And I'm Off

I leave Wednesday for New York. I'm only staying until Friday but I'm so excited for the time I have there!

I asked Harry to accompany me and it brought up all the conversations about why and how I could leave him for a year. So, with the trip growing closer and rates growing higher, I resolved myself to my unarguable state of adulthood.

I can travel alone.

I have GPS on my phone so I can navigate the streets. Machines are second best to a travel companion. I got a free cruise thing with my Expedia booking so I will have something cool to do Thursday afternoon. That is, after I scour the American Museum of Natural History. I'm looking at it as my two nights to live like Rachel, Phoebe, Carrie Bradshaw, Jerry Seinfeld and that chick from Coyote Ugly.

Well, I was until Harry called me and said, "I will go with you. I don't understand but if you want me to go, I will." He said he would wait for me - for an entire year- if he had to - and he didn't want me going alone. We booked tickets for him within the hour. My blood pressure went down about 100 points- as did my desire to leave the country for a year.

I now merely have to follow him like a pup to the next destination, not grip my pepper spray like a wimpy country mouse and won't be tempted to talk it out with myself as I walk through the streets.

So, I have the schedule all written out, dinner reservations for Thursday night and am just now taking a break from ironing, packing and trying on clothes for the trip. I'm so excited- I adore action, busyness and feeling like I'm in the middle of LIFE.

With my man.

Guess who has an interview in New York City?

ME!

Thaaat's right- April 29th at 10 a.m. I'm planning to go enjoy myself Wednesday-Friday. I promised Harry I would run a race with him on Saturday so, I shall return for our 5k.

And by the way, I'm telling him tonight. It's been sort of the unspoken subject for the past several weeks. I sent him this huge email explaining all my reasoning for wanting to go on an adventure, live my life, advance my career, etc. He's not thrilled. He tried to be supportive, but he's not for it. Bottom line.

It's understandable- he wants the opposite. Us to be together, not thousands of miles apart. But me, being inside my body and not his, wants the support of my partner.

And I want a traveling buddy. I admit I have been coward-like and invited my sister and 3 other girlfriends to go with me (all unavailable). So, who knows if it would be a good idea for him to go, or if he could. But doing NYC alone is not as inviting as with a companion.

But, let me put a plug in for the mom. I need some medical history for this application process. So, that's one thing I need to make the mom call on. And I haven't mentioned any of this stuff to her- but I need to if I'm traveling to New York. I was in between the gym and dinner with like 20 minutes for a shower and clothing change and we talked about her Zumba class for like, 15 minutes before I had a chance to get to the topic so I just said, "Do you have my medical history?" She said, "I'll look. Want me to mail it?" And no further questions! Thank you God for my not nosy mom!!!

So, I'm about to pass out from sleeping 6 hours last night and doing Step and Sculpt today. Right now I think I love my life.

The Schedule

April 12. The day I am supposed to hear from the London program I applied for as to if I have an interview or not.

I was thinking that was a long time away but its Monday. I haven't heard anything yet. If I do get an interview, I will fly to New York City for it.

So, upcoming April-May, my little sister will graduate May 8, all my family is coming to visit (even my sister and her hubby and baby from Europe!). May 23-25 I'm going to Kansas for my cousin's wedding. And somewhere in there, I might be taking a trip to NYC.

My sister and I also want to take a two-week trip to Costa Rica in June or July.

And then perhaps I will leave for London in August.

I'm really excited at the prospect of all this- I miss airports and planes. Even though my parents will be on the only flight I have confirmed thus far, I have high hopes for my summer travels.

Side note: Harry was invited to the wedding (by me) but he doesn't have enough money.

So, basically, I'm going to work, putting up with the insanity, trying to leave by five and ready for an invitation to take a leap from my current life to my next adventure.

Until then, I will be excited about my flight to my family reunion!

