside your window.

WHAT ARE YOU???? FIND OUT HERE.

I WANT THIS....NOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWW!

(click the image to find out more about the book)

I do not want to wait until May when it is released. I want it now :(

T

Tisk, Tisk...

I know, I know...I still haven't given you details on my Sunday afternoon date. However, I really have been trying to play catch-up at work rather than blog. I will fill you in tomorrow, pinky swear!

Some other exciting news to report...I'm meeting ???? tonight. I need to give him a name, but I don't want to give him the name I originally gave him because then you will know who he is. Wow. That didn't make much sense! Anyway, he's the guy that found my blog and called me out. I apologized, of course, and we've developed a little friendship over the whole thing. We are meeting tonight for the first time, and I can't wait. Regardless of whether we are a good dating match or not, I find him really, really, really interesting :) So, what can I name him? I totally get what he wants to fly under the radar and such, so I really want to respect that and not call him what he was called, or anything else that might give his identity away. Suggestions?

I promise, promise, promise there will be more to come tomorrow. In the meantime....I want to be here:

T

Rue La La Is.....

"Rue La La is... an exclusive, invitation-only online destination where Members discover premier-brand, private sale Boutiques, each open for just a brief window of time. Our focus is a well-edited collection of sought-after offerings from the best brand names in the world - combined with helpful service."

Oh-My-God. This site is fabulous. Really. They even send you e-mails so that you know when to log in to look for the sale taking place in the botique you want. Really. Bottega Veneta sold out before I realized it was open. Blasted! I've signed up for e-mails for the upcoming botique sales. Really. It's good stuff.

Leave me a post with your e-mail addy if you want an invite. I'll send one along ASAP.

T

"Most Popular Preppy Casual Shoe"

This is hysterical to me:

Ridiculousness

Seriously. You either are. Or, you aren't. If you need to consult a blog poll to see what the preppiest casual shoe is, you don't need to be wearing them. It's either your look, or it isn't. If it isn't...don't try it. Seriously. It won't fit.

T

P.S. My computer is STILL screwed up and I'm getting grumpy. Can you tell :)

Lesson Plans

I met Lehrer (aka the teacher) on Sunday. Things went well, considering :) I'm having major computer issues at the moment, and therefore am not able to do a full on post. Just wanted to note that I'm still alive, well and in full dating mode! I will hopefully get the chance to post more tonight!

T

"What are you two going to do? Read to each other?"

I finally called Lehrer back. I'm not sure how it went. I hate talking to people on the phone before meeting them. You have no idea what their "pauses" mean. If they are making a terrible face at something you said. It's just not fun :(

Anyway, we decided to meet tomorrow......at Barnes & Noble. That's a first for me. I've not met anyone at Barnes & Noble before. I called a girlfriend immediately after the call ended to give a full report. She asked "What are you two going to do at Barnes & Noble? Read to each other?"

Tomorrow is a Sunday. Perhaps he didn't want to suggest cocktails on a Sunday? The funny thing is that I'm having brunch with friends prior to our B&N meeting, and will most likely be a few mimosas to the wind by the time I get there. For some reason I'm thinking that is going to be a good thing :)

Wish me luck friends!

T

Leave it to Me to Miss The Call!

Lehrer called last night....AND I MISSED HIS CALL!

WIMP stopped by the office yesterday and suggested drinks after work. A few more friends decided to join us, and drinks turned into dinner. We were just chatting away and it was pretty late when I left. I checked my cell and saw that I had a missed call from a number I didn't recognize. Lehrer left a charming message, but it was too late to call him back :(

Tonight I've got a 3 year old's birthday party to attend, but how long can that last? It starts at 6pm, so I'm thinking I will have time to return his call this evening. Can't wait to share the details.

On another note, it looks like my friend and I are finally going to meet. You know, the gentleman that found my blog and called me out on it? We have been corresponding, and have decided that meeting for a drink or something would most likely be enjoyable. We both have very busy schedules, but I'm definitely going to clear some time to meet him because he seems quite interesting!

The sun is out, I'm leaving work early for a reflexology session and I have two very interesting gentlemen to meet in the near future. Wahoo! Life is good.

