Let Freedom Ring?

This past weekend was full of things that I think I should have done in college. Since Laverne left me alone, I had to find things to occupy my time.

My experiment with the technological advances we have made are going swimmingly. I have a knack for drawing in the 50 to 60 year old guy. I was even told that I am beautiful and asked if I would be interested in meeting (he was 58). Yep. Not kidding. He had a full head of gray hair (on the bright side, he had hair?). He was into exercise (positive thoughts: has all his original parts - no hip replacement here). I don't know how or if I should reply. So far, I'm choosing not to reply at all. I did get checked out by a 26 year old that (sadly, looked 20). I would have thought that he pushed a button on accident, but he looked at my profile twice. So in my mind it means that at least one of those was on purpose. Right?

Saturday: Fireworks in the park with a group of singles = fun. After party: Well...when I first arrived it looked like a college frat house. Kids (I use that term because that's what they were) were falling out of the house that had zero furniture inside, wood floors, a fridge full of soda and nothing else, disco ball hanging from the ceiling and no bathroom. Also, the music they had to dance to...guess how many songs I recognized? ZERO. Cool, huh? Try not to be jealous of my awesome night. In the backyard there were two ping pong tables set up. Outside there were a few people that looked my age. In fact I knew a couple of the guys that were there. Unfortunately seeing them there confirmed what type of party this was. I talked to a few new people, saw the stalker from last year - who kept trying to get my attention. Thankfully, I was in a conversation with someone else and then left right after. Whew!

Sunday: Went to a singles ward in the area. Almost got kissed three times. One guy came so close that I just needed to turn my head less than a centimeter and it would have happened. I couldn't do it. Had a great Sunday hanging out with Rick - who yes, tried to kiss me. Long story. I told him no. The next day I got a text message that said: "You passed the Ricky test! A mere mortal woman could have not resisted - you must be a goddess." This is one of the reasons I think Rick is hilarious and fun.

Monday: FHE with the Singles Ward. I made Rick go with me and only went because my new girlfriend wanted to go. I was talking to some people in the ward when who comes rolling around the corner - Henry. It was like getting punched in the stomach. Lucky for me I saw him first so I could compose myself. Needless to say. I wanted to leave. I wasn't ready for the encounter. I think that I handled it ok. I stayed the entire night and even had a conversation with Henry and ate frozen yogurt with him (and others). We even were able to joke about previously dating each other and kissing each other. I still think he is a great guy, it was hard to see him, but I do think if I see him again, it will be easier and I'm glad to know that we can still be friends.

I am in need of a serious amount of frozen yogurt after this weekend. I will note here I have a new favorite frozen yogurt store. It's a little farther from my house than I like, but there is a cute guy that works there (he seems older, not sure though and when I say works there I mean he may actually be the manager, he could be a college student - who cares he is cute). I noticed him one night when I was there, I talked to him about getting in my favorite flavor of yogurt another night, and finally asked him his name Saturday night. I stopped by today to enjoy some yogurt and he wasn't there, but during the course of my visit he arrived and came out to talk to me and say hi. I don't know if anything will happen, I am probably old enough to be his mom, but it is fun to flirt with the yogurt guy.

So that was my weekend - Hope you had a great 4th of July and were able to celebrate with your families.

Shirley

My semi-blind date next week

During a night out with the ladies I serve with in my ward, I mentioned that I'm open to being set up and that they should all keep their eyes open for me. I also clarified that he doesn't have to be perfect (I'm far from it) and that even a night out gives me a chance to network (I know, so business like) because everyone has friends, cousins, neighbors, etc. Plus, a fun guy may not be a love match for me, but someone great to include in our group because, in reverse, I know many other cute, single girls as well.

That said, one girl mentioned a friend of her husbands who is divorced, has 4 children, and is a great guy - just had some bad luck. Let's call him Lyle. She reluctantly mentioned that he has been divorced a few years, but has also been married/divorced a 2nd time (apparently a rather quick event) because shortly after the wedding his new wife disclosed her "multiple personality disorder" and only pretended to like his children. Wow. I wasn't sure how to respond.

The next day I received a call from Lyle. Unfortunately he called on my home phone (which only ward members and solicitors use). My friend had my cell phone number which she normally used so I guess I assumed that is the one she would pass on. Lyle started a little hesitant and introduced himself, which unfortunately played into the "I'm getting ready to sell you something" speech I was expecting. I am not totally rude to solicitors, but I'm definitely not using my patient voice. Poor guy.

