There was an Irishman, a Welshman, and a Scot

Those are my top three!!

Dubliner 1 of 3 (with wine cellar). Now, as much as I would give anything to be jetting off to Mauritius with a man who's voice does something quite amazing to me, Voice of Reason (aka my son) has suggested it may be a good idea to meet up for a weekend first, before committing to two weeks on a desert island. His words... "Mum, he might have a chainsaw too".

Wise words from a teen.

So, I spoke to the Delicious Dubliner last night (for almost 2 hours!). Now, his idea is that maybe I could meet him there for a short break!!!! I'll run that one past Voice of Reason before I commit to anything!

The Welshman (Shoe Guy, and Richard Hammond lookalike) wants to see me again, soon. I think I'll sort out a date with him next week... he's so cute :)

And the Scot (Yoga Guy). We're on our third date on Sunday... and guess what guys - we're going to do the sofa/DVD/bottle of wine date! Seriously! And and and... I'M GOING TO COOK :/

Bruv... I'll be over at the weekend for a delicious recipe (alternatively, remember the suggestion before you jetted off on hols, that you could sneak round and cook things for me, then disappear and I could just finish things off, so it *looked* like I'd done it myself?!?).

So, Yoga Guy is Sunday evenings entertainment, but as my life wouldn't be normal without some kind of complicated mix of arrangements... Sunday afternoon is my date with Bonkers Chainsaw Wielding Wordy Guy!

We're meeting in a *very* public place, and I'm going to make sure everyone knows (a) where I'm going, and (b) what time I'll be back (although that's not an invitation for you all to 'happen to be passing', so you can do your own 'real time in the flesh appraisal'). I'm already starting to feel like Jodie Foster in Silence of the Lambs... you know the bit where she's slowly walking towards Hannibal Lecter's cell...

BE AFRAID!!!

STOP PRESS!!!

Very quick post... but I'm in shock!

Dubliner 1 of (now) 3 (with wine cellar), who came back from Mauritius last week, has only asked if I want to go out there with him... next Wednesday!!! For TWO WEEKS!!!

WOW :)

I'm not actually sure if I can do it (time... babysitters... blah, blah, blah), but bloody hell - as a date that's *got* to be a good option :)

Top Gear

Wow!

Now... he was fun!

Imagine a welsh Richard Hammond... he was so cute!!!

We had a couple of drinks and some tapas, and a lot of chat. Just back home, and he's sent a text to say he wants to see me again... soon!

Fab!

And Wordy Guy... I've just come back to the funniest email I've *ever* had in my life! I said I'd meet him Sunday (a daytime one). In his reply he's actually made each paragraph a different colour... seriously!!

And (again, I know I shouldn't quote from these guys emails)... I'm "ObviouslY a verY intelliGent Woman" (no, those capitals are not a mistake), and I "turn a mere tree filled jungle into a life giving rain Forrest" (sp).

All I said was did he want to meet on Sunday!!!

I've ever so *slightly* concerned about his last paragraph, where he needs to let me know he's got to pop to B&Q to return his chainsaw. Apparently it won't start :/

This Sunday's meeting is going to be in a very public place... away from any trees!

Film, what film?

Great date last night! He's such a nice guy :)

We went to a fab bar, with every intention of having a couple of drinks, then on to the cinema, but we talked so much time flew by and we didn't end up catching the film!

He's got a beautiful accent!

When I got home he sent a text to tell me he'd had a great time, and we should do it again! Yes please :)

So onto tonight, and my date with Shoe Guy. We're meeting at half six, so I've a mad dash home to get ready. My clothes are ready, and oodles of shoes, because I know I won't be able to decide which ones to wear!!

Ooh... remember Vinyl Guy (the DJ who doesn't like noisy pubs!). He's off to Ibiza for the weekend, but wants to know if I'm interested in meeting up next week. I'll find somewhere quiet for him!

There's another Local Guy who wants to meet up. I've been chatting to him for a while now (well, a couple of days). I'm not really sure how to describe him. He's a businessman who lives in Cardiff, but seems to be all around the place. He's suggested meeting next week too!

Oh, and Wordy Guy is *still* bonkers!

Little Tiger... eh?

My beautiful son informed me he's out for the next two nights, so not wanting to miss out on a social life I did something I haven't actually done yet...

I asked Yoga Guy did he fancy meeting up again!! I know, that was a little bold, but he's fun, so I thought I'd be brave :)

So tomorrow night we're off out for a drink and to catch a film. He rang tonight, and too be honest he could've been reading me his shopping list... he accent is so sweet I didn't care!