Have a lovely weekend friends!

T

My Orthodontist Needs a Lashing (or two)

I have some news to report, but I don't think I can sit still long enough to write it down :( I had Invisiline for about 8 months, 2 years ago. I have faithfully worn my "retainer" every night since I finished the Invisiline trays. Unfortunately, my retainer has not kept my teeth (read - one annoying, uncooperative tooth!) where they were supposed to be.

I noticed in a picture from the weekend that the problem tooth seemed not to be where it should. This morning I took out my retainer, and just for giggles put in the last Invisiline tray I wore. Ouch! That pesky tooth has moved A L-O-T. Well, a lot as far as teeth move if you will.

(woman in this picture is smiling like Invisiline is fun....NOT!)

Regardless, I have worn that last tray all day in hopes of moving the pesky tooth back where it belongs, and my teeth are killing me. All of them! It's like mutiny in my mouth and it hurts to think. I'm calling my orthodontist and giving him a piece of my mind. I'm also going to make him give me a new retainer that actually keeps my teeth where they are supposed to be.

Painfully yours,

T

Hot Damn! I've Won a Prize!

Well I'm just so excited I can barely stand myself right now:) As most of you know, I'm rather new to the Land of Blog. I really enjoy putting all of this dating craziness down on paper (so to speak), but half the time I'm not really sure if it even makes any sense. It's always lovely to hear reader feedback and such, but friends...I've gone and won a prize!

Now, I know to many of you this is probably a daily occurrence. Not for moi! This is my very first prize, and I am going to treasure it. Thank you so very much Burlap Condoms!!

Here is my prize (oops! it's an award not a prize):


Isn't it lovely? Okay, okay I'm going to quit gloating and pass it on!

“These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be
friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when
the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated.
Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight
bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into
the body of their award.”

I am tagging the following bloggers. Thanks to each of you for making my work day much more enjoyable :)

All Things Melia - A cheerful blog about everything! Well, mostly cheerful. She does get pissy every now and again...hahaha....This is one of the first blogs I read every day :)

Where is My Purse? - The name just about covers it. I guarantee you will laugh out loud!

An American Girl in London - A fabulously fun read for anyone who has ever lived abroad, or aspires to do so. It's amazing how different things are "across the pond".

Nautical by Nature - I was born and raised right next door to the ocean. Now I'm a bit more land locked. I visit this blog every day to enjoy all things nautical, and to find some really great bargains too! Check out the "coupon codes, giveaways, and sales!" posted daily.

Sippycups ARE for Chardonnay - This blogger has AMAZING taste. She lets us in to her home to see all of the fabulous decorating projects she is working on or has completed, what new adventures she and her lovely family are having, and has made me realize that you really can have it all :)

CLEMSON GIRL AND THE COACH - When I read this blog, I wish I lived in Atlanta. I wish I knew this woman. She is so real, funny, kind, brutally honest, ....well, I could go on. All in all I adore her blog. P.S. I've stolen your word..."snarky". I use it daily :)

mindless musings on my average life - I randomly found this blog one day, and had to stay late after work to read the entire thing. Seriously. Beginning to end. Average life my behind! Amazing woman. Amazing life. Amazing taste. Amazing boy she is getting ready to marry. A must read for sure :)

Crawling Across Virginia - I know one of these "crawlers", and at first thought she was embarking on a bar crawl of sorts. After quickly clearing that up I am enjoying following her progress. Although this is a new blog, I am already chuckling as I watch Kait and Smithers try to conquer the state of Virginia. Keep it up!

Congratulations Friends!

Now I'm off to Wal-Mart....AND YOU KNOW HOW I FEEL ABOUT WAL-MART. Go ahead and shoot me now.

Until tomorrow,

T

Happy St. Patrick's Day! (a day late)

Yesterday was quite a busy day for this online dater. I work in the financial industry, so one might think things were slow and terrible and depressing at the moment. Not so much! My business is full on. I am a training consultant, so that helps to explain it perhaps, but I'm finding very little time to blog while at work. (Oops! Did I say that?)

