The Most Incredible Fireside

Went to a fireside where Henry performed along with seven other amazing, seriously talented incredible people. I was totally blown away by the singing, violin playing, opera selections and Henry. He sang this incredible song in Italian. He has such a beautiful voice. It was a night to remember for sure. He even asked me out for later in the week. He said he wanted to do something adventurous. I am looking forward to seeing what that means to him. Check back to find out.

One of my friends asked me if we were dating. I don't know how to respond to that. We date, yes, but I guess when you add the "ing" to the word date it changes the meaning completely. Do people have conversations about this? Do you just fall into it? I'm not sure. Right now, I am just having fun seeing where it takes me.

Shirley

My Half-Date with Henry and Laverne

I don't know if I should count this as a real date, but tonight Laverne and I went to see Henry perform in a show. It was fun and entertaining. I loved the song he sang it was amazing that he arranged. After we waited around while he went over notes from the show with some of the directors. It got uncomfortable there for a minute while we were waiting. I can't decide if we should have just left instead of waiting. I can't fully describe the sort of embarrassment that I was feeling while standing there waiting. It's like being back in junior high again. Ugh. I hate moments like that.

We went to a restaurant and got some appetizers while Henry ate dinner. I feel like I don't have much to say when I am with Henry. He talks a lot and asks questions, but I feel tongue tied or something. It's the strangest thing. I just really enjoy being around him. I feel good when I am. He is different from many of the people I have been meeting lately. I just feel like a bad communicator when he is there. As I sat there and listened to Laverne and Henry talking, I kept thinking, why don't I have anything to contribute to this conversation? What is going on? Why am I suddenly mute?

When we were leaving Henry gave both Laverne and I a hug good-bye. He told me that I looked fantastic (I don't think I will ever get tired of hearing such nice compliments - partly because they are from Henry and partly because it's just nice to hear that). I could listen to him talk, sing and play the piano all night.

When we were on the way home, he was driving next to us and at a stoplight he jumped out of his car and gave us two CD's of music - one spiritual and one fun. Interesting mix of music. I think that the music you like gives a little insight into who you are. I don't know much of the music on the CD's but it is fun to listen to.

Also, on the drive home on the freeway, Laverne once again got the looks from the guy next to us. He kept speeding up then slowing down to check her out. She's so lucky!

Shirley

A way with words.

I really wish you all could just hear the message left on my phone this week. It sounds even better than it looks:

"Hello Laverne...Hi. This is John...I don't know where I met you at...but I met you somewhere and I got your phone number somehow...so...it was a dance or something, I don't know...but you must be cute or I would have deleted it...so anyway...if you get a chance give me a call back. Let's see...I don't know if you remember me or not...but, if you could tell me a few things maybe I'll remember you. Alright...talk to you soon. Bye."

Sure John. We'll be talking real soon.

Laverne

Another Amazing Date with Henry

Tonight for our date we listened to a choir practicing for their Sunday performance and ate dinner on the top floor of this amazingly beautiful building. After we were walking around looking at the different rooms, Henry told me he had performed in many of the rooms for wedding receptions. He took me to this room with a piano in it and he sang me a 200 year old love song - while playing the piano, in a dark room with nothing but the outside lights from the city to cast a soft glow in the room. Yep. You heard me. Pick up your jaw, like I had to, he is unbelievably talented. I love listening to him sing.

I have always had a thing for guys who could play the piano. The fact that he can sing and play. Oh, no, I am in trouble. The song was beautiful, I wish I could tell you the name so you could hear it for yourself. I don't remember. I am so sad that I don't remember. I am trying to figure out a way to ask him, but I'm not quite sure how to bring it up. All I could think during the song was - I could listen to him sing everyday. Henry likes the song because it isn't cheesy, it's timeless and memorable. I am still smiling as I think about it.



I really like that he teases me, in a nice way, because sometimes people tease and it feels mean. I am comfortable with him, there hasn't been any awkwardness, I did almost run over some pedestrians while taking him to his car. That was just embarrassing and funny. He asks questions and I feel like he really listens to me and he remembers things I have said on previous occasions. I have a hard time with that skill. I think sometimes I just have major brain dumping after a conversation. I went to a fireside last Sunday and one thing the speaker said that look at how people treat people they don't need. He used the example of servers in restaurants, clerks at the store, etc. I am happy to say that Henry was super nice to the server and she was totally flirting with him. He didn't flirt back.

I am looking forward to next week and seeing him perform again. He asked if I wanted to go get dessert after. I am sure that it will be a fun night. Stay tuned...

