Long Jean

I can't really consider Long Jean a date, but I want to write about him anyway. Long Jean has got cahones. He and I had talked a few times at work, made a couple of bets, and chilled in the break room once or twice. Well, one day I'm hard at work throwing my little heart out, sweaty, gross, and smelling like Jet Fuel and airplane. He drives up, walks past my crew, (one of which had already scolded him for hanging around a little too long) and walked right up to the door of the bin where I'm located. He hands me a piece of paper. Says, "I don't want to get you in trouble, so text me." and walks away. Well, he and I have become text buddies. I find him very interesting. We get along well. And, have quite a bit in common.
I just moved into a new place that I'm kinda excited. I've got a pool, hot tub, sauna, gym, pool table, and tennis courts. Well, Long Jean knew about the move and was more than anxious to come and help me test out all the facilities. So, he came over and we chilled. We played pool, which I got worked. Out of 12 games I won 3. Now, I will add that he won quite gracefully. He claims that since I scratched on the 8 ball multiple times he didn't really win, I just lost. Doesn't make sense, but sounds good to me. Anyway, we had a swell time. Great conversation, fun just chilling, and some chemistry. Now, I can't rate this because it wasn't a date, but I did want to tell about Long Jean.

The Updated Deal

So, I was at Barnes and Noble this week. I picked up a book that had a mock periodic table of elements on the cover. I opened it up and read a few pages....it was brilliantly funny. The Science of Single (The author is the only person besides Helen Fielding that has used the word 'singleton' frequently. I love the word 'singleton'). So the basis of the book is that she decides to do some research and experiment with dating (not that kind of experimenting). She decides she wants to get to the root of meeting great guys. 9 months later she is still a singleton but is happier with where she is at in her life and has a totally new found perspective on the whole dating thing. Well, her project is broken into 5 different time frames and ways of finding the perfect guy. #1. Online dating. She signs up for several different sites (the onion sounded like the most successful). She goes through a slew of dates. Has a good time on some of them, and an interesting time on all of them. But, as she rates it she found no success. #2. She decides to go to her friends, family, coworkers, neighbors and anyone she can to set her up. She finds a little more success on this because if nothing else they at least have a common interest. But, still she didn't find the man of her dreams. #3. Match makers. She decides to have a matcher set her up. She goes to two different agencies. It's Just Lunch, and eharmony.com. She found some luck with eharmony, but IJL was a little over priced and she didn't find a single date that she wanted to go out with twice. #4. Dating men in other cities. She travels across the nation to date men in all different cultures. From DC (her home base) To VA, to Chicago, then Denver, then New York, then LA. She met some great guys, but nothing that made her want to move to keep seeing them. And, finally #5. A dating Coach. Now, this seemed like it had the most impact. Not because she suddenly met the man of her dreams, but the coach got her out of her usual dating routine. And, gave some sound advice about chemistry. Now, she had spent the 9 months looking for off the charts chemistry with a man. Now, the coach told her that off the charts chemistry never works out....and for the this reason. That means he's a "bad boy". Which, I have found to be true. Something that just makes it exciting and enjoyable, and an adrenaline rush. But, they are never good for you. Anyway, the whole reason for this updated deal is this.....She also discussed every one of her dates. And, my favorite part of them was the naming process. So, now instead of giving them all and alias I'm giving them nick names. She had El Rico, The Sneezer, The Pilot (I've had a few of those), Frisbeeguy, etc. So, I'll now be making names up according the main trait of the date. Such, as Mr. Hands Mcgee, Spoon Me, Long Jean, and more to come!