Relationship SWOT Analysis

I had a great weekend. My sister and I went to Harry's for Easter weekend (yes, he is still around) and hung out with his family, watched basketball and relaxed. It was really great- so good to hang out in a family atmosphere, great to get Harry's hugs and affection, and to just have a quiet(ish) weekend based on all American family company and values.

Sometimes this is what I long for- hugs anytime I want, people to co-exist with and time to relax and not get caught-up in the weekend/evening rush of filling the time and loneliness with random entertainments and night scenes. Time to enjoy someone who knows me and I know them. Its a relaxed scene without masks, unknowns and wild cards. Gosh its nice to have that rest.

But then, I've never really been one to rest. One totally stagnant summer in my college days I definitively decided that I would choose to be overloaded than bored any day. So, when I get rested up, I'm thirsty for that sensory overload and have more energy for the work it takes to get out in the bustle and am even energized from it.

So that makes it really complicated when considering settling down, getting married, having kids, owning a home, folding clothes x2, having to cook from time to time, keeping pantries stocked and all those other things that the person you don't have to wear your mask around depends upon in a partnership.

Somewhere along the way I've picked up the advice that when "you know you know" or "when its right you'll know." But gosh, I like Harry and he likes me but marriage scares me to death! So based upon the above ideology, I would then be lead to believe, "when you don't know, the answer's no" or, "When it's wrong, you won't know." But I don't know if it's that simple. Gosh, I wish it was.

I tend to focus on everything that's wrong with us- all the things that bother me- because those are the areas of improvement, right? The other things are in the bag- up to par, so lets attack, analyze and obsess over those other top 10 items in the SWOT analysis under W and T.

Like, why the heck did he buy a freaking 4-bedroom house in no-mans land? He only uses the living room and bedroom (well, and both bathrooms) for goodness sake (oh man, come to thing of that, my stupid toilet is waiting for me to unclog it, UGH, come on, its TOILET PAPER! WHY are you clogging with mere PAPER. Love the 'efficient' water saving feature but when I have to flush 3 times to get the job done, it counter acts this selling point!! And I only have one bathroom by the way so it is mission essential). Anyway, It takes 20-30 minutes to get to any decent store, restaurant or venue and another 30 to get out of the suburbs into the city. And, I never thought of myself as a gold digger but his attitude towards money and finances is REALLY an issue. He can't go overseas with me this summer because of $$ and I'm pretty sure he is the higher earner- and has 5 years of working on me (which should equate to 5 years of savings, right? Especially living at home for the starting out years?). I have this ideal that a man should be able to take care of me. My mom stayed home, my sister stays home. I like working and having a life not centered on the home but I really like the idea that my man can take care of me 100%. Thats manly to me.

So that rant being said, what's under S & O? His strengths include loyalty, 100% dedication to me, communication and his ability to relate to me. He writes me emails everyday during the week still. Some are just day to day conversation but some are just sweet little things he wants to keep in the front of my mind. He tells me his intentions- to be with me. He wants me and all of me. He finds me attractive inside and out and I don't have to feel any doubt of not living up to his ideals. He wants to be my other, accompany me as I go about my life and me to be by his side as he goes about his. He is very particular- he wants the best and will work for it. He keeps his house impeccably clean, sends really pretty flowers and remembers details. Opportunities include a partnership, a lifetime of enriching one another. Being with someone that only wants one kid (maaaaaybe two if the first one goes reeeeeeaaaaaally well) and having those little major things in harmony with one another. Also, on the more surface level, having someone to follow you to the car place, keep you from being completely miserable during a stomach flu and share trash duty with (actually, I'm happy to give that one up 100% :).

So, all that poured out, is it my love for variety, unknowns and autonomy that are confusing me and keeping me from wanting to plan a June wedding or is it my 20/20 vision of all the threats and weaknesses? Sure, time reveals all but I'm tired of waiting. I waited 3 years with Mr. Nice Guy. Harry and I are coming up on a year and I'm ready for some answers.

So, here's to all the other impatient, confused and searching souls out there. May we enjoy a night on the town AND a night on the couch in the near future to appease our bipartisan needs.

