Stretch = douche

Sorry for the graphic title of this post, but it's fitting. Rewind to last Wednesday. I met Stretch for coffee. It went well. We planned to meet again for sushi the following day at noon. I get to the restaurant, he's not there. I sit down. I wait. And wait. I text him, no response. I finally leave at 12:30. A couple of hours later I get a text from him, apologizing profusely...something about sleeping through both of his alarms. He promises to make it up to me and spends the next two days apologizing. We make plans to have dinner on Sunday, but didn't set a time. Sunday rolls around and I don't hear from him. I give up. RIP Stretch, d-bag.

In other dating news, I have my next IJL date tonight. He's a doctor. Enough said.

Last night I was looking through my recent emails from guys on match. I came across one whose profile was very similar to mine, as in "I could have written it" similar. We ended up chatting for a while and are meeting up for coffee tomorrow. I'll call him Badge, since he carries one for his job (nope, not a cop). Oh, and get this....I told him where I work and he asks if I know someone who works here, Stan, because he plays basketball with Stan. Well, remember Tex? Tex also played b-ball with Stan. I asked if he knew Tex, and sure enough, he does. Small world. His exact comment was something like "Yeah I know Tex, that guy is so irritating." Precisely!

Dating burnout

I think I'm burnt out on this whole dating thing....it's sort of like going on 3-4 job interviews a week for, what, 12 weeks now? I mean how many frogs will I have to kiss to find my prince (figure of speech, there's been none of that!). Do match makers still exist? I'm thinking an arranged marriage is the way to go....yes, I'm almost serious.

This week I'm going out with Johnny. I would say I'm excited about it, but I'm really not excited about dating in general right now. We are going to sushi, so I am looking forward to that :)

I was supposed to go out with Tex last Friday, but I had a bronchoscopy on Friday morning and wasn't feeling up to it. Well, I could have gone and been okay, I guess I just didn't feel like hanging out with him. I'm guessing we will go out some night this week.

Wow, this blog is so depressing! Sorry...how about a joke to lighten up the mood? Warning, it's a gross one:

Q: What's the most popular pick up line at the gay bar?
A: Can I push in your stool?

Haha...

Sorry bud, you're just not that cool

Okay, I need to update you on two dates I've been on lately. The first was on Monday night with Pharm. It wasn't so much as a date as it was two people hanging out and grabbing dinner. He texted me after work and said he was craving a Bloomin' Burger and asked if I had dinner plans. There's no way I can resist one of those, so off I went. Pharm really is a nice guy, and I do enjoy spending time with him, just not it "that" way. After dinner he insisted on buying me Cold Stone. I tried to pay but he wouldn't let me. Like I said, he's a nice guy.

Last night I went to the movies with Slot. He had emailed me last week and asked if I wanted to "hang out" again. I didn't really want to do anything that would require a ton of conversation, so we went to see Step Brothers (which was pretty funny, with bits of disgusting stuff, as you would imagine with a Will Ferrell movie). There's just something about this guy that bugs me. He has this attitude that he is God's gift to women...which he most definitely is not. He owns a house and has a good job, and I think those accomplishments just brought him to a new level of cockiness. If he were super hot, I could sort of understand the attitude, but he's just not cute enough to pull it off (and no, I'm not saying being hot is an excuse, but it does make it slightly more understandable). Will I hang out with him again? I don't know, it will probably depend on whether or not I have something better to do. Wow, that sound harsh...such is the world of dating.

I think on Friday I am actually going out to dinner with Tex, so that's exciting. Next week I'm having sushi with a guy who lives out of town, but comes up here fairly regularly for business. And what do you know, he's also in pharmaceutical sales. What do I name him? Pharm 2? That will get way too confusing. Oh, got it....his name is Johnny (yes, an actual name), because the place where he lives is referenced in a Johnny Cash song. I am stretching that one...

Two Guys from Hong Kong

I had a date with Tex Friday. We had both had busy weeks, so decided to do something low key. I met him at his house, then we drove to a bar to have a drink. The plan was to stay there for a little while, then grab some take-out and head back to his house to watch some movies. While walking into the bar I noticed a Chinese restaurant a few doors down, called "Two Guys from Hong Kong." I know, cool name! I ran down to grab a menu. When I showed it to Tex, I kid you not, this is what he said: "Oh, I think I have a coupon for that place." He goes out to his truck and grabs a giant coupon book, and starts flipping through it.

Okay, I am all about coupons. I love them, they're great. I mean it's like having free money. BUT, are they really something you want to whip out on a 3rd date? We already had the menu and the place was really cheap, like $8 per person for a complete dinner. And don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with a guy being thrifty. Thrifty is good, it shows financial responsibility. But there is a fine line/slippery slope between thrifty and cheap....and I can't stand cheap. Had we been dating for some decent amount of time or something, it would have been different. But the 3rd date? Looking at our other two dates I'm sort of seeing a pattern. Evidence: Date #1- picnic; Date #2- he cooked; Date #3- tries to use coupons. Now, the picnic was great, and hanging out at his place was fun too. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy the dates, it's just I don't think I've ever gone out with someone three times without eating at an actual restaurant. So, to my loyal readers, what do you think? I mean obviously I'm not going to stop seeing him because of this, but I would still like your opinion...do you see it as some sort of red flag?