Once he clarified that my friend told him about me, and said that he should give me a call, I quickly switched gears and tried to sound a bit more welcoming. After that, he was quite nice over the phone and even admitted he was a bit nervous. I told him he gets all the credit for having the guts to make a call like this and that I appreciated it. We talked for a minute and discussed going out next week (both being busy over the holiday weekend). He said he'll call on Monday to set a date and looked forward to talking more then.

We'll see if I didn't totally scare him away and if I actually get a call next week.

I titled this post "semi-blind" because after getting his first and last name, I'll admit to jumping on FaceBook just in case he was there. Yep. He's there. And, as mentioned in my earlier post about "how to have an awesome blind date," I'm going to look forward to enjoying a night out with no expectations. As it should be. At least I now have a phone that will also lend to "spicing things up with tech" if needed.

Poor Lyle already got my "not interested voice." At least now I can be prepared with my game face and try to make it a fun night for both of us.

Keep 'em coming ladies!

Laverne

Running Scared

Day two of the online experiment: I have gotten flirted with (yes, they really call it that). Three different guys have tried to Instant message me. I'm not sure how to respond. My profile has now been viewed quite a bit. I keep getting email messages and I don't know what to say. Help!!!

One guy, who doesn't have a picture (which, let's be honest, would help) sent me a message and I don't know if I should answer or because he doesn't have a picture wonder what he is hiding?

For now, I am avoiding everyone (I know, I know!). I am running scared trying to figure out how to handle this. Any suggestions?

Shirley

An Experiment with Technology

I have officially become a member of the online dating community. I can't believe that I did it. I signed up for a month as an experiment to see how it goes. Today is my first day and I have been viewed (which I think means they looked at my picture or read my information) a few times and flirted with, winked at and told I was cute. I can't stop laughing about this. I told Laverne that I would go first. She is usually the one to go first - she was born first, married first, kids first, divorced first, and went on a date first. I thought I would take one for the team and give this a try. I feel like I owe her. If I find any kind of success; she said she would follow.

It should be an interesting month. I will keep you all posted. If nothing else, I should have some great stories. If my stories are bad enough, maybe some of you will please, please, please set me up. I am willing to do a blind date.

Shirley

Facebook Disaster

I'll try be brief...kids...iphone...liking a comment on facebook that should NOT have been liked...new friend...suggested by my sister in law...single...cute...I am so embarrassed. Please let me die now! How has your day been?

Shirley

Wow! Does This Thing Work?

Okay - so sadly we haven't had much to write about lately. Let me just say I am on facebook. Henry and I are friends on facebook. I recently had a birthday. He posted a comment on my wall. I did get a few emails and questions from people (because of the comment) asking if we were dating again. The answer - is no.

I did appreciate the comment. Laverne thought it showed, once again, that he was a great guy (just not THE guy), but if we see each other again someday we can still be friends. As I think back on all my past boyfriends (not that there are that many), I have been able to stay friends with each of them. Which is a good thing.

In parting let me leave you with this quote by CS Lewis: "Love helps to make us generous and courageous, it opens our eyes not only to the beauty of the beloved but to all beauty."

So here's to being generous, courageous and opening our eyes to all beauty.

Shirley

PS - In case anyone has any single guy friends - please remember that Laverne and I are single. We like to date. We are available to date. We are really great, quality, fun women. We need your help. Seriously. Just something to think about.

Netiquette

Funny article: When and how to "friend" your new bud online.

It gives a few different scenarios for meeting people and how to handle the "relationship" online via LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare.

This quote made me laugh, and squirm, because it hit home...

"Facebook: Proceed with caution. Facebook friending someone you're dating fuels angst: Who's that dude on her wall? Why does she have time to change her status but no time to text me back? And the web-wide "like" button thing -- really, she "likes" this cat video from CollegeHumor.com? Inevitably, however, your date will friend you, and you must accept. Welcome to the beginning of the end."

Meeting people and managing "relationships" that now include an online presence is hard. It adds a whole new element to an initial meeting, getting to know someone, and your perception of them and their life. And vice verse.

Case in point:
Ben and I are still exchanging emails at a slow pace, but each one from him includes something great and makes me like him even more. I'm still not sure if he is interested in really getting to know me or just a nice guy. I've thrown out a couple of scenarios and activities he could come to Utah for which he has responded positively to, but he is busy (work & family events) and has not committed to anything.

However, during these weeks, he is "now friends" on Facebook with a number of beautiful girls who all attend the same social events he is "attending" according to FB. Obviously I can assume a million different things, which unfortunately, I do.

Regardless, I'm still smiling.

Laverne