What is your language?

Languages are something that have intrigued me since I won first place in a spanish competition in 10th grade. I enjoy playing with words within the English language as well as the handful of other languages I have brushed across in my lifetime.

For example, OoloreyLA (and thats the phonetic spelling, not anything actually accurate), in my Nigerian friend's native tribe's tounge is one of the most fun words I've come across. I asked her to teach me one word and OoloreyLA was it. I finally got the meaning out of her after I practiced it multiple times.

"Well," she says incredulously, "It means Big Head."

The first time I ran into a Nigerian other than my friend was paying for parking at the airport. Upon learning of her origin I got so excited and started screaming OoloreyLA at her, waving my hands and widening my eyes looking for her excitement to recognize her native language. She merely looked slightly taken aback and laughed at the silly white girl across from her and handed me my change. My friend never told me that was not a good idea to scream Big Head at her fellow Nigerians. Who knew?

Another family of languages intrigues me outside of those just spoken. Love languages. Gary Chapman wrote a book about these called The Five Love Languages, first introducing it to the world. Its basically about the way we show and receive love.

The five love languages according to Chapman are:

• Personal Touch
• Acts of Services
• Giving of Gifts
• Quality Time
• Words of Encouragement

You can research the gist of the book on the internet if the face value of these aren't enough to quench your thirst but they are self explanatory enough on a surface level to get my drift. Or you can be an over achiever and take the love language test here.

So anyway, in college, I decided my love language was physical touch. Any touch was just an opening for the warm fuzzies and fair game to bring home and analyze for hours with my roommate. Later, when I was dating someone less talkative and more touchy feely, I decided my love language was words of encouragement. I would ask each time before we got off the phone, "Tell me something nice, please."

Now, I'm dating another personal touch person and have decided Acts of Service is more my game. I mean, I melt when he takes out the trash and weed eats my yard. Or, when he is scurrying around my feet picking up all I dropped on the floor in the kitchen. But, I also really dug him bringing me flowers. And I really long for our time together...

So, with all that changing of my mind, I finally decided which one I actually am. All 5. That's right, I said it. I am penta-lingual. Perhaps thats why men rarely appeal to me because rather than having one overarching need for feeling love, I instead have five enormous, love needs that pose incredible hurtles when it comes to dating me.

But, rather than look at the downside, I'm actually feeling pretty good about this, actually I'm rather elated. How cool is it that I am penta-lingual? I mean, think about how many people you know that speak 5 languages. Um, like, .02? And if you did know someone, I bet they would just be the coolest chick/kid ever! So, not only do I receive love in 5 ways, I also can give it in 5 ways.

So, my task now is to purposefully show my love to Harry in the 5 specific ways this weekend and see what his reaction is. And, gauge mine. Then, we can see if I really am what I have just claimed to be. I will report back later...

Kisses!

Its a Mad World

I mad at Harry. I can't remember why exactly. I'll blame it on being menstrual. But I'm not telling him that.

I'm still mad too- even though I know its silly. I want to be mad at him for it raining all weekend and for living 1 hour 45 mins away from me. Its also his fault that I had to go to two different Walmarts today to get the on sale Garmin. I even (criminal this is, I admit) want to yell at him for not being able to read my mind.

Mostly I'm mad because he hasn't called me yet to call me out on being stupid for being mad. He's probably smarter than I'm giving him credit for considering he hasn't called me while in this state.

I heart my man.

The Way to a Man's Heart...

Well, what does a brand new couple do for a date night in? Cook us some dinner. It was cute. We grocery shopped. We rinsed and chopped. We blended and seasoned. We danced around the kitchen in harmony, wearing aprons and oven mitts.

Actually, it was more like me and my happy-nervous energy chopping as much as I was dropping as Harry (aka Mr. OCD Cleaner) squatted on the floor, picking up bits of onion and celery. I would use a knife, come back to it, and it would already be in the dishwasher.