And... I've got a date with Shoe Guy on Wednesday night!!!

I did *think* of arranging a date with Wordy Guy (he's keen to do the 'real time in the flesh appraisal' thing, remember), but I'm not sure I'm ready for the outpourings of prose, so I'm waiting until he seems a little less bonkers. No sign of that yet... tonight's email was just as insane! He's mentioned where we'll go on our second date (a little presumptuous... let's get through the first one), and he called me his "little tiger"!

I have no idea why :/

Glasgow kiss

Wow... that was a cool date with Yoga Guy :)

We met in the bar downstairs (sound familiar!). He was already there when I arrived. Cool.. my first thought was he looked better in real life than in his photo (which wasn't bad anyway). He'd already got a glass of wine, so even though this was a coffee date I thought I'd join him!!

And here's the best bit... there was no mention in his profile that he had the most gorgeous Scottish accent! He asked me what I'd like to drink, and I almost fell over... wow!!!

He did suggest going outside with our drinks, but with the fear of the potential embarrassment from the beautiful kids upstairs I declined!

So we had an hour or so of cool chat with wine and coffee... and hopefully another date.

He's an interesting guy... very much on my wavelength, and I do hold out a bit of hope for this one!! And my manicure was so worth it... apparently it's something he notices about people, their nails (he's a guitarist... they notice these things!), so the effort didn't go unnoticed.

I've already had an email off him to say he had a good night, and we should do it again :)

Yoga?

How quickly things move in this online dating world. I've actually got myself another date this evening, and I haven't even had a chance to mention this guy yet!!

Yoga Guy... that's what I'll call him! He's local, and winked at me yesterday. So I emailed him back this morning, and almost immediately he invited me for coffee :)

Apart from yoga (which for some reason I always find strange in a man!) he likes a lot of music, and cites one of his hobbies as wine (and you know that's a plus point in my book!).

Now... I'm still totally responsible for my delightful nieces (I'm still missing one, but she did pop back with her goth friends for 5 minutes... sweet kids!), so this is a quick coffee date in the bar downstairs.

The kids are actually threatening to throw things over my balcony, so I'm going to have to make sure I'm positioned out of missile range!!

The best bit about this date is oodles of time to get ready... no mad rush today, so I'm about to have a manicure :)

Ooh... and before I go, 'Mutual Contact' with Wordy Local Guy has commenced! Seriously, this guy is bonkers. He wants to meet (I usually call that a 'face to face'. He calls 'a real time in the flesh appraisal')

Seriously, he's as mad as a hatter :)

Meet the family

So, two dates yesterday. First the Legal Guy... coffee at lunchtime (I kind of like the idea of lunchtime dates, because if it's going wrong it's very easy to end it!!)

He was already there when I turned up (the standard two minutes late). He stood up to do the obligatory kiss on the cheek... that's when I noticed I was taller than him! Now, I'm short (but I did have heels on), but he was a dut. Cute though :)

Our date was actually really good fun. He's a quick witted, fairly intelligent guy... and he made me laugh a lot. I got a text off him later. He had a lovely time, and I'm gorgeous :)

Seriously... I'm gorgeous!!

Anyway, second date of the day was with Rugby Guy, at the rugby. I've an insane dash from work, and only an hour to get ready, plus feed three kids some kind of semi nutritious meal (Bruv... I'm looking after them, honestly).

So, oven on, jump in the shower, quick change while throwing food in the oven. At one stage I'm putting my shiny enhancing goodies on while at the same time stirring pasta... the kids think I'm crazy!

I do it though, and run pretty much all the way to meet him (good for the rosy glow look!). I get to the bar there, and as I wander over to to him I realise he's got his son with him... AND his two nephews... AND his sister!!!

Great. I didn't know I was meeting half his family... *especially* his son! Lord!

Then he wondered if I wanted to go back to his, as they're making hot dogs after the game?

Bloody hell... he knows I get a little freaked about commitment, and he's trying to thrust me into the thick of it with his family! Luckily I have to get home to relieve my mum of babysitting duties!

However, the rugby was good... getting to watch a bunch of guys with amazing legs has got to be fab (note to self... do a search for rugby players!).

He sent a text when I got back, to check it was Ok to meet his family... something I think he probably should have done *before* the date, so at least I was prepared!

