Sunday 31 December 2006

Raindrops keep falling on my head

OK, so I've moved. My new place is is complete disarray so I have to spend today sorting stuff out, but that's not the disaster... the disaster is my broadband is not working :(

You're probably wondering how I've been able to update this? Well, If I perch my laptop out the window I can occasionally pick up someone else's wireless!

I know that's a bit cheeky, but how the hell am I going to continue in my search for 'the one' if I can't connect. This is hell for an online dating addict!

Anyway, having piggybacked some unsuspecting persons network I've been able to let my Potentials know I've moved, but if I don't contact them it's not because I'm ignoring them!

There's been a change of plan with today's 'Face to Face' with Serious Golf Pro. I've still got oodles of things to sort in the new place, so I'm just meeting him for a coffee today, and we're going to do the fabulous range tomorrow, by which time my currently swollen toe (swollen because I dropped a quite heavy and large object on it when moving!), should hopefully not be too bad, and I can squeeze my golf shoes on!

And I still need to find the 'oh so cute' golf skirt :)

Right, must go... it's raining and the keyboard is getting wet!

Friday 29 December 2006

Last one, I promise!

OK, OK... I *may* have overblogged today, but Serious Golf Pro is just so funny!

I've now had 7 emails and two texts off him (bear in mind he only got in touch this afternoon!). A little over the top, and probably a sign that he may just turn out to be too much.

However, I am going to meet him, and hope this initial flurry of communications dies down a little!

So, the date... the driving range. Now, I usually go to a fairly OK driving range. You put the ball down, hit it, swear, and repeat 200 times. The driving range he's taking me to is only on THE best course around... seriously. So I'm going to have to modify the range routine a little and skip the swearing part... shit!

And we're going to have lunch at the same fabulous course afterwards.

Foie Gras anyone?

And more!

'Face to Face' No.18!!!

The driving range on Sunday with Serious Golf Pro. OMG... I'm not nervous, not at all! After all, it's almost like I'm going to have a free lesson! Sorry Gorgeous H... you may well have just been ousted!

Now where oh where is that 'oh so cute' golf skirt ;)

there's more...

So, I finish updating this, and there's another wink! Well, I say a wink, this guy skipped a stage and emailed, asking if I want to have dinner... tonight!!

Actually, he's skipped several stages there! I would say I don't know a thing about him, but in the very short space of time since his email I've been able to find out more about him than you'd think. How?

Through the power of Google!! He mentioned he was a golf pro (no, unfortunately it's not Gorgeous H!), and I've got his full name... so I googled away!!!

Now, on paper (or screen in this case), he looks like a good Potential. He's actually a serious golf pro, and is even on the European Tour circuit. Bloody hell! As he's so good, there are oodles of pictures around (albeit all various golf poses!), so I've been able to get a good look at him!

So, do I want dinner with him.... of course I do!! There is just one fly in the ointment (actually, there's two!):

1.) Voice of Reason is with me, so my only option would be the bar downstairs (and I've now got a new rule not to take Potentials there)

2.) I'm moving tomorrow, so I really should pack stuff, and not eat dinner with serious golf pros!

Damn. Still, if he's keen maybe we can do it another time. Fingers crossed!

Middle names

Two whole bottles of wine... ouch! And I was right - Old Friend was seriously good fun, and fit :)

I went for the more casual side of 'smart casual', but minus the fab boots! A quick practise at walking around my place in them made me realise they were just too high to wear on a night when I knew alcohol was going to feature strongly! So I went for 'almost fab' but 'walkable about in' ones!

Anyway... my Potentials (drinks with old friends don't count as Potentials!):

Baileys Guy: Bless... I had another sweet email off him today, and he's going to call tonight. He's asked about meeting up in January for a drink ( so 'Face to Face' No.18)! So, I'm going to meet someone who distributes Baileys, and I'm not going to be drinking (my vow of abstinence, remember!) I'm slightly revising the detox, to include two days (or maybe three) when I can have one or two drinks!!

Yoga Guy: Bless... he's actually been away for a week, but you wouldn't know it. Daily calls and texts (I'm sure if he could arrange for a carrier pigeon to wing me a note he would!). He's back tomorrow, and wants to know if we can meet up, or if he can pop around (as he'll more than likely by 'just passing'). Funny thing is, I'm moving today/tomorrow... the new girl who's going into my place is probably going to get the shock of her life when he turns up laden down with chocolate and wine!

Should I tell him I'm moving?