We used about every dish in the kitchen. When I asked where his dish drainer was he replied, "What, some big contraption to take up room on my counter?" I mean, what was I thinking? Obviously the correct process is to lay them on a towel and hand dry immediately. Who would ever consider that contraption an extra, easily accessable, highly desireable place to store the dishes?? Nooo, not me!

I swear the boy must not eat real food ever. He about melted on the floor eating something cooked in his own kitchen that he'd never tasted before. That kitchen was cleaned in about 3 minutes following the meal and in 3.5 we were tangled up together on the couch.

So, if you need a recipe to that will bring a man to his knees (ok, only if he is fabulously clean and you are spaz-tastic like me), or just want something fabulous to cook for whenever, I have the recipe listed below. Thanks Rachael Ray!!!

Spicy Shrimp Burgers

Ingredients

• 1 pound raw peeled and deveined small shrimp
• 1 celery stalk with green, leafy tops, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 small to medium yellow skinned onion, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped
• 1 clove garlic
• A handful parsley leaves
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose seafood seasoning, found near fish department (recommended: Old Bay)
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon hot sauce (recommended: Tabasco)
• 1 lemon, zested
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
• 4 English muffins, sandwich size plain or sour dough flavor
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise or reduced fat mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chili sauce or salsa or taco sauce
• Butter or Boston lettuce leaves

Directions

Divide the shrimp in half. Put half the shrimp into a food processor and grind it up. Transfer the shrimp to a bowl using a rubber spatula. Add the whole shrimp to the bowl. Add celery, onion, bell pepper, garlic and parsley to the processor and pulse-grind it into a fine chop. Add the vegetable mixture to the shrimp. Add half a palm full of crab boil seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, lemon zest, salt and pepper to the bowl, to season. Stir the shrimp mixture to combine.

Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium to medium high heat. Add extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan in a slow stream. Use a large metal scoop to scoop 4 mounds of shrimp burger mixture into the pan. Gently pat down to form patties. Fry patties 3 to 5 minutes on each side, until they firm up and the shrimp turn whitish-pink.

Split and toast the sandwich size English muffins. Mix mayonnaise and chili sauce, salsa or taco sauce. Place burgers on muffin bottoms and top with lettuce. Slather the top of the muffins with sauce and set in place.

The Home Debut

I went and visited Harry at his home this weekend.  Sure, I got lost on the drive over.  No, I did not call him for specification on the route as I wanted to impress him with my superior navigational abilities.  And yes, I probably accidentally told every female at work that day, "I have a date tonight!!"

Oh my gosh, did you know single, thin, clean, straight men exist???  His home is impeccable.  He vacuumed baseboards for me.  A couple notes on his house before we move on:

• 4 BR/2BA (I wasn't allowed to see one of the spare bedrooms, haha)
• Dining room is 100% empty. Nada stick o furniture.
• Huge TV with every channel. (I get 10 channels on my borrowed TV)
• He vacuums lines into his carpet.  It is fun to make footprints in the freshly vacuumed floors.  Even more fun to jump waaay out and then back, making it look like you had to fly there to make your mark.  I totally impressed him I think.
• His refrigerator and pantry are completely vacant.
• Empty rooms are great for yoga lessons.
• His couch is the bomb.
• I loved it all.

And he asked me to be his girlfriend.  Like, for real.  He said the words.  

I giggled and just said yes.

Hey Now, I'm a Rock Star

Cutting my hair makes me feel like a rock star.  Probably because my mom always made us keep our hair long whilst experiencing childhood.  Oh, and there was that boyfriend that asked me to promise him I wouldn't cut it for a year (read about that and other shenanigans here).  Well, I have seen the light and fallen in love with cutting my crazy curly hair shorter and shorter each time.

Today I decided it was time to get some space between my hair and my shoulders.  Yup.  I did it.  I just walked in and told my cute little hair dresser to take it off.   She took off over 4 inches of hair AND even did the angled short in the back, long in the front.  