Right, moving on... I checked my emails once my mum had gone and the darlings had gone to bed (only two of them last night... I've lost one, temporarily!)

Shoe Guy wants to meet up next week! He 'Seems Nice' (tm) , so I think I will.

Mr Incredible (2) has moved to London for work, but is thinking of nipping down here in the next few weeks, so do I fancy cocktails??

Dubliner 1 of (now) 3 (with wine cellar), has just come back from Mauritius, and is still hoping we can meet. He's mixed up his flight here, but we're planning the end of October.

Dubliner 3 of 3 is in Stockport the week after next, and is thinking of popping in (I've reminded him of the 200 mile distance between me and Stockport!)

And I've had some more worthwhile winks, and probably the most insane first email off a Potential I think I've had since I started this online dating (and I don't normally quote from their emails, but you *have* to see this one!).

The picture I put on the site is of me, slightly tipsy with a cocktail in my hand (I was trying to make sure I portrayed the real me!). Wordy Local Guy has apparently been "hypnotised by my aura of purity, simple but natural beauty, and overall embodiment of happiness that radiates from me"

Seriously... he goes on "you are the sheerest embodiment of virile temptation, that has disarmed and melted masculine resistance since times dawn"

I *have* to have 'Mutual Contact' with this guy!!! I'm interested to see if that really is just an opening line, or if he's genuine :)

Crash course

Last night's date with Rugby Guy was so much fun! He sent me a text about an hour before I was due to meet him... jeans OK??

So I quickly cast aside the fab new skirt and three new tops (by the way... I did take two of them back, as promised) and switched to a pair of jeans too!!

At the pub, for one or two drinks before our meal. The one or two turned into five or six, and we didn't leave the pub until about 11:30! By that time the Japanese we were heading for was closing, so we ended up back in town to find a late night eatery!!

Fab meal... then back to mine for coffee. Just coffee guys!! I eventually got to bed at 3am, so today I've been insanely tired!!

Today has been interesting. I've had a text off Legal Guy, to say he's looking forward to our coffee on Friday lunchtime, and a text of Rugby Guy, so say he's looking forward to our date (we're actually going to the rugby) on Friday evening!!

I'm heading for wink/'Mutual Contact' overdose at the moment. I'll try and do a run down:

The Seaside Designer is going to give me a call tomorrow. Still not sure if this one is going to fizzle out, but it doesn't hurt to find out.

Festival Floozie. I got a really sweet email off him today, where he's kind of laid out his hopes for the future... a partner and kids?!?! Shame really, because he's got fab taste in music!

Worcester Golfer. Again, a fab email. He said he's been looking forward to checking his emails all day, in case there was one off me. He's given me his number!

Donegal Guy. We're thinking of moving to Utah together. Apparently he's some kind of sex god there!?!

And these next ones are new:

Shoe Guy. has obviously read my profile, because he knows a thing or two about shoes, and what's my favourite brand. Hang on... I think we've been here before. Once again I've said Jimmy Choo's. He's given me his number (I'm giving him my shoe size!)

Vinyl Guy. This one seems interesting. He's a DJ, but he doesn't like going to noisy pubs. Eh??

Rugby Player Guy. This one could get confusing... he's got the same name as Rugby Guy. I don't *think* they're involved with the same team though!!

So... busy busy busy tonight! Added in to the busy mix is the company of my delightful nieces for the next four nights. I'm giving them a crash course in dating over the next few days!

Sorry Bruv, but if you will leave them with me while you jet off to the other side of the world :)

Oops

Scrap the middle bit of my last entry! Rushing back to work, I somehow ended up with three new tops. It was just that one of them (or all of them) will look fab with new skirt I got the other day!

Now I'm heading for the age old "what am I going to wear" dilemma this evening, when "what I *was* going to wear" is already proudly hanging ready for me to slip into!

I'll take them back tomorrow... well, two of them anyway :)

Handcuffs!!!

Big date with Rugby Guy tonight... we're going for some Japanese food.

I've had a scary flashback to a date I had when I was very young (and I'm talking almost twenty years ago!!). This boy took me for a Chinese meal, and you know what it's like... at 17 you're all nervous, and afraid to eat. Well, it was all going well, until I coughed while I had a mouthful of rice... Yep, it went all over him :(

Fingers crossed tonight's goes better than that!