Dubliner 1 of 3 (with wine cellar): Bless... I had a long long email off him today. There's still very strong hints at 'where do I see us going', and have I made up my mind if I want to go away somewhere with him next week. Ummm...

Dubliner 2 of 3: I'd forgotten how fab he was! He asked did I get my Christmas pressie? What!!! No, I didn't... I hope it hasn't got lost in the post :( He also mentioned he's coming over for the rugby in February, and do I fancy meeting up?

So, that's a couple of dates for the new year Baileys Guy, and Dubliner 2 of 3 (who I've only had one date with so far, so there's still hope for him!)

And I've had a wink today off a new guy. A quick scan through his profile reveals that fun is his middle name! Well, no one is going to put "dull and boring is my middle name", are they?? Ooh, and he loves chilling out on the sofa watching DVD's.

Fun fun fun, all the way :/

Thursday 28 December 2006

Nervous about...

... tonight's 'non date' with an old friend!

Blimey, In all my 17 'face to face's' I haven't been this excited! I can't decide what to wear, which means I can't decide what colour to do my nails... and I've only got 4 hours until I meet him.

Bugger!

He said 'smart casual'. Now, for a guy that's simple. Change your t-shirt for a shirt, and maybe opt for shoes instead of trainers. For a girl it's a totally different ballgame. So, do I verge on the more casual end of the 'smart casual' scale... skinny jeans, fab boots? Or do I go more towards the smart end of the scale, and opt for a dress?

It shouldn't really matter... this is not a date, remember!!!

Ooh... last night I spoke to Potential No.76 (Baileys Guy). He's lovely, and he sent me a very sweet email this morning too. I think we're going to meet up in the new year.

I'm tempted to make it February, as I'm detoxing in January. That's right... no alcohol in January (oh lord, that could make a whole new blog!). I think I may allow myself two days of drinking, but that's it!

Wednesday 27 December 2006

I survived Christmas as a singleton :)

Indeed I did. My Christmas Eve turned out to be quite good fun. I got a text of No.17 from Gloucester… I think he felt a bit put out that I'd turned him down in favour of my mum!

So no wallowing in self pity, or slowly getting drunk! That meant I was on top form to enjoy Christmas day!! Yoga guy had left me some pressies the last time he was 'just passing'. Not only was there oodles of chocolate (seriously, I'm getting so bored of chocolate I've started giving it away), but he also gave me some absolutely beautiful crystal wine glasses!!

Wow!!

The rest of Christmas day I spent with my beloved family! Thank you Bruv for the most amazing Christmas dinner, and copious amounts of alcohol available. As I'm sure you all know I made the most of it!

But the nicest part of Christmas day was getting texts/calls off friends (old and new), all wishing me the best. Sounds simple, but 12 months ago if I'd gotten a text of anyone it would have meant getting the third degree (and probably worse), so it was fab to feel safe and happy. Brilliant… even if I stay single forever I'll remember this one as being special :)

Now, Potential No.76 (Baileys Guy). He's starting to sound very interesting indeed. We've got to the stage of swapping numbers, but he's not going to call until I've given him the OK. I like it… someone who seems to appreciate how intrusive it can be to get calls all the time!

Dubliner 2 of 3 has emailed to see if I fancied meeting up again in the new year? Hmmm… he was quite nice, so I may (I fancy another trip to Dublin!)

And tomorrow, it's my drink (not date) with an old friend. I'm seriously looking forward to a night out with him, and I'm surprised we've not done this before!

Sunday 24 December 2006

'twas the night before Christmas

Xmas Eve... what does a single girl do on Christmas Eve??

Well, here's my options:

Option 1: Wallow in self pity, listening to "It'll be lonely this Christmas" on repeat while getting slowly drunk!

Option 2: Take up No.17 from Gloucester's offer of a night out. I say a night out, but it would mean driving to Gloucester, then spending an hour or so being talked at, without the opportunity to have a drink or two.

Option 3: Go to mum's!

So, option 3 it is. It's actually not too bad. I'm going to have an hour or so there, then come home, pamper myself (got a new Christmas outfit, and I want my nails to match), open a bottle of something sparkly and think back to this time last year... it was yuck!!

Ooh, I've started some new Mutual Contact (No.76). In his last email he mentioned what he does for a living... he only owns a company that distributes Baileys!!! Distributes Baileys... WOW!!!

And Dubliner 2 of 3 (remember... he came over in the summer) has been in touch. He thinks it would be nice for us to catch up sometime :)

And finally, I'm off out for a drink on Thursday with an old friend. I can't call it a date (mainly because it isn't!), but I have to say this guy is seriously good fun, single and quite fit. Lost touch with him for years, but we've been emailing a fair bit over the last couple of weeks!