Shirley

And Just Like That It's Over...

I got a call from Shane tonight. He told me that he was dating someone else and feels like it has reached a point where he wants to be exclusive with them. I can't decide if I should feel bad about this. Mostly I have been laughing. Not because it's funny, but because what else do you do? I mean we went on three dates - they were fun and I had a good time. I would have liked to get to know him better, but I don't really feel bad. I guess that's a good thing.

I tried to handle it with confidence and courtesy. I didn't want to be the worst version of what I have experienced when someone says they are no longer interested. I think that I did a good job.

Shirley

A Night of Beautiful Music

Tonight Shane came back into town on his way to his parents missionary homecoming. We went to dinner and to a show. It was a fancy night out- he asked me to dress up. Super fun. I love any excuse to wear a pretty dress. I had such a good time. I was prepared for the date to be good, but after last night's date with Henry, I wasn't sure if tonight would be as much fun. It was.


It had a completely different feel to it. Shane is more mature, possibly because he is older or possibly because he has had life experiences similar to mine. I'm not sure. He makes me feel good about myself and is easy to be with and fun to talk to. He is cute in a nerdy sort of way. I really like that about him. He looked really good in his suit and he has dimples. I'm kinda love dimples. He has so many funny stories from a mischievous youth. He is intelligent and is gainfully employed. I was totally prepared to have fun, but didn't think I would like him as much as I liked Henry. It took a few minutes to get the conversation going. Whereas with Henry the conversation gets going the second he arrives. He is a big bundle of energy. Shane is a little more subdued and subtle. Shane seems less intimidating to me. He makes me laugh and I am totally physically attracted to him. I enjoy his company each time we get together.

Two things that make me nervous: first, having two guys that I like. Only because it could get messy, people's feeling get hurt and because I haven't ever dated two guys at once. Second, if you date eventually it has to end for one or both of them. I get hurt or hurt someone else. I don't know if I can handle another rejection at this moment in my life and I don't want to reject anyone. I feel that being honest and direct with both of the guys is the best route to go. They both need to know that I am dating other people and they should feel free to do the same. How does one start of a conversation like that? Something to ponder...

Shirley

PS - I honestly don't think guys think about this stuff as much as we do. What do you think?

Finally!

I am writing this Tuesday night, but won't post until after my date Thursday. Henry finally called me back and we are going out Thursday night. I can't wait! I am so EXCITED! I think I might be a little bit smitten. Which is not necessarily a good thing. I am really nervous. I'm okay when it doesn't really matter, but when I sort of have feelings or expectations or excitement, I crash and burn. I get a little tongue tied and I usually end up embarrassing myself. Super! Hopefully it won't end up that way.

I've found a few pointers that may help. First, breathe, take slow deep cleansing breaths. Hopefully I can remember this. Second, tell yourself all the reasons why he should like you. You gotta psych yourself up and remember all the good things about yourself. Helps with the confidence, which most guys say is the best quality a girl can have. Third, remember this is just practice and if he doesn't like you someone else will. Fourth, he will probably be nervous too. I hope so. Fifth, don't monopolize the conversation - it's supposed to be like a tennis match, you can't keep the ball on your side of the net the entire evening.


I have to say that I am glad I have my friend (yes, you know who you are) for the initial introduction to Henry. I know that you will want a play by play of the night, don't worry I will be calling you with all the details. I am praying that nothing gets in the way of the date and we don't have to postpone or that I don't get rain checked, again. That's the real reason I won't be posting this until after Thursday. I somehow feel the universe will conspire against me and the date won't happen if I post today.

It actually happened...

Here goes...We met for dinner in the city. When he first saw me he gave me a hug and we started walking toward the restaurant. He turned around and said, "By the way you look amazing." *sigh* It is so nice to get compliments from guys. I am totally smiling like crazy at this point.

There was music playing in the background during dinner and he knew all the songs. He even sang a few of them. Which I found funny and endearing. We went to get ice cream after - even though it was 40 degrees outside. We ended up sitting in the lobby of the Megaplex talking. Just - talking. I really enjoyed getting to know him better. He has so many funny stories. When we finished he walked me to my car and on the way he asked if I wanted to go out again next week and if I would come to this show he is performing in if he gets me tickets (which is two weeks away). Umm. Yes please.