I do like this guy. He called last night, and was quite funny. After he's called he always sends a text to say it was nice talking to me... very thoughtful :)

Now, as it's a fourth date I'm going to have to think a little about what to wear. The best thing about dating different people is you don't actually have to panic buy a new outfit... they haven't seen any of your stuff, so it doesn't matter. But, at this stage I'm starting to get the urge to shop for new stuff!

I'll try and hold off for one more date, to see if he's worth it!!

Ooh, and I've got a lunchtime date on Friday with the Legal Guy. He's actually a solicitor, and the uniform bit is from being some kind of part time policeman? So I guess that means he's got handcuffs... right?

So that makes two dates for Friday... Legal Guy lunchtime, and Rugby Guy in the evening :)

More a nervous tick than a wink

It's still happening! I'm struggling to keep up with who's who now.

Here's the update so far:

The Seaside Designer (this is a pre pic one). Ongoing 'Mutual Contact', but I'm starting to recognise when this kind is going to just fizzle out. He's one of those 'how's your day been' people.

The Funsize Diet Coke Man (another pre pic one). Still calls me Babe! I think he's going to be like Cute from Devon, and more of an online dating penpal (do I really have time for more of those!).

Dubliner 3 of 3 (post pic). This guy's really funny, and his sense of direction is almost as good as mine. Wants to know if I'm near Stockport, so he can come and visit (maybe why that's why he scored me 'A' for intelligence... his Irish scale is clearly evident, as I'm 200 miles away from Stockport!).

Festival Floozie (post pic). This one is very much on my music wavelength. Cool!

The Cheeky Looking Local Guy (post pic). Turns out he's a pharmacist. Apart from that not too much else to say about him.

The Golfer from Worcester (post pic). Now... this one is very interesting indeed. His first few emails were kind of lighthearted, but now I'm got a few beautifully long messages, and he wants to meet up - soon . Bear in mind this has all happened in the last 48 hours, so very much early days :)

Ooh, Donegal Guy (pre pic) and Mr Incredible(2) (pre pic) have both been in touch again. I haven't heard from them in weeks!!

There's another new one too. He's a Local guy, in the 'legal' profession. There's a mention of a uniform in his profile, and his first email was really funny, so I've emailed him back (note the mention of a uniform... he's got to be worth finding out more about!).

SysAdmin Honey/JP... never in my life have I needed the "Potential Dates Database Management Software" (tm) as much as I need it now. I promise to be your rescue guinea pig if you help me ;)

Almost forgot about last nights date... the 'luxury' yacht engineer. Extremely boring, talked too much about who he knows, where he's been, blah, blah, blah - but nothing about who he really is. Off the list!

Tomorrow night I've another date with Rugby guy, who's still top of my list. He's so sweet... he send me a text this morning to wish me a happy day.

All together... awwww :)

If a picture paints a thousand words

I'm going to get RSA!!!

Woke this morning to a bulging inbox... seriously, there's 15 new Potentials there! A record response for me :)

Now, in a way it's cool (loads of new people to cut and paste responses too), but I'm *slightly* worried, as weekends are normally quieter in the online dating world! What's going to happen during the week??

Really quick run through of some of them...

A Dubliner, who said I scored 'A' for intelligence and looks! 'A' for intelligence eh (guys, bear in mind he's Irish, like me... our intelligence gauge is on a different scale to the rest of yours)

A festival floozie, who like my taste in music. Why thank you :)

A cheeky looking local guy, who seriously has "open fire" mentioned more than once in his profile, and walking in the countryside on a crisp winters morning :/

A golfer from Worcester... drinks daily :)

A guy from Oxford who like giving that "special lady" in his life flowers & jewellery. Good start, but then goes on to how he's been messed around in the past. It's a rule not to mention past relationships, especially bad ones... you can sense the bitterness there :(

Now, and this is quite bizarre - my stars this morning say "This is a good time to look at what you can do to increase own chances of success. In the long run, it will also help your relationships with others"... freaky!!

Rugby guy called last night... he was so drunk I couldn't really make out what he was saying, but he then sent a text to apologise for being too "mushy"... what!! It could well have been some declaration of undying love, but to me it just sounded like the teacher from Charlie Brown!

3 months down the line

It's three months to the day since I signed up for online dating... how do I know?? Well, I got an email asking if I want to renew my subscription!!!

Ummmm... let me think :)

I've signed up for another 3 months! Why not?? I've already met some pretty cool guys, and have some funny dates (even the bad ones were funny!), so I'm doing it again.