Its styled after Thandie Newtons hair here- but mine wont be that long for another month or two!  Now... if only I can snag the dress?

Off to get my items together for my trip to Harry's tomorrow.  Oh, and get prepared for an 8 a.m. meeting with Super (woo hoo).  

Other than the 8 a.m. rendezvous my Friday is looking pretty stupendous!!

The Day and Way I Fell in Like, Via Video Chat

I might be able to get used to this.

Harry is hanging in there like a champ.  And by hanging in there, I mean, being consistent in his attention giving (which is at a nice mid-high level, im only minorly freaked out at present by it), is still not showing any weird warning signs, and still laughs at my antics.

We have been on 5 dates and have two additionals planned.  

I admit, I have been reserved about all of this.  And I'm still proceeding with caution (thank you to my readers for the much appreciated advice!) but I think I did make a little leap last night.  I've been on the outside looking in I feel like- with this surreal, non dramatic, everything seemingly lining up budding relationship happening before my eyes.  Just observing and not really playing it emotionally- only sarcastically, sillily and just having fun.  

I'm still going to do that of course- have no fear, little miss sarcasm will always be here!!  But, last night I think I had a little bit of feeling stuff come up.  He lives about 1 hr 1/2 away so we don't get to see each other just wheneve.  Well, I got this new mac and we tried video chat last night.  It was the first time I had seen him in his house.  Poor guy, me and my strong personality have drug him all over my little town and my old big city, introduced him to people and put him in all new scenarios.  All the while with people looking at him like the weird dude I found on the internet.

But in his house last night, I saw a new side of him.  He was just laid back on the couch, chillin in his glasses (hot!).  We just laid back together (on our own respective couches) talked, and made funny faces at each other.  Something about the normalcy of it (I know, its not traditionally normal but it is was some other variety of norms), the just being at home and kinda being together but not actually made me just realize how much I really like being with him, seeing him and talking to him. 

So, Friday I'm going to his place for the first time.  And next Friday we are both taking the whole day off to just hang out.  

I think I just might have scored me a man.  

What did I do to him?

I'm used to being ignored by boys.

Ok, that's not exactly true.

I'm used to being ignored by boys once I:

a.) Show interest in them
b.) Kiss them
c.) Verbally state I like them
d.) Ask why they ignore me so much
e.) All of the above

Boys I don't give a crap about kissing, dating, etc. allow me to do, say, or ask for whatever I please and love it. I understand all of the above to some extent, but come on, its all annoying in the end.

So, that said, I'm starting to have a little issue. Well, not necessarily. Eh, who knows.

Harry and I met about a month ago and have been talking for two months now. We have been on 4 dates (wow!) and talk on the phone everyday. Here are some of the things he has said to me:

• I can't wait to see you 100 and 1/2 hours from now
• You can call me anytime
• You are so uniquely fun and exciting
• I go to sleep smiling after I talk to you
• Be careful
• I'm so excited

My question is, is all this too much being so soon? I tell him not to get carried away and he says too late. I'm not used to guys I actually consider being with, being this attuned to me, especially so soon. I mean, he can count very well, thus explaining the first one. My last two men of late have been incapable of counting to 10 in English, much less another language. But still. That is some counting. But more pointedly, that is thoughtful and attentive.

He says he thinks of me often. Its all so nice. He calls when he says he will. He truly, genuinely likes me.

I quoted the 100 hours line to my friend today and she exclaimed, "What did you do to him???!!"

Trust me, nothing like that dear. Nothing like that.

So, is this too much? Or should I just sit back and enjoy it??? I mean, I am a long time single single girl. I kill my own bugs. I sleep alone. I am prepared to fight the boogie man if need be. I mean, I have a steel baseball bat. And my fists. This chick is not used to men that are interesting, showing supreme interest in me!

What to do??

Maybe Its Working Out... !

Wow, I'm afraid to write this post in fear of if I publish these thoughts in writing, they can then be struck down to earth like one of those clay pigeons. But I feel that I owe you (and myself) some good news on occasion.

