Friday, September 24, 2010

Another horrible blind date...

OK, so I mentioned recently that I'm going to delve back into the dating world. I didn't really have a plan, but figured I'd just be open to whatever.

A few weeks ago at church, I ran into this older guy who is always very nice to me. He means well, but is a bit off kilter. Anyway, out of nowhere, he asks if I'd be interested in a set-up. (I had not said a word about dating.) So, it was one of those moments where I was very caught off guard and didn't really feel like I could say no.

I agreed to the set-up, not knowing WHO he was setting me up with or ANYTHING about this individual. Also, Fred & his wife were going to join us. The date was set for tonight, at Red Lobster - of all places. (It should be noted that I do not like seafood and have been to Red Lobster one other time in my life.)

I walk in and this guy comes up next to me, like he knows me. Oh, it's him...it's my date. Um, let's just say, NO...heck no.

I know, I'm about to sound super snotty and judgmental, but here goes...

He was overweight and just a little hillbilly-ish for my taste. I'm guessing he's in his 40s (I'm 33). Fred arrives, without his wife, so I know the awkwardness is just beginning.

We are finally seated and conversation is a struggle. It turns out me and my date have almost zero in common. He likes to hunt, ride motorcycles, and pours cement for a living. He doesn't watch tv, so we couldn't even discuss a funny show. He also mentioned going to "movie shows." I wasn't sure what a movie show was...then realized he was talking about movies. Um...ok?

I'm dying for the date to end...when the waiter offers to get our checks. He asks how we want them. Fred says he's on his own. I'm waiting to see what my date says...and he says NOTHING. So I said, "Um, we're separate too." I got to pick up my own tab for this awful experience - BONUS!

At this point, I assume the date is nearly over...since the bills are paid. Fred then continues the discussion... UGH! Then he says he's going to leave us and let us chat for a bit. Are you KIDDING me? What body language from this evening has led you to think this guy and I will have any conversation?

So Fred leaves...and we are sitting there. To make matters worse, our waiter drops by to say he doesn't care how long we stay...he's fine with not getting another table. Thanks a lot, buddy...you're a big help.

My date couldn't have been more awkward and non-conversational. So finally I said, "ya know, we can just go..." I told him I'm sure I'll see him at church sometime and said it was nice to meet him.

Seriously...I open myself up to this again and THIS is my first experience? Really? REALLY???

The BIG Haircut!

Well, I did it. I finally did it!

This past Saturday, one of my best friends accompanied me to the salon...and the hair was CUT! We cut off 2 pony tails (12" each) and then cut about 4 more inches off the rest. So, 16" lighter feels fantastic!

When my stylist went to cut the first pony, she asked if I was ready. Honestly, I didn't even flinch. I told her to go for it! Then she said she was going to cut more and I was still fine with it. I think THAT signifies how ready for a change I was. The more she cut, the more excited I was!

The final cut turned out great and I'm loving it! First of all, I can't believe how much time my long hair took. I think the short hair takes less time to style and I feel like I no longer need to "plan ahead" for hair style time.

Bottom line...I wish I'd done it a long time ago! I'm sure I'll have it long again, but for now, I'm going to enjoy my new SASS!



The ponytails I donated to Locks of Love...


Friday, September 3, 2010

Haircut update and other ramblings...

OK, so, I've decided to get the haircut! In 2 weeks, I will no longer wear a ponytail. I will no longer feel it swinging back and forth when I run. I will no longer spend an hour straightening it. I will no longer be hot ALL the time, because of the 6 pounds of hair on my head. I will no longer feel like I have a pet, due to all the hair I shed throughout my house.

All in all, I'm pretty much ready for it. Of course, that could change if I end up hating it... But, each day I feel like it's the right decision, even if it's a major one. While I'm curious how men will respond/react to me with shorter hair, I can't keep it long "just in case." Hopefully, the right guy will like me, regardless of my hair length.

On to other news...I've been thinking lately that I need to get back into the dating game. I just realized that it's been a while since I've been on a date. At first, it was intentional. I'd been on another horrible set-up and swore them off afterward. I decided that I would no longer "put myself out there," because I'd done it too many times with crap results.

So, I haven't been on any set-ups, blind dates, online dating - NOTHIN'!

So how does one get back in the swing?

Well, I joined a free online dating service (I know, they're not great - but I'm too cheap to pay). Oh. Wow. I don't claim to be perfect, but some of the guys I've come across...

First of all, my profile clearly states my religious affiliation. And, no, I don't require that my mate share the same denomination. However, they DO need to share my belief in God. I make that pretty clear in my "bio." I point out that God and church are an important part of my life.

I have friends, and even family, who are non-believers. While I don't agree with their beliefs, it doesn't affect our relationship. But, I think in a couple, it's important to be on the same page in that area.

I'm saying all of this because at least half of the "messages" I've gotten, are from men who clearly state they are "non-religious."

If I'm reading a guy's profile, and I find him attractive/interesting, then see that he's non-religious - well, I'm probably not going to message him.

So, it sort of gets me that these guys still message me anyway. Yes, I know, I sound like a snot - I'm aware. Really, I say believe what you want. But, for me, it's important that my mate has a relationship with God.

Some of the other guys who've messaged me are just plain creepy or super old. Why does a 48 year old man message a 33 year old woman?

Also, it would help if EVERYone who dates online would use a CURRENT and ACCURATE picture of themselves. I love when a guy has 6 pictures on his profile and I come across one that's attractive. Then, the next picture is him 50 pounds heavier and looking older. Which one is he? Right now, my profile pic is with long hair, but I'm sure I'll change it to the short hair after my haircut.

So, my first foray back into the game is a fail. And, everyone I know is married...so I'm not quite sure if any set-ups are in my future.

Any suggestions from my fellow bloggers would be welcome!