This time I've decided to put my photo on the dating site too. I was a little nervous last time, but what the hell. It'll be interesting to see if the next three months are any different!

I've decided online dating is a much better way to meet guys than traditional ways... I was out last night with friends from work, and got chatting to a guy at the bar (I will seriously talk to anyone!!). So, he comes over to chat, and I can my mates all sniggering. Then I thought he'd gone back to his friends, but oh no... he wanders back over with a bottle of wine (which I shared with my friends).

The funniest thing was this guys jacket... how on earth I managed not to burst out laughing when I saw his hideous houndstooth jacket, worn over a slightly dodgy tee shirt I'll never know!!!

He asked for my number, so I gave him the flirt divert one :)

So... online is the way forward!!

I've got a new date tomorrow night. This one is an engineer who works on yachts in the med!
And another with Rugby Guy on Tuesday. This will be our fourth date... it's almost serious :)

Back on form

For last night's date with Rugby Guy, I reverted to form and drunk copious amounts of alcohol! We started off by watching the rugby (no, I didn't wear the rugby top he got me... we watched it in the pub, and because we were going for a meal after I wanted to be a bit smarter).

Once again he got there a bit before me, and had already bought me a drink! I like his style! After oodles of drinks we went off for some tapas and wine, followed by some Guinness :)

He's really good fun, and hasn't mentioned the 'where do you see us going' question (unless you count deciding where to eat!!).

I got a text off him this morning to say he had a really good time, and shall we arrange another night out!! Plus... nipped home lunchtime to find my security guard smirking. Apparently a very kind gentleman had been in and left me some flowers!! They're gorgeous too, a huge bouquet :)

So, not only does he have a really cool personality and a wicked sense of humour, but he also give pressies! I still need to work out what the 17% is though. I'm sure I'll find out soon!

Ok, where am I with the others:

Seaside Designer. We've exchanged pictures I get daily emails. Nice guy!

Diet Coke Man. He's quite funny, and insists on starting all his emails with "Hey babe" (cheesy, but sweet). I've got his picture, and he's not *quite* the Diet Coke Man I was expecting, but quite cute (and so tiny... only 5' 6"). So more a Funsize Diet Coke Man!

Soulmate not required

Last nights date... the experimental (as in no alcohol) one. A definite no, for a couple of reasons:

First, he was late. Now, that in itself isn't so bad, but when he did show he didn't even seem to realise! No problem I thought... it's not a major no no!

Secondly, he told me he wanted to let me know a bit about his current situation, to see if I was OK with it. Go on, I say... *slightly* worried.

Turns out he's only just split up from his wife, and at the moment they're still living in the same house. Now, in one way I was glad he was upfront and honest, but on the other hand I was slightly concerned about the fact he's put himself out there before he's even moved out.

His profile clearly said he was looking for a soulmate, so I'm guessing there's a potential emotional nightmare just brewing with him, so it's a 'thanks, but no thanks'!

Now, today I've had three new winks (someone somewhere must know I've narrowed my Potentials down, and decided I needed new ones!)

Wink One... straight 'thanks, but no thanks'. One of his favourite things was the obligatory sofa/DVD combo, but this time he'd added 'wearing comfy clothes'. Now, I'm not one for heels and a Chloe dress while watching the Da Vinci code, but I've seriously never felt the need to make that be known. It just worried me... I mean, what does he mean by 'comfy clothes'. I don't want to find out!

Wink Two... now this is an interesting one. He's a designer, who likes red wine and lives by the sea (so handy for those romantic walks). I've emailed him back.

Wink Three... A builder from Wiltshire. Interesting guy, even though he likes (and I quote) "cosy moments like curling up on the sofa with that special someone, with a nice glass of wine and a good DVD". If it wasn't for the fact he's a builder (so I'm thinking fit) it would be a 'thanks, but no thanks', but in my head there's a Potential Diet Coke Man there!

Now, a funny thing happened today. Every couple of days the dating site emails you a list of who it thinks Matches you the most. Top of it's list today is Rugby Guy, with an 83% match.

We're currently working out what the 17% we don't match on is!!

Impromptu date!

Quick update here, as I'm flitting about starting to get ready for tonight's new date with Outdoor Type... just to let you know I've had an impromptu lunchtime coffee date with Rugby Fan!

How cool... there I was, just about ready for a trip to Starbucks, then an afternoon of golf (and I hadn't really spent much time getting ready, so no makeup) when I get a text of Rugby Fan - was it OK for him to join me for said coffee!!