I also had a doctor's appointment yesterday. It was an elective appointment, as I chose to have IPL done on my face. You can read about what IPL is here if you are interested. Basically, I grew up in THE SOUTH and was always in the sun. I'm already starting to see the results of the damage to my skin from the sun, so I had this procedure done. It wasn't really painful per se, although it did feel like someone was snapping rubber bands all over my face. One pinch after the other. After the procedure was done (maybe 2-3 minutes) there was no pain, which makes it all okay :)

As my skin rejuvenates, it pushes the sun damage up and out. Therefore, I currently look like someone marked all over my face with a Sharpie. It only lasts for a few days, but I surely am not trying to be seen by anyone I know in the meantime. This meant, sadly, that I sat at the house last night and drank non-green beer by myself.

I had quite the lovely St. Patrick's Day celebration to tell you the truth. I finally put all of my pictures from London in an album. I e-mailed my Match.com matches back with thoughtful e-mails (I gave Lehrer my phone number at his request...woohoo). I perused the internet for new living room and dining room rugs. AND....I watched RHWoNYC. Ouch! Those women are testy!

All in all, a rather productive St. Patrick's Day for me:) No responses from my matches yet, but I will most definitely keep you posted!

T

P.S. I want this shirt for next year:

My Inbox - Follow-Ups

Alrighty then, let's move on to the people in my inbox that you already know. I've received a few responses from them, so let's see what they say!

G.I. Joe

Well, he's e-mailed me twice! Guess I had better get on the move here or he's going to think I'm ignoring him. Let's see what he says in his first response....Okay, wait. He calls me Lady. Like as in "Hi Lady" or "How are you today lady?" Kindove weird, considering he is aware of what my name is at this point. How do you feel about that? It kindove made my skin crawl. I'm not sure why. Oh gosh...now he's broken out the old "lady friend" notation.

***Side Note - In college I went out with this guy briefly who was a "townie" (read = family from the small college town where I attended school). He was smart and funny and a little bit back woods, but I liked him. He also was attending college with me, so I really couldn't fault him for where he was born and raised. When I met his parents I began to realize that perhaps we weren't a good match after all. It's like he morphed into this different person around them. He always introduced me as his "lady friend" and used these other terms that I've not heard of. I think it would have been different if all of this had transpired in Italy or something, but right here in VA it was a little odd. Am I too picky? Geezzz, probably. But I don't like to be called someone's "lady friend". I'm their friend OR their girlfriend. Pick one.

Back to G.I. Joe. Okay, he doesn't like going out. He thinks that at 11pm everyone out is a drunk and annoying. Oopsies! That's probably me :) I don't go out nearly as much as I used to, but I do enjoy going out sometimes for heaven's sake! He also tells me that I sound very stable. Well, I guess that's good....considering the alternative....

Finally, he wants to know if we should talk? I'm assuming he means on the telephone? He says it can't hurt if we do. That's odd. I'm not really sure about this fellow. I'm sure he's lovely and all, but I'm getting weird vibes that make me think he's probably a little back woods for this single girl.

Perhaps I'll wait another few days to e-mail him. By then he may have met a "lady friend" and settled down.

Lehrer
The teacher gets right down to it! He says hello. Tells me he hopes the engagement party is going smashingly (as he sent the e-mail at the time the festivities were in full swing), and then says we should probably talk on the phone. Excellent communication skills. He says that he thinks we would have a great conversation. (Why thank you Lehrer. So much more eloquently stated that our poor friend G.I. Joe).

***Side Note - He's not originally from Smalltown, Va. He's actually from THE NORTH. Mind you, I do realize I was not living during THE WAR, but I was raised to believe that people from THE NORTH were mean and burnt our family's land and stole from us. Over the years I've come to realize that mentality is a bit much, but I sometimes do wonder what the fam would say if I brought home my future husband...only to announce he was from THE NORTH. The idea kindove makes me chuckle a bit :) I dare say, no matter who I end up bringing home for the long hall had better be game for the following:

1. Drinking lots of iced tea

2. Playing croquet on the lawn after church

3. Being comfortable wearing pink and light blue in the summers

4. Lots of cigar smoke in the evenings

5. Family cocktail hour

6. Having "supper" at 8:00 at night

So, that's all Lehrer has to say. He does tell me a bit about his day, what he did and that type of thing, but nothing that is going to help us decide whether or not I go out with him:)

Man of Few Words

Gosh. He sure is a man of few words. He hasn't written any. Oh well! Perhaps he will send us a lil note tonight :)

AND FINALLY...I wrote my friend back. The friend that found my blog, and I wrote him an apology and he wrote back. Well, I finally wrote him back. I couldn't think of anything wonderful to say...so I just wrote a boring old e-mail. I just wanted to be sure to write something, so he didn't think I had gone missing. Not that I really expect that he wants to meet me at this point, but as my friend Daisy says..."You never know. It could end up like a scene from Bridget Jones Diary and you marry the guy". (Kate also has a vote in for him! Not so much because you guys even know anything more about him, since I'm being rather undercover and such, but her vote is mostly because she thinks it would make a swell story.) Well, I don't know about all that, but I sent him a note back and we shall see if he replies :)

Until tomorrow....

T

My Inbox - New Matches!

Back to Match.com. We have some new matches to look at today. Let's have a look at those before we re-visit our old friends :)

Match #1
Hmmmmmm....(have you ever noticed that if my description starts with a hmmmm....it doesn't end up going very well?) Well, that is the case here. This young man has a picture of himself posted that is so far away we can't really tell much about him other than the fact that he is wearing khakis and a black shirt/jacket/fleece??? He is only 5'8", which makes him exactly my height. He also has 2 children that live at home, and has never been married. Translation = I have the kids all the time. Eeekkks! Finally, his profile says he's "look'n to be friendly with someone" and that he is "quit at first but I do open up soon". I think you can now relate to my "hmmmmmmmmm". Goodbye Match #1.

Match #2

This match looks somewhat interesting. He's 6'3", which is lovely, and he's a few years older than me. He's currently separated (you know how I feel about that!), and has no children. He does, however, definitely want 2. That could be a problem. Oh my. Wait just a minute. He's agnostic. That just isn't going to work. I want to marry someone who wants to go to church with me. Someone who is Christian. I'm happy to visit churches that aren't my denomination and all, but not so much visit the idea that there is no God. Goodbye Match #2. (P.S. I made it very clear on my profile that I was ONLY looking for Christians. Why don't these people read?!?!?)

Match #3

This guy has e-mailed me about 5 times. I've never e-mailed back, but I guess I need to let him know I'm not interested. Here's the thing. Everything I've marked that I'm looking for...he is the exact opposite of. I mean EVERYTHING. I'm sure he's really nice to know, but I don't want to know him. We would have nothing in common. He e-mailed to ask me if wearing Carhart was okay with me instead of seersucker. What? Are you serious? If I was looking for someone who wore Carhart, wouldn't I have said that? I hate hiking - he loves it. I would like to meet someone with a college education - he's not gone at all. He insists on writing over and over about how "blue collar" he is. That's fine. Nothing wrong with a hard day's work. I, however, am not blue collar and wonder why someone who is feels the need to press on and on about it? He adores sushi - I hate sushi. The furthest he desires to travel is West Virginia - I.....well, you get the point. Goodbye Match #3.

P.S. He says he can make people cry at funerals. That's just inappropriate, don't you think?

(I'm starting a new post where I will update you on my further correspondence :)

T

Side Note..

I've labeled this a side note because it has absolutely nothing to do with dating on Match.com. I do, however, feel compelled to share a few randoms with you.

First, MK's engagement party was Saturday night and it was a HUGE success! The weather was a bit icky, but inside the house there was a festive atmosphere that rivaled any I've experienced before. Isn't it lovely when friends and family come together to celebrate a special couple that they adore? I think so.