I might have been wrong.

There, I said it.

I might like Harry.

The Saturday Harry Date was comprised of a short little drive to meet up, and then proceeded to include a daytime sporting event, a cool 8:00 dinner and (since I wasn't tired of him yet) a visit to my favorite blues club. I got home at 4 a.m.

So, lets analyze. Why do I like this guy?

Break out the bullet points.

• He. is. so. easy. to. talk. to. And. fun. to. talk. to. Period.
• He came prepared. And was early.
• Omgosh, he is hilarious. And he gets my humor!
• He talks. About interesting stuff.
• He has a passion. And pursues it.
• He drinks beer and loves God. Maybe I shouldn't put those together but in my mind, they are in a way, quite intertwined.
• He write good.
• He is timely and considerate.
• On a cleanliness scale (as in housekeeping, not hygiene) of 1-10, he is a 9. His impeccable, nothing is out of place car proves it.
• He likes me.

Ok, thats all I can say for now, I'm already scared to say too much too soon. We have a tentative date for Saturday. Wish me and my insanity luck!

Newsflash!

Date with Harry tomorrow! Hmmmm... will this or won't this give me some spark action?

Who knows?! Ahhhh... The joys of dating!!!

And then We Met.

The Setting:

Me and Work Hubby riding to Lunch.

***

The Conversation:

Me: I had a first date last night. (With Harry)

Hubby: You're always doing something.

Me: Whatever, that was my first date in like 10 years.

Hubby: Hmph.

Me: I don't think I like him.

Hubby: Well, you never like anyone.

Me: Yeah, I know.

***

In my defense:

If I had liked someone so far, hopefully I would be with them. Just because I haven't fallen for anyone in a while (that likes me back and does something about it) doesn't mean I'm completely unpleaseable. And come on, it was the very first date product of online dating, how often does that one sweep you off your feet? You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you lay down the law and tell froggie #1928 that he better turn prince or you're out. (just kidding, I will never use the ultimatum tactic.)

***

Now What?:

I am considering seeing him again. I mean, it was far from awful, he was nice, courteous and even borderline funny. I just didn't feel the attraction vibe. And he made me talk to the hostess (bc he was scared). And I had to plan the whole thing and practically talk him into coming.

***

The Silver Lining:

I met a drummer at the beach who may or may not be gay but he plays gigs around my area and is pretty fun and way cute when on stage. We have become friends (its on facebook so its official) and he wants me to come to one of his shows soon. I love being with the band! Who knows what will happen or who I will meet!

***

The Conclusion:

So basically ladies, when one mans disappoints, give him at least one more try and know there are plenty more fishies and good times in the sea!!!

Third Base

Things with Harry are progressing. We email everyday. We chatted until 1 a.m. the other night. Oh, remember how I said if mid-week things hadn't moved forward I was going to say something? Well, a few days ago, he asked me if we could do a phone call and I freaked! I said I wanted to but not yet.

So, yesterday, I gave him my number. Ha! No call yet though. Plenty of emails though. Here's a couple things I've learned about him in the past week:

• He owns his house (I'm guessing its a 3/2)
• He plants flowers and such. And keeps them alive.
• Hes the oldest of 3
• He likes photography
• He is right handed

So, I mean, we are at like 3rd base of the pre-meet in this online dating world I would say. But, I'm afraid some of my opinionation and unyieldingness seeped through a bit. He asked me when the last time I went to an amusement park was. Well, since I'm so sharp (and over-analytic) I decided he was feeling me out of possibly taking me to one. So, yet again, I freaked.

Who the heck wants to go to an amusement park for their first meet and greet? I mean, I love them and all, just as much as the next 5 year old, but come on, who can keep up their cuteness at one of those places, especially in July. I had visions of getting partially wet and walking around yanking shorts out of my butt, my hair getting sweaty and fuzzy and mascara seeping all over my face. I mean, I just can't go there. What do you talk about when standing in one of those dreaded lines for an hour when you're pretty much miserable and bored anyway and feeling like cattle? Am I wrong or is that like the worst date on earth to go on with a stranger?