Quick panic as I tried to minimize my hangover look with my enhancing goodies... he did mention he hadn't shaved, and was that OK?!? Well, at least it put us on a scruffy level! Ten minutes later we're chatting over a latte :) Thank god I had my 'oh so cute' golf skirt on, so I didn't look like a complete sight!

Oh, and the best bit. As we went our separate ways I noticed his car... A brand new Audi Convertible! It's a shame the summer's nearly over :)

Gotta go... my next date's in an hour, and I'm still in my 'oh so cute' golf skirt!!

Potential list cull

Last night - (just for fun) date with Third Date Possible (who'd been off my list for a couple of weeks).

It started off very well, in a 'good to catch up' kind of way. But the more he drunk the more his feelings came out, and it seems he's still hung up on the whole 'us being a couple' thing. So, I've decided I'm not going to see him anymore, even in a 'just good friends' kind of way.

To be honest the date didn't really bode well from the start. You know how I love to spend ages getting ready... well it was all I could do to pull on some jeans!And as I'm walking to meet him I'm more interested in reading a text that Rugby Fan had sent, and wondering what to wear tonight for my new 'face to face' with Outdoor Type!!

So, definitely off my list now, and so is (Not) Earthy Kind. I was going to play golf with him this afternoon, but I've decided I'm not going to see him anymore either, for pretty much the same reason... he can't do the 'just good friends' thing either.

And there you go... a nicely slimmed down Potential list: Rugby Fan (who's fab), Outdoor Type (who's new), the Dubliners (both equally cool!), and of course Cute from Devon (who'll be proud of my date shake up... it gives him more of a chance to win the scary date challenge!)

I'm going to try a new style of first date this evening... firstly I'm going to actually read (and reread, and try to remember) Outdoor Type's profile, and secondly, this date will involve no alcohol!

That's right... no alcohol!!! Not even a glass of wine.

Why... well, it may well be alcohol that's effecting my initial judgments of Potentials. I'm quite clearly not always picking up on what their intentions are, so for this Potential I've decided I'm not going to drink for at least three dates (if it gets that far!).

You're ssshpeshal (2)

Now, I know I said last night that Rugby Fan kept in touch, but not too intensely. Well, scrap that... last night I had a series of drunken (but sweet) texts!

He was trying to persuade me to meet him for one drink in the bar downstairs!! I seriously would've, if not for my away day today (hence the stupidly early update).

I reminded him it would constitute a third date, and in his drunken state it may well instigate the "where do you see us going" question!

He's still top of my list... I like his sense of humour (plus, I secretly love drunken texts!). We've decided that on our next date, if we manage to avoid the dreaded question we're going to have the perfect online daters date... a romantic walk along the beach, then we'll stop, inflate the blow up sofa and snuggle up, watching the Da Vinci Code on a portable DVD player, with a couple of bottles of red (after a home cooked meal of course :)

Good vibes, bad vibes and a goodbye

First the good vibes... Outdoor type and I are meeting up on Sunday evening for a drink. Once again he Seems Nice (tm). He wanted to meet on Saturday, but I'm currently weighing up my options so thought it would be easier not to complicate my already complicated time too much!

Another good vibe... Rugby Fan sent a cool text today. I like him, because he keeps in touch, but not too intensely.

Now the bad vibes. Sweet Guy (who I thought was happy with things as they are... after all, it's been less than two weeks since we met) has been giving me a bit of a guilt trip about the amount of time I'm giving him.

He wanted to meet tomorrow night, but I'm away for the day, and have planned the remainder of the evening with my son (remember him - we've got a night together with a film and some ready meals!!)

So I suggested Saturday... meaning the evening. I'm playing golf in the afternoon, is 7ish OK? No, it's not OK - that was clearly the wrong thing to say.

Again I'm getting a sense of neediness. Questions about my level of commitment (none, but not in a mean way... more like in a cautious way) and my priorities (in this order... me and my family, work, hobbies... Potentials in 5th place).

So (and I do feel quite crap about doing this) I've told him I don't think we're quite in the same place about the whole "where do I see us going" thing, and it's probably best if we don't meet up again. I really do feel not nice, because Sweet Guy is a Sweet Guy, but I'm so not ready for the level of guilt I got off him today. After two years of that I see the warning signs a bit easier now.

Anyway... on a more positive note (because I don't do negativity as a rule), my option for Saturday night?? Remember Third Date Possible? Well, he sent me a text to see if I fancied meeting up on Saturday... just for a drink (he said I was fun, so even though we're going nowhere he fancied a night out for a laugh!).