I made a collage of pictures of MK her and fiance from waaaaayyyy back in the day up to present time (they've been together for almost 10 years, so that's a lot of pictures). My girlfriend Where Is My Purse? (further referred to as WIMP) brought an easel she had at the house and we displayed the collage for all of the party guests to enjoy. Also, because MK adores all things Tuscan in nature, we attempted to have a Tuscan Themed party. I'm not sure we succeeded, but the food was great and I thought the house looked lovely :)

I spent most of Sunday in the bed watching The Hallmark Channel while recouping. When I finally did get up, I decided to test out my "IT Works! Ultimate Body Applicators" that arrived in Friday afternoon. "What in the heck is she thinking spending $89 on some such crap?" you may be thinking. Simmer down now. I really think this is legit. MK, WIMP and I were at a ladies luncheon not too long ago when we came across some ladies selling these patches. They wanted me to host a party at my home so that we could see the patches working right in front of our eyes! We all loved the idea, and I gave the ladies my telephone number. Alas, they never called. This made me somewhat suspicious, but I did a little research and it seems like there might be something to these patches. So, I ordered them on my own. I purchased 4 applicators for $89.



Fast forward to last night. I followed the directions (somewhat) and put one applicator each on my thighs, one on my stomach and finally one on my buttocks/lower back. Mind you, I was supposed to hold each applicator securely in place with an ACE bandage. Unfortunately, I only own 2 ACE bandages and wanted to adhere all applicators at the same time. I found a pair of grey biker shorts and pulled those up over my thigh applicators. Then, I wrapped my mid section securely with 2 ACE bandages and plopped down on the couch. In about 5 minutes the most interesting feeling ever came over me. It was like I my entire body had been dipped into a tub of Icy Hot. It wasn't unbearable or anything, but a bit uncomfortable none the less.

I had been sure to measure my thigh in 3 places, my stomach and my butt/hips before applying the applicators. They say that something like 90% of the process takes place in the first 45 minutes, so after that you can leave them on as long as you like. I left mine on for about another hour and 15 minutes. Imagine my excitement when I peeled off the applicators, rubbed in the extra lotion and broke out the tape measure. Imagine my depression when my thighs measured 2 inches LARGER than they did when I started. Surely I messed up somewhere along the way, because my little belly pooch is gonzo, AND...my jeans are looser in the thighs than they were previously. Coincidence? I think not. I ordered 2 more boxes of the applicators this morning :)

T

Hidey Hey!

Not sure why I titled this post hidey hey, other than the fact that saying that makes me smile for some strange reason :)

Okay, updates on what is going on. I know things have been a bit sporadic, but I'm hosting an engagement party for MK and her fiance this weekend and I've been quite busy getting everything ready. I would tell you all of the fun things we've been working on...but MK reads my blog and I don't want her to know about it yet!!

My Match.com inbox has been very neglected, and correspondence on my part has been terribly delayed. I have not even replied to any of my matches that wrote me back on Monday. Isn't that terribly rude of me? Yes, it is. I know :( I really want to write back to them, but have only just now logged in and guess what.....I have an event to attend in 20 minutes! Arrrrrghhhh! The thing is...I don't want to just write back some totally lame, non-thought out response. I want to peruse their bios again, think of some interesting questions, etc. That might sound like an excuse, but it's legit. Pinky swear.

So, in a nutshell.....this is a wasted post because I have nothing new to share. Many of my nearest and dearest have e-mailed to say "date this weekend? what's the latest with your matches?". Sorry girls. I've been negligent, and therefore have no dates scheduled. I am going to work VERY HARD to change that, and hopefully will have some time tomorrow during work (shhhhhhh........) to get caught up.

Okay, there is a new match who has winked at me. Yeeeeeaaaa...no. He lives far, far away and is really old. What gives with the influx of Father Abrahams these days? Perhaps I need to re-adjust my age requirements? Nah. Nobody seems to read those anyway. I will just press the little "x" next to him and say goodbye.

****Side Note - I have not even checked my Daily 5 in a week. I was seriously so disappointed in what Match.com suggested for me that I have decided I will only have a peek at these if I need a really good laugh :)

Until tomorrow....

T

Previous Matches - Status Update!

Alrighty then....back to some of the previous matches that I've been corresponding with. Let's see, what will be the best way to handle this? I suppose I had rather name them or we will all be confused, won't we?