The Reappearance of Chase

So, a few years back Chase and I dated a bit. He's an outdoors guy like I am. We have no lack of things in common. Round I ended because of some minor things, he claims misunderstandings. I'll leave my opinion out of this post. Anyway, I'd been thinking about him recently wondering whatever happened to him. Then one day I came across his number in an old phone. I shot a very non committal text saying I hope he was well and that life had treated him well. Well, he immediately responded and the flood gates of communication were broken. He's well. Actually, better health than ever before. He's been cured of a terminal disease and has a new take on life. Awesome! Anyway, we went out and once we got past the bitterness of life not going totally where he thought it would have been, we had a good time together. We played some very unstellar and uncoordinated tennis. Neither of us a proficient at all with a racquet. But, I can't get enough volley rally these days so it was fun. Then we went to dinner. Chase has always been very complimentary and kind. Always chivalrous anytime we have spent time together. If only we could get past this bitterness stage....and maybe a little quicker on the uptake of my jokes. I know I'm not nearly as funny as I think I am. But, I think I'm pretty funny and I appreciate a good actor who can make me believe they think I'm funny as well. Over all I'd rate this date a 6.3. Actually, if I was basing this on this date alone and not our past acquaintance I'd probably give it a 3. But, I know he can do better than this so I'll rate it above average and chalk it up to him having an off night. Just remember Chase, you're a cool cat, Let go of the bitterness and ubercynical attitude (I know, odd coming from me). There probably will be a repeat of Chase.

Nate, the replay

So, I decided to go on another date with Nate. To better explain this situation I need to inform my reader about a movie that has had a lot of impact on the way I look at things of the heart: Just Friends. Ryan Reynolds is a hilarious music producer that overcame a miserable and embarrassing high school experience. As he graduates, moves away, loses 100 lbs, and creates a successful, star studded life. He goes back to his home town and refalls in love with his high school dream girl. One thing he taught me was that a lunch date is the stuff of friends. No matter how into them you may be, if they offer you lunch as a date option then you are on the fast track to "Just Friends." There is no coming back from that spot. Unless, you're Ryan Reynolds, have an adorable retainer smile, a private jet, and a 12 pack. Well, Nate, you've reached the "Just Friends" area. After our second date you still insisted on acting like we were a couple. You insisted on cuddling as we walked through a store...even though I maintained my stiff as a board posture and hands conveniently occupied. Now, I'm all about the hand holding and whatever...if I'm in a committed relationship. Now, you're over anxiousness to be a couple has solidified my resolve to keep you in the Friend Zone. Nate, you're a sweet guy. You're kind, attentive, and fun. However , you played your cards way too easily and we were obviously playing a different game. I think reading your date a little better would definitely help you in the future. Nate, I look forward to having lunch with you :)

Tad #1

Okay, so Tad is a kinda funny individual. He speaks very quickly, and softly, without moving his mouth. Which, in a restaurant makes it hard. He would be the deaf person's nightmare date. But, I'm not deaf... so we got along well enough even though he may have thought I was a little slow. Now, Tad did my dating no no #1. While arranging the evening he used the F word. Now, I'm no saint, but I'm also no sailor. I don't mind an occasional damn, or hell.... but the F word before you've even taken the person out?! a little on the risky side. Stay tuned to find out if it was a risk worth taking...........Okay, back to the tuned in. So, Tad and I met at Zupas....-.6 points for uncreativity...(Author's side note: My main form of punctuation is ....... . And, Zupas is fine and dandy for a girl friend's get together lunch, but I don't want a lunch joint for dinner). Well, dinner went well, we ate, we talked we cracked jokes, we discussed, we awkwardly silenced; you know, everything a normal date has to offer. We sat in Zupas till 9 when he offered his place for a movie. (What is it about guys that they think that "yeah, this chick and I just met. Taking her back to my empty place is a great idea. Let's see if she'll go for it." No, I don't want to go back to your place on the first date. Don't you know that as a girl I'm supposed to protect my carnal treasure and going back to your place for a movie is not part of the game plan. We all know that means "I think I've satisfied one of the three things I need. Now, if you say 'Thank you' and appreciate my efforts I've only got one thing left before I'm a happy man. And that one thing that is holding me back is waiting back at my dark, empty house nestled under a blanket on my oh so comfy couch. So, I kindly decline on the premise that I have to be up early in the morning. So, we talk for another few minutes and we end scene. Now, Tad was fun company. I won't give him a total bad rap for the evening. Conversation did flow well, we didn't have a lack of things to say or discuss. He has a sense of humor so that also adds nicely to the evening. He is a grown up with a real job and a life going on for himself. Now, since the date Tad and I have been in textual contact. He keeps mentioning how hot I am. and asking how my hot body is and blah blah blah blah. Gag me please. Now, Tad, my bit of advice for you....calm the hormones down. Girls do like to be complimented. But being called hot over and over just makes us feel like a cooking piece of meat. It doesn't sound very sincere. It just lets me know you were checking out my body while I was talking. Now, if you were to mention my sparkling personality, my radiating smile, and my elegant body type, I think 'wow, what a sweet guy.' and it adds way more points than knowing that you find my rear end a good asset to my life. Now, for the rating. I give this date a 4.