So as long as he hasn't got a hidden agenda to persuade me to commit in any way... why not!

Not just champagne

Now last night was a cool date!

He called about 6 to say he was running late, apologising profusely! I didn't mind, as it gave me even more time to get ready (2 hours just didn't seem long enough!), and I was able to change outfits at *least* a dozen times :)

When I met him he'd bought me some flowers (to make up for being late)... how sweet! And not only that, he'd also got me a pretty cool girlie style rugby top! I've only been to see the rugby once, and already I'm decked out like a true fan! (Sorry Bruv, I know you wanted one!).

So, the night itself. Well, like I said a few day's ago, apart from the few similarities he has with Scary Ex, he's a really fab guy! We shared a bottle of champagne, and some gorgeous tapas! I could get used to this.

He's got a cool sense of humour too... the first thing he asked me was "where do I see us going"... my face was a picture! Don't panic though - he was only joking (at least I *think* he was only joking!).

We're going to try and meet up again soon (diaries pending - he's as busy as me!). And thanks to my Bruv's loan of his season ticket I'm going to meet him next week at the rugby, obviously wearing my new top! (Don't worry Bruv... I know you'll be over the other side of the world gambling away your life savings, and I promised to look after your exquisite daughters, but I've made contingency plans in case of dates - the kids will be in safe hands!).

So, Rugby Fan is now top of my (local) Potentials list!

Oh, and I've started 'Mutual Contact' with another local. He's very much an Outdoor Type, and wants to meet up this weekend. So, I'm going to need to juggle Sweet Guy, (Not) Earthy Kind, Rugby Guy and now Outdoor Type into some kind of timetable!!

Cute from Devon is still winning the bad date challenge. It sounds like he's having date hell down there. I almost suggested he come here (where it seems it more and more like date heaven), but I haven't got time!

Champers anyone?

How sweet... New One (Rugby Fan) sent a little text after I'd spoken to him last night, to say he's looking forward to our date tonight!

This morning I got a fab invite to a champagne evening in the bar downstairs (next Tuesday). One of the guys in work said he's not at all surprised... he thinks I must have shares in the place!
So... who do I go with (bearing in mind it's over a week away - a long time in the world of online dating)??

Chatting in the lift to Nice Guy Who Lives Upstairs (Who May Be Gay). We both opened the invites at the same time, and it was like we'd both found the golden tickets in Wonka Bars... and then he suggested we both go!!!

But, as I said, that's next week. I've more pressing things on my mind at the moment, like what am I going to wear tonight :)

Post mortem

The weekend dates... both funny, in different ways!

First of all - Saturday afternoon golfing with (Not) Earthy Kind. He rang a couple of hours before, because the weather wasn't that good. Did I want to go to the cinema, and for a meal instead???

Nope - that would constitute a level of togetherness I really don't want to do. So, I guaranteed him the weather was so much better where I was, and I was really looking forward to playing.
It all started off so well... I brushed aside the minor hint of rain on the 5th. By the 7th the "hint of rain" was a bizarre sideways torrential downpour! He (being a much more experienced golfer) had a full set of waterproofs and umbrella. Me (being a very inexperienced golfer) had a hoodie!

A number of times he asked did I want to finish the game early. Not a chance... I was winning!! The beauty of being an inexperienced golfer is you don't take the weather into consideration. He spent ages trying to change his swing to account for the wind/rain... me, I just brushed the rain out of my eyes and hoped for the best!

And the result... I won by two holes!! How cool was that!

We nipped to the bar for a quick drink after the game. He offered to buy me a meal, but I turned him down (even though I was starving) for two reasons:

1. I was soaked, and didn't have a change of clothes
2. Date Two involved a meal!!

So, a quick dash from the club home (after th promise of another game soon), and I had just enough time to get myself ready for Date Two!! Barely enough time to shower, enhance my looks, and straight back out!

Date Two - Sweet Guy. We were meeting for dinner and cocktails!

When I met him he was carrying a rather large pressie. How sweet... he didn't know me when it was my birthday and wanted to give me a late present!! And what a fab present. An entire box of Curly Wurly's. I love love Curly Wurly's, and now I've got 48 bars (well, 45 now) for my sheer enjoyment!

We had a fab night... I had to remind him gently a couple of times I'm not actually interesting in being a "couple", and let's just have a nice time. So we did! A beautiful meal, and oodles of cocktails!