Man of Few Words
First...this match shall be called....well...never mind. I've only winked at him (yesterday), and he's only just now sent a one-liner of an e-mail. I don't know enough about him to name him. I will remind you that he is a match from yesterday. He's the firefighter that is a one year older than me, and lives about 45 minutes away. Here we go...we shall call him "Man of Few Words" because he professes that he is.

He has e-mailed to tell me that he hopes I am enjoying the lovely weather. I sure am! I will e-mail him back after I finish my update here and ask him some questions. Perhaps with a little prompting we will learn something about him :)

G.I. Joe

Next is G.I. Joe. I posted about him a few posts ago. He winked. I winked. He e-mailed a brief e-mail. I replied in kind. I did, however ask a few questions in my e-mail. You know, the basic questions...."are you from here originally?", etc. I'm not from Smalltown, VA originally, so I always find it interesting to see what brings other "transplants" to the area.

He replies that he is from the area originally, and this is what brought him back. He's getting another degree at a local university, and has a job in the area as well. He asks what I do for a living. Guess I will e-mail back and tell him.

I'm not getting good vibes here. Not bad vibes or anything...I mean not like I think he's scary or whatever, but not a lot of thought provoking conversation going on here. I'll send a reply and try to get things moving along!

Lehrer

On to number #3! So, this is the match I told you about yesterday that is a teacher and loves traveling to Europe, like me :) I've called him Lehrer, because it is the German word for teacher. Now then, he's written quite the e-mail response to me and.....GASP....he's an avid tennis player! He asks if perhaps we could play sometime? I ADORE tennis, and I'm pretty okay at it. I hate to lose, and I'm not sure this would be a good "first date", but perhaps if we get to know each other a bit I'll break out my tennis skills. Hmmm....I do like that he plays tennis:)

He also references my profile numerous times, which I always try to do also, so I'm impressed. This match will also receive an e-mail response from me today. Wahooo! Lots to do in the dating world. Perhaps I will have some fabulous date details to share with you soon :)

****Side Note - Have you noticed that I'm not sharing the e-mails from these matches, or too much info on them? I'll bet you have! I can't get much past you :) I've really decided that until I rule someone out...or go out with them and it's abominable...I'm not going to divulge too much. I'm still a little shaken from last week's experience.

****Side Note- This deserves it's own side note :) So, the match that I told you about last week that found my blog and e-mailed me...remember him? I e-mailed him to apologize? Well, he's e-mailed me a nice note in return. I'm not going to share anything about that with you today friends. I know you understand. However, I might just call you and fill you in!

That's it for today. My tongue is feeling less swollen today, as I iced it all evening yesterday. Believe me...icing your tongue is NOT a pleasant experience :( It's still hanging a bit out of my mouth, as it isn't sure where to go since it's twice it's normal size.

Tonight is Wine Group with the girls, so hopefully a bit of vino and friendship will help this single girl heal so that she can prepare for a date or two in the next week. Wahooo!

T

My Inbox is Hoppin'!

There is all kinds of excitement happening here in Smalltown, VA. Well, okay, not really. There is, however, lots of excitement in my inbox!

Let's see what we've got today shall we?

LONG POST ALERT!! LONG POST ALERT!!! LONG POST ALERT!!

***Side Note - I'm not really able to say Match #1 and so on because some of the guys are from many, many blogs ago. Let's see. Perhaps I will try to refresh your memory as I go through them. There are a few new matches, so we will start with them:

Match #1
Wow. I don't think I've ever come across anyone who is any less a match for me. He states that he is looking for a "classy lady". I wonder why? From his multiple pictures I can confirm that he isn't very classy. That's fine. Just wondering why he wants a classy lady? Chances are she's not going to be looking for him. He drives a 911. Perhaps he thinks that makes him classy? Anyway, I'm not going to wink back because he is 50 years old, and lives 3 hours away...among other reasons.