To show that I'm okay with being thrifty, I would like to share my shopping experience from yesterday. If any of you have a Dillard's nearby, go. Immediately. They have permanent 40% and 75% off racks, and they just rotate clothes through. I managed to get a $187 pair of super cute jeans for $44. I hit some sales at other stores, and bought five shirts for $35...the sales were great. Okay, maybe thrifty isn't the right word, more like smart shopping...but the point is I'm all about finding a good deal. Just not on the 3rd date.

Who would have thought...

Tonight was supposed to be my golf lesson/date with Golf. However, at around 3pm, we got a sudden downpour and hail storm. Yes, hail when it's been in the 90s. I really didn't know that was possible. The rain cleared up, but then there was lightening. I didn't think that standing by a lake, holding a metal rod was a good idea given the whether. So, our date has once again been rescheduled for next Tuesday.

Last Friday I was supposed to have a non-date with Pharm. I ended up working a little later than I expected and there was no way I could have been presentable by the time we were meeting, so I canceled. We are now getting together on Thursday.

Tomorrow I have a lunch date with another new guy, Lefty2. He is not to be confused with the original Lefty, who I had planned on meeting this week but couldn't because of work. Lefty2 seems very cool, except for the obvious flaw in political choice. We are meeting for lunch at a place pretty close where I work (and he only works a couple miles away).

Friday I am going out with Tex, and I am trying to figure out a time to go out again with Flight. Busy, busy, busy.

I told you so

Last night was my date with Tex. Overall it went pretty well. We went and hit golf balls. The place we went is set up so you hit into water, and there are little islands out there to give you a place to aim. Well we created a competition to see who could hit them the most. I was a way better golfer than he was, he could hit it okay but was pretty inconsistent. That inconsistency worked out though, because he would it the ball and it would randomly hit an island. Those of you who know me know I'm pretty competitive, so it was pretty annoying. I tried to smile and contratulate him, but let's face it, I hate losing. After golf we went to his house and he made tacos. They were pretty good, but not as good as the strawberry shortcake we had for dessert. Yummy. We hung out for a little while and then I headed home. At the beginning of the date I was a little uncomfortable, but by the end I was having a good time.

When I got home I had an email from Pharm. I was fairly sure I wouldn't hear from him again. He basically said that he understands and that you can't help it if it's just not there. He did say he would like to hang out as friends with no expectations or anything, and he would leave the ball in my court to see if I was sincere about my offer to do so. I was, so it looks like we will continue to hang out as friends. Unfortunately that probably means I'll have to pay for my own stuff...boo...But I am glad that it all seems to have worked out.

I did it...

After a lot of thought I decided to email Pharm. I've never received a "Dear John" letter, but I can imagine that it sucks. I basically told him that although I had a good time with him and appreciated everything he did, I just wasn't feeling the chemistry (which I think you should feel during the first date, let alone the third). I also said that I would enjoy hanging out with him in the future (friend zone), but that I understand if that's not what he's looking for. I feel really bad, but I think he deserved to hear what I needed to tell him before he takes me out and spends another $100 on dinner.

My date calendar is getting sort of ridiculous. I am now scheduling dates for next weekend (as in 10 days from now), because I'm pretty much booked solid until then. It is getting to the point where I am having a hard time keeping track of them. Through this whole process I've only made one mistake (I said something about the school Tex went to, then realized it was Slot who had gone to that school...oops...). It's weird, when I first signed up for match I had tons of dates, then is seems like the population dried up, and the number of emails I got suddenly went way down. Now, it's like the dry spell is over and I am back to getting at least 5 emails/winks from NEW guys each day. So I'm scheduling my dates like a doctor schedules his patients- book people every day, but leave spots open for emergencies (in this case, my favorites). I would hate for someone I really like to ask me out and have to tell them I'm available in 2 weeks.

Oh, Flight is back from vacation and I think we are going to meet for dinner in a town half way between us (remember, he lives an hour away). I suggested this and he said that I scored major points by offering to travel. Gold star for me!

Busy times ahead

Well, my social event calendar is filling up. I even have a few new guys to add to the mix.
First (and most important), I have another date with Tex on Wednesday. Nothing fancy, we are just meeting to hit golf balls. But I'm still excited about getting to know him better.

And now, I'd like to introduce Golf. Golf is 28 and a golf pro at a local country club. He is pretty darn cute, sort of has that punk look going on, but mixed with the preppy-ness of golf. I mentioned that I went to a driving range over the weekend and said I wanted to get lessons, and he offered to give me lessons! So we are meeting up for that and then grabbing drinks after. To everyone reading this, I was thinking that I should offer to pay for the drinks since he's giving me a lesson, but at the same time it's a date, so I'm not sure? Opinions?