I will see him again, because he is fun, on a level.

Sunday - no dates, just a family day. My Bruv cooked a beautiful meal for me and various beloved family members. It was so funny. I'm roping my auntie into online dating too. She's the most technologically backward person I know, and at the moment doesn't even have even dial up at home. How on earth is she going to cope with the influx of emails.

There's no point asking my ditzy niece (the aspiring PA) to help out. My auntie, myself, and my ditzy niece have unfortunately got the exact same gene makeup... three generations of stupidity in the same room on Sunday!

Tonight New Guy (Rugby Fan) called. He's invited me out tomorrow night! Fab... I like him. So we're off for tapas!

Ooh, and really cool news. Dubliner 1 of 2 (with Wine Cellar) has sorted out his flights... at the end of the month he'll be here! Wow :)

Just good friends

Phew... the rugby was thankfully without drama! We won (cool, and yet another hobby I think I may be hooked on already).

I had a couple of texts off New One (Rugby Fan) while I was there! I think he was in the next block over to me! And Sweet Guy called at half time.

Two problems with that;
1 - it's pretty difficult to hear with all the noise going on at the ground.
2 - it's pretty difficult to hear after spending the first half with my Bruv screaming random insults at the ref, perforating my left eardrum in the process!

So I couldn't hear a word he was saying!

Right... weekend dates:

This afternoon I'm playing golf with (Not) Earthy Kind. We've talked about where I see my future going with him... he *seems* OK with just being friends.

And this evening I'm off to the comedy club with Sweet Guy. Again, we've talked about where I see my future going with him... and again, he *seems* OK with just being friends.

I was chatting to my Bruv on the way home from the rugby about this whole thing. For me this online dating is a way of extending my social life, not a a way to "Make Love Happen", so as long as I'm open with my Potentials, and they know I'm not going to do the "where do you see us going?" thing it's all good.

Having said that, I do find that Sweet Guy has a touch of "Frankness" about him (those who know me will know exactly what "Frankness" means).

I was telling about my day in work yesterday - I did the funniest thing, which resulted in a lot of giggles and teasing. I inadvertently Skyped my Nemesis a loveheart!!!! Yep, a big red beating loveheart! If it had been anyone else I wouldn't have minded, but not him... no, no, no! So through the day I get a selection of big red beating lovehearts back (thank you JP!).

I was relaying this to Sweet Guy, who then had a little poodie over it. He wants to know what friends in work have got that he hasn't, as I've never Skyped him a big red beating loveheart! Oh Dear :(

Oh, and I had lots of fun with Cute from Devon yesterday (his one liners are a thing of the past!). We're kind of doing a scary date challenge, and he's winning. I though some of mine were needy, but he's on the verge of being stalked!!

Poor guy!

Better :)

So, six glasses of wine later!!

What a fab guy! I was pretty much on time (OK, fashionably a couple minutes late!), and he'd already ordered me my favourite drink (mind you, no stars for that... if it's alcoholic and not gin they're all my favourite!).

He's one of those people you can seem to talk to all night (again, no stars for that... those that know me will know I can do that with pretty much anyone!), and we seem to have a hell of a lot in common! Bizarrely he's originally from the same place as Scary Ex, and is a passionate supporter of the same team as Scary Ex (ooh, and has the same name as Scary Ex). Not sure that all bodes well, but I have to remember that Scary Ex was *sui generis*, and so I shouldn't use all those coincidences to judge New Guy (Rugby Fan).

Got home (alone... first date remember), and he sent me a text straight away to say he had a really good time, and we should do it again! Cool :)

While I was out I'd missed calls/text from both Sweet Guy and (Not) Earthy Kind. I stuck to the rules about no texting while drunk (ooh, apart from a reply to New One, but I don't *think* that counts does it?)

Sweet Guy is going to the rugby tonight... asked me again if I want to meet before or after the game!

New Guy (Rugby Fan) is going to the rugby tonight, and in a much cooler kind of way said to enjoy myself there, and wave if I see him! See... not needy at all.

He has sent me another text this morning to ask if I want to meet next week :)

Now Bruv... tonight. Where exactly are we going to be sitting? If it's close to New Guy (Rugby Fan) I need to make sure I'm looking good (difficult at the moment with a hangover!), and if it's close to Sweet Guy I think I'd be better off with some sort of disguise!

I only hope they're not sitting too close to each other!