Match #2
Although this guy looks like he's probably pretty nice, I find it interesting that 1/2 of his profile pictures are of parrots. After reading further I find that he has 10. He loves them. They are his family. This is actually the second match I've had on Match.com who loved his parrots very much. Here's the thing. I can't stand birds. I don't like them outside of my window tweeting and waking me up in the morning. I don't like them pooping on my car. AND...I really don't like them inside. My mother has this Love Bird called Katie Scarlet. She seriously treats this bird like her child. She talks to it always, and when I am visiting I have to do things that will make Katie Scarlet happy. If I upset Katie Scarlet in any way, then I am at fault. ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!?!?! It's a bird! A silly bird that whistles at itself in the mirror because it thinks there is another bird there. It's flirting with itself because it's too dumb to realize that it's look at itself.

Sorry, didn't mean to rant about the whole bird issue....but dating someone with 10 parrots isn't really going to work for me. There is no chance that he is getting rid of these parrots, because he says "Since I love my birds, I hope the lady I meet, loves tropical birds..." Not me buddy. Sorry. You actually have a whole lot going for you. I just can't tolerate the birds. Sorry.

Match #3
Oh my word. This is good. I mean REALLY good. I laughed out loud. You will too. Here's the thing. This guy looks totally normal, and so I start clicking and reading and then I had to take off my glasses to get close to the computer screen to see if I was really reading what I thought I was reading. I was. I'm not sure if he's trying to be funny, or if he is trying to be serious and it's funny. What do you think?

"i'm what you call a bapticostal." - he says he's part Baptist/part Pentecostal. That kindove reminds me of one of the dogs we had when I was growing up. She was a 1/2 Pekingese and 1/2 Chihuahua. We called her a Pekawawa. That made sense to us because she was genetically 1/2 of each. How is one: 1/2 Baptist and 1/2 Pentecostal? Would you not just be a Pentecostal Baptist? I'm Episcopalian. However, I was Catholic. I wonder if that makes me a Cathopalian? I've always just gone with "Catholic Light". That seems to work.

My new friend tells me that his favorite colors are black & red. Also, his favorite thing to do is "sit around and play video games". Awww...I suck at video games :( He then says "well first off i'm a great and awesome guy to be around. i'm also a christian. i attend services twice a week , so i'm a pretty funny guy." I don't get it? Does going to church make you funny? I never feel very funny after church. Cleansed and uplifted perhaps, but not so much funny.

And finally...the last thing he read was a Best Buy ad.

I think we know where this is going......

Match #4
Well, I've now hit an all time low my friends. Actually, I guess it's an all time high. I've been winked at by a 60 year old man. He looks really precious....in that grandfather-type way that makes you want him to buy you a double scoop of ice cream. Not so much take you to dinner and try to date you.

I'm not going to say anything more about him. I don't think I need to. Do I?

I feel as if perhaps I should have called this post "Batter, Batter, Batter....Saaaaaaawing Batter", because I sure did strike out on this round. Never fear! I have some other matches to talk about. I've saved my previous communications' responses until last.


New Post!


T

Side Note = Giveaway Info

I'm really becoming a fan of this whole bogging universe I've become a part of. I know it's been around forever, but I've just joined up and am very pleasantly surprised. I'm fascinated by all of the "giveaways" I come across as well! How lovely of these bloggers to up and give us a prize just for following them :)

Speaking of giveaways, I don't usually enter. I'm not one to just enter for the sake of entering. I did enter one, but I didn't win. That's okay! I still went ahead and ordered the prize for myself because I really did like it :)

I'm posting today about giveaways because I've found another that I'd love to win! Sweetpea over at Horse, Hound and Home is giving away the Marina Knot Magnetic Cosmetic Case from Toss Designs. I adore it. I surely hope I win, but if not...I will probably end up purchasing it myself anyway. You must visit Horse, Hound and Home to enter to win yourself!

Happy Tuesday!

T

PRO/CON

I was just reading According to Nina, and came across the cutest post! I adore Nina, and her blog always lifts my spirits. I have been avoiding the computer as of late, and therefore missed this post from Saturday. Nina's mom gave her the CUTEST note pad. Please have a look! I want one. I feel that if I carried this around with me on my dates I would never again second guess myself. Well, perhaps I won't go THAT far....but you know what I mean.

Don't you find that writing things down often makes them clearer? When I try to figure it all out in my head it sometimes gets jumbled. When I write it down the answer is usually staring me directly in the eyes!