Here are my thoughts... This was one of my all time favorite first dates (even counting ones from my youth). Mostly because of the company, but partly because it was casual and relaxed and I wasn't as nervous as I thought I'd be. Henry is smart, articulate, funny, sweet and talented. All great qualities. I do wonder if once the shiny newness wears off if I will still think the same of him. And if he will think the same things about me. I know that it works both ways. Most of the guys that I have met or been hanging out with have either lost that shiny glow thereby turning into "just friends" or have become annoying instead of endearing and sweet. I am trying to trust myself to make good decisions, and that I will have the gift of discernment to weed out the wheat from the chaff so to speak. I have my date with Shane tonight. I know that will be fun too.

Shirley

PS - no mention of the bathroom phone call. Maybe later I will bring it up, well...who am I kidding, probably not. I think this is one of those situations where it's best to pretend it never happened.

Dumb Luck??? Am I Seriously This Unlucky?

I was out with Bob on Friday night, went to a game. I had my cell phone in my back pocket because we were going to meet up with Laverne, Roger and Rick to go dancing. I needed to coordinate arrival times, where to meet, etc.

While at the game I had to use the bathroom. Cell phone still in back pocket. I went back to my seat and a little while later I received a call from Laverne. When I hung up I noticed that my phone had dialed a few people. Guess who was on the list? Henry - OH NO!!! I'm not sure if he received a message of me using the restroom or the crowd cheering at the game or what? Please, please I am praying it was not a bathroom message. I am dying. I don't know if I should pretend it never happened or bring it up so we can laugh about it.

I am stunned that my phone actually dialed a number. I have it locked you have to push the OK button twice to get it to unlock. Then is has to scroll down clear to Henry's name. His name is not conveniently located at the beginning or end of the alphabet. How does this happen and why me? I feel like Henry and I are just not meant to be. I really want to go out with him, but don't think things are looking real good right now.

Here is an update though...he did call me back about the tickets I had. He said that he had a family thing so he couldn't make it, but that he wanted to know if I was available this week. He said to call back. I called back and got his voicemail. Curses to modern conveniences. I did leave a message asking him to call me back so we could discuss a day to go out. I haven't heard from him - yet. I am pretty sure that he must think I am an idiot after the Friday night message. Lucky for me I can laugh about this and once again chalk it up to practice. I'm sure there are worse things that could have happened. Not sure what they would be, but there are worse things. Right? Please feel free to share your embarrassing stories so I don't feel so bad...please.

Shirley

Laverne's Pathetic Update

I've had a few requests for a Laverne update and since it would only take a minute, I thought I'd indulge you all. Here it is in a nutshell:

• Jerry and I have gone out a couple more times, but since it has come to the point where there is clearly nothing there, I've let the communications lag to where I haven't spoken to him in almost 2 weeks now (I know, mature). Great guy. Fun to be with. Perfect concert date. A good ice breaker (yes, I kissed him). But not enough all around for what I'm looking for.

• Chuck is still in the picture - just off to the side a bit. We're still both playing the buddy card so I'm trying to figure out how to best make a move and let him know I'd be open to actually going on a date. Shirley and I have discussed this scenario and agree "this could be a great opportunity to practice your skills so you have no regrets." I'll let you know how my exercise with Chuck goes.

• Scott is still my lake boyfriend. I've been up there a couple more weekends and each time I get a text from him to see what I'm up to (since he is up there too), which then prompts a weekend of stimulating (insert sarcasm) texting. My average wpm has increased thanks to him.

• Bob (a new guy) is someone I met at a dance a few weeks ago who I didn't give my phone number to, but who hooked up with me on FaceBook. We've been exchanging emails off and on. There might be more to this story after tomorrow (he's planning to be at a dance we're going to), but for now I'll just say that he could give Scott a run for his money in the personality department. Yes, it's that bad.

• Lenny is great. Still there. Enjoying good, long conversations with the guy. Hoping he'll join us eventually for some of our outings with Chuck and Roger - he could use a night out.

That about covers things. Shirley and I have another dinner event (mid-singles group thing) coming up in two weeks. I am trying to tell myself to "lighten up" next time and give the guys a chance. For some reason I become more introverted in those types of social situations (the exact opposite of Shirley) and, I'll admit it, slightly critical. I'm sure it's a self defense move (still working on the self esteem thing). However, those who know me know that in my previous life introverted would never be a word used to describe me. So, I'm working my way out of the black hole I let myself fall into and am trying to be more open, flirty, and interested in some of the random guys we are meeting.

This article helped provide a little more inspiration too.

Don't get me wrong. I still have standards. They just might broaden a little bit.

Oh - and did I mention, for some reason I have been getting friend requests on FB lately from a number of random single guys. All over the age of 40. How broad is too broad...45? Or, maybe I just need to rethink my profile pic...

Laverne