I also am in the process of setting up a date with another guy, who I will call Lefty. I viewed his profile several times, but would always stop being interested when I saw "Liberal" listed as his political view. But when he emailed me, I decided to be open (since I don't want any of my prius driving friends accusing me of being a close-minded conservative). So I will probably be going out with him later this week or maybe next week. He is a lawyer and seems pretty interesting, so at the very least I think it will be fun. Perhaps we'll have to keep our conversation to such topics as the weather...

Fireworks

I am happy to say that my date with Tex went really well. I drove over to his house and then we drove together to watch the fireworks. He packed a picnic, complete with appetizers and dessert. We had planned to go to the park and sit on the grass, but we ended up parking in a little dirt parking lot thing on the side of the road where a lot of cars were parked for the show. Tex has a truck, so we just put the lawn chairs in the back and sat in the truck bed. We were really close (like 500 ft) from where the fireworks were launched, so it was awesome. Right away we sort of made friends with some people parked across from us, and the man, noticing the well-planned picnic, said that it must be our first date, since guys don't do stuff like that forever. We said he was wrong and that we had been together 15 years...and he actually believed us...yep, together since I was a freshman in high school.

Anyway, the whole night went really well. He is very stable (just bought a house), has a good job, but is still fun and doesn't act like he's 50 (unlike Pharm). That's the blend I've been looking for, someone who has their stuff together without making me feel like a little kid. I texted him the next morning to thank him and say I had a good time, and he texted back saying he a good time too, and that the last 15 years has really flown by. So, hopefully we'll be going out again...of course seeing how I am actually interested in him, he probably doesn't want to go out again. Murphy's Law strikes again...

Slots of fun

Okay, time for a recap of my date with Slot. I was looking forward to this date for a couple of reasons, first, because after emailing back and forth for well over a month I was really ready to meet the guy, and second, to see if my issues of not liking any of the guys I have met is because of them or because of me. For example, Pharm is a great guy, very nice, and very attentive (understatement of the year there)...he has the same goals for the future as I have, and, on paper, is great. However, the thought of him making a move on me sort of grosses me out. After undergoing the psychological consultation of a friend from work, I decided that my date with Slot was the perfect opportunity to see if I am really ready to date.

We agreed to meet at a bar/pub waaay on the other side of town from where we both live. Not sure why, but that's what I get for letting him pick (I later found out it's because his friend is a bartender so sometimes he gets hooked up with drinks). I get there at exactly the time we were supposed to meet and send him a text, asking if he's there. Nope, but he's on the freeway. He finally shows up 15 minutes later. Now, I understand that stuff happens, but how about calling someone if you are going to be more than 5 minutes late? Common courtesy, folks. Anyway, he gets there and goes into the bar, while I am still sitting in my car. I actually thought I saw him walk in, but wasn't sure. About 2 minutes later I get a text from him, and I tell him I'll be right in. I go inside and he has already gotten himself a drink. We get a table, and not once does he ask me if I want something. The waitress comes around and I order myself a drink. The first thing I notice is that the pictures he had on match were definitely his good pictures. He is good looking, just not quite on the level I was expecting. We actually ended up talking for about two hours, which sort of shocked me. Overall he is a nice guy, and I would like to hang out with him, but I can't see us having any sort of long term thing, he just doesn't seem like my type. OH, and he paid for his beer that he had ordered at the bar before I was there, but then the bill came for the other beer he ordered and my drink. He made no sort of movement to pay for it, so I had my money out (I wasn't going to be held hostage again, especially not for my $5 drink), then said he would pay because he had made me wait 15 minutes. Um, how about paying because you're the boy and you asked me out?

The important thing about the date is the thought of him making a move does not gross me out. So I have come to the conclusion that it's not me, it's just luck of the draw with the guys I've dated so far. And yes, I am going to give Pharm another chance, just because he is a nice guy and I don't want to be the girl who got flowers and then never talked to the guy again...that would almost guarantee that I would never again in my life get flowers, and that's just not a risk I'm willing to take.

Also, I need to introduce a new guy to the blog, Tex. Tex is from the area, but went to school in CA and then to grad school in Texas. He just bought a house (with a pool, perfect for summer) and is a sewer engineer (which sounds like a fancy name for a plumber or something, but actually he designs systems or something like that). Anyway, we've been talking for a week or so. I was supposed to go out of town for the weekend, but do to a little logistical mix-up was left here on the 4th of July with no plans. He happened to text me and ask what I was doing, and when I said nothing, he suggested we do something. There is a big fireworks show, so we are going to the park where it all happens and having a picnic....sort of necessary to get there really early to claim a spot, so we figured we could multi-task and eat while claiming our territory.