So, I shut him down. I said, "Um, like 2 yrs ago or something. Can't stand the lines." (notice how I couldn't even be bothered to spell out years). So now I'm worried he knows I'm over analytic, up-tight and melt in the heat. Yup, I'm totally reeling him in.

Online Dating Update!

So, as I mentioned two posts ago, the online dating world has been interesting to say the least. I would actually be getting pretty frustrated with it except for one guy that I have ended up talking to... lets call him Harry.


I keep thinking about this bald thing... I like I told you, he is cute with no hair, but being the little hippie wanna be that I am, I always go for the guys with the long, flowy hair and cry when they cut it. I like to run my fingers through it, stroke it, mess it, etc. But you know the thing that calms my spirit about this whole hair thing? Charlotte and Harry. From Sex and the City.

Charlotte is just completely gorgeous and Harry is just not but they are in love and he's so much better for her than the cute doctor she ended up divorcing or any of the other guys that paraded through her life. I'm not saying I'm as beautiful and glamorous as Charlotte or that Harry and my attraction (preemptive, I know) is so great and more fabulous than the long haired hippies of my past, I'm just say that I'm ok with dating, I mean emailing, the bald men of the world. And because of that, he will be called Harry.

So, we first wrote to each other about 2 weeks ago. We've only gone a day here and there without hearing from each other since. Its actually quite exciting. He's so funny. He's so nice. The things he says puts me at ease and I just just tell him stuff, I don't feel invaded upon or intimidated by his questions. I mean, of course I haven't told him anything out of the ordinary but all the basic stuff we've talked about has been just great. Sure, he adores sport and I don't have a clue about them, he doesn't have a clue about my undying love for art but we are different in ways that are compatible thus far.

So, we are now officially emailing from our actual email addresses (at his request, eek!) and hes so nice and completely interested in me thus far. We live like an 1 hr 45 mins away from each other and we both said we are ok with that. So, I am totally in the dark about how to go about this, what time lines are acceptable/normal or whatever but here's what I'm thinking.... I don't want to type to him too much more. I'm afraid if we get to know each other through simply typing and not actually voice or in person interaction we will be awkward in front of each other, like, I will know him too well on one level at not at all on another, you know? And I suck on the phone, I hate talking on phones, I've practically quit using one at work whenever possible, so I say, lets just meet and see if this is actually fun in person before we get too far into all this. Is that crazy?

So, I'm going to go along with this email thing until, lets say, the middle of this week, and then I'm going to just send him my number and tell him to get off his mac and call me. Then hopefully, a time to meet will transpire.

And yes, I already have bought a dress for our first date. Men inspire me. To shop.

The Wonderful World of Online Dating

A few of the highlights of the experience:

• Man, there's a lot of guys out there
• Wow, there's a lot of freaks out there
• Lots of people reject me
• I reject lots of people
• Its hard to reject a one armed man
• Apparently one armed men don't like me because he rejected me
• There are a few really cool guys
• The really cool ones don't talk to me or are already taken
• Mostly weird guys try to contact me
• After a while, I started to reconsider what are needs vs. wants
• Its all a little exhausting

So basically, its like real life just a little less personal, less embarrassing and a little quicker.

But, I will tell you this, its not all for naught. I've actually been emailing a really nice, funny, cute, bald guy. Ok, not bald, looks like he shaves his head. I'm not sure if that's a sensitive subject or not so I haven't asked what the deal is yet. His brother has a shaved head too so I was thinking maybe its personal preference? But, hes actually pretty cute with no hair. He's 30, I have no idea what his job title means, hes a christian and he uses words like "clinched" in written correspondence.

I think he senses some of my neurosis, however, I keep getting emails! Score! Wow, I don't know how this thing works, what happens from here?

Guess I'll let you know in the coming entries!