Date 1

This weekend I went on a date with *Nate. We went to dinner. I gave him a little criteria on what type of food (no Italian) and he picked out this quaint little Thai restaurant....Go Nate! My favorite. Dinner was good. He was very attentive to everything I needed. He was a great listener and good conversationalist (kept his eyes level instead of a few inches lower), and even though he was nervous he still was able to keep the awkwardness at bay.
After dinner we went to do some bowling. Now, I love bowling as a first date because it helps to see the other person's personality a lot. Are they competitive? Can they let loose and have fun? Are they coordinated? Nate is in a bowling league and so I was interested on how the answers to the previous questions would unfold. It was all fine, he wasn't even perturbed by my gutter balls. Now, when a guy takes me bowling as a date I require that one game is played as wacky bowling. Now, everything and anything goes, except for your normal groove. Nate was such a good sport about this and we had a lot of fun. As we started wacky bowling the group next to us started to join in on the fun and do the same. As obvious as the copycatting was we couldn't ignore them so,  we both became friendly and talkative the their group....another point for Nate. He is social and plays well with others. Now, the one problem I had about the date is that Nate was a touchy feely guy. Now, I don't have a problem with that, except on a first date. I understand that as a guy it's essential to not be put in the friend zone from the beginning and to break that physical barrier as soon as possible. But, on the first date we don't need to give a hug or a lingering hand hold/high 5 after every frame. It was a little too much for me. And, makes me question...is he sincere or just trying to get to the action as quickly as possible? So, Nate, as a future tip to you, hold off on acting like a couple until you're date has decided whether or not she likes you. Otherwise, it could have the reverse effect and cause even more walls to go up. Overall rating for this date: successful. I would go out with Nate again, but I need to figure out a way to slow down the 'coupleness' of it all

Here's the Deal

So, here's the deal on this here blog, I'm your regular girl in my mid twenties. There's not really anything extraordinary about me. I have normal hobbies, hopes, dreams, habits, etc. I however do have a little bit more vocal and brutal opinion on things. I'm slightly cynical and sarcastic. Some say I'm a bit of a pessimist, but I believe I'm just more of a realist. Now that my readers know a little bit more about me I'll start in on why we are here. Dating. It's a quintessential part of every young woman's life. You have family, friends, work, school, and the big one, dating. It's what is on every young single girl's mind. Will I meet some hunk today? Will he be funny? Smart? Will he be too short? Cause, too short is a huge problem, almost as big as a problem as a voice that is too high. Now, some may say that I'm harsh on this one, but I have a deeper and more sedative voice. So, if I go on a date with a guy who has a higher voice than I do people will just start to notice that I'm also taller than he is, could beat him in an arm wrestle, and probably picked up the check. Now, any one of those on it's own is no problem. But with all those combined (which happens occasionally) it's very detrimental. The most important of all issues though is the chemistry. Will there be chemistry? Now, I know what you're saying... this is a lot to question about something that hasn't even happened yet. I don't know if you noticed but all my questions are based on a hypothetical situation. Now, that's kinda where I separate myself from the average chick. I don't care. I take things as they come--mostly. So, I thought I'd give the world the entertainment of seeing into my dating realm. From now on I will blog about my dates. I got this idea from a friend recently. She said that it could be very entertaining for some folks to view dating through my eyes. So, I agree and here is the basic format.....the activity, the chemistry, the highlights, the low lights, and finally a rating of success and also an improvement section. The names of my dates will be changed to protect the innocent. If they are not innocent I will air their dirty laundry from the match makers rooftops. Let the fun begin!