T

My Inbox....Take 2

On to the next one....

Match #4
Well, this is kindove a repeat. I described this match to you earlier in this post. He winked, I winked...now he's e-mailed. As I explained earlier...sending the first e-mail is usually quite difficult. Some people are pretty good at coming up with witty, clever things to say. Some aren't. Doesn't mean they aren't witty & clever, just a little awkward when it comes to writing that first e-mail. I completely understand :)

So, Match #4 (AKA Match #1 in previous e-mail) sends a brief e-mail saying hi, and that he would love to chat. I'm going to e-mail him back as soon as I finish this post. Looks like I'm in the hot seat now, and have to come up with something witty & clever to say. Hmmmm....

Match #5
Now this match is definitely what I'm looking for!!! Yay. I'm very excited :) He's 6'0", a teacher/professor with a Graduate degree, he's been to Europe numerous times (yay! me too!), he lives right in Smalltown, VA, he's never been married...AND...he's a few years older than me. Wow! He sounds too good to be true! He's also "not sure" about kids. Me too! Yay. Okay, he's e-mailed me and said that he's viewed my profile and thinks that we have a lot in common. I'LL SAY! Alrighty then...I'm off to e-mail him.

Not too bad for a Monday! I've winked back at one match, and am sending off e-mails to two. So nice to see this day turning around. It started off rather poorly, as I bit my tongue severely at lunch. I had to ask MK to look at it to see whether or not I needed stitches. She said she wasn't sure! It was the worst "tongue bite" she had ever seen, and I was gushing blood from the wound :( I called my family physician and was instructed to apply direct pressure for 15 minutes, and then to ice the wound. It had finally stopped bleeding, but is quite sore. Boo hiss! Thank heavens this day is looking up!

T

My Inbox....

Lots of fun stuff in the inbox today. Well, I think it's a compilation of Thursday through today. I was so upset/stressed about Thursday's events that I haven't even logged on again until today! So, let's see what we have here:

Match #1

This guy looks like a winner. He's a year older than me, 5'11", a firefighter and lives about 45 minutes away! He's quite handsome, and seems to be very athletic. As I've mentioned before, I'm not really the athletic type....but I do love a good tennis match. He also says he is a man of few words. Hahaha...that makes me laugh because I am anything but! I am a chatterbox :) I'll admit it. I talk....A LOT. However, I'm always sure to ask questions too. I'm not one of those that just drones on and on and on and on and never involved the other person in the conversation.

Match #1 has winked at me, so I'm going to wink back. He seems like a nice guy, and I would most definitely like to meet him.

Match #2

Hmmmm...no picture. Argh! Why do people do this? You know....even if you aren't the best looking person (as I've said before...I'm no model!) post a picture. You know why? If you don't post a picture people are going to assume the worst. I know I do. I automatically assume "hey, if he doesn't want to post his picture then there must be a very good reason. AND...that reason is probably really, really bad."

Then again, sometimes people state in their profile that they haven't posted their picture because of their job situation, really small community, etc. That's fine. Just address it, and offer to send a picture along. This guy...not so much.

The other "issue" with Match #2 is that he is 7 years younger than me. I know, I know...we've been through this before. But seriously. I just don't see that working. I'm kindove "on the cusp" when it comes to age. If you are 45 and date someone 35 that's fine. It isn't THAT big of a difference. Perhaps it is in years, but in maturity probably not so much. But, if someone 35 dates someone say....25...that's a bigger deal. Does that make sense?

I don't think I'm going to wink back at this match. Match #3

Another one with no picture. He, however, does address this. He doesn't so much say why there is no picture...but he says that if I'm interested he will tell me where I can see one. Match #3 does seem like a nice guy from what he tells us about himself. It's always rather hard to tell though. He's 6'0" (yay!), divorced with 2 children who sometimes live at home (hmmmm) and lives over an hour away.

I'd say it's a toss up. I'm going back and forth here. Also, he's 11 years older than me. Hmmmm.... Perhaps I'll think on this one for a bit.

I've got a few more matches to tell you about, but I'm starting another new entry because this one is getting a bit long!

T