Happy Christmas everyone... have fun!

Friday 22 December 2006

Oh lord :(

I've just got an email from the RAC?!?

I was initially confused, until I realised it was a map showing No.17's place. Maybe he thought I could have it in case I was ever 'just passing'.

Earplugs?

I've been told on more than one occasion that I can talk. To anyone, about anything... one guy I used to go out with called it 'inane babble'! I've even been told I talk in my sleep.

Well, No.17... he can talk. My god he can talk!!

Over three hours of constant 'inane babble'... that's what happened last night. Maybe he was nervous!! It wasn't even really a conversation. The few times I was able to get a word in, and ask a question, he would then come out with a twenty minute completely unrelated monologue.

Me: "So, No.17... what do you do for a living?"
No.17: "blah blah blah..." on to something about an ex of his who had issues with cows and oriental food!

eh?!?!

At one point I was absolutely bursting for the loo, and you know you normally try and wait for a gap in conversation so you can politely excuse yourself. If I'd have waited my bladder would've exploded, so I just had to get up and run!!!

When I get back, there's what I can only describe as the most charming pixie in my seat... a poor guy of about 16, with curly black hair and glitter all over his face (bear with me on this, at that point I wasn't drunk!). No.17 had somehow captured this guy (so he had someone to talk to while I took longer than normal in the loo). The pixie looked in pain, and quickly jumped out of my seat to let me take my place back there as a sounding board.

He gave me a sympathetic look... I just smiled. No.17 is in the background (shouting something about me being his "hot date").

I can't see this one going far! He talked so much I drank him under the table! Honestly, he didn't stop to even drink, so pint for pint my Guinness was disappearing way quicker than his. Every now and then he'd comment on my drinking ability, then down his entire pint to keep up!

Apparently that's alright though (for me to be power drinking that is). "It's OK" he says... "you're Irish". Being Irish makes it OK for me to drink like a fish!

It wasn't because I'm Irish No.17 ... it was because I was bored. It was like listening to Charlie Brown's teacher!!!

Thursday 21 December 2006

Cheerish the luv!

No, not my spelling mistakes. I just got a wink of a guy who wants to find somebody he can "luv and cheerish". Spell check honey... please!

Or maybe he does indeed want to "cheerish" somebody. Is that like kind of making someone half happy?!?

God knows, but I'm a pedantic hard to please person (apparently)... not likely to want to hook up with somebody who can't be arsed to check their own profile for errors. I did laugh though at his last line... "By the way, I am very good lucking".

I'm guessing he means good looking (although not good looking enough to have a photo it would seem)!

Did she or didn't she??

Find love, that is!

Well, no... I didn't. Sorry No. 16, even though you were *oodles* of fun (and very very cute!), I still sent that email to the dating site demanding my free six months!

The only stipulation of their guarantee is that you have to have been 'actively dating' during your first six months. ACTIVELY DATING... I'm exhausted!!

I was tempted to send them this blog, as proof I've been bloody actively dating, but it seems I didn't need to. They work it out on the number amount of times you've accessed your account, and the email activity you've undertaken, so they didn't even quibble. I'm surprised they didn't add a sympathetic 'better luck next time'!

One of my friends emailed me yesterday, and reckons I must be quite difficult to please, as I seem unable to get past four dates with any of my Potentials.

On the contrary... I'm actually very easy to please. All I want is a simple relationship, with someone who isn't going to follow me around like a lapdog, or need constant reassurance that things are OK with us. Someone who never needs to ask 'so, where do you see us going', because they're happy to just wait and see how things work.

Simple... isn't it??

Ooh... before I forget. Yoga Guy popped in last night (yep... he was 'just passing'!). How sweet though, he left me a bag full of Christmas pressies. Seriously, there must be about 6 pressies there!! Voice of Reason and I have done the obligatory pressie shaking and squeezing to see if we can work out what they all are. I'm guessing at least two are chocolate related!

When I start my Christmas shopping I'll make sure I get him something, so I don't feel guilty :)

Monday 18 December 2006

I've been thinking

If there's a rush of Potentials before Christmas (which, judging by the winks I'm getting there is), then it may well get even better in January. I mean... a combination of crap pressies and new years resolutions is bound to mean a host of newly single guys, all just desperate to find 'The One' in 2007.

Luckily tomorrow I'm eligible for my free 6 months on the dating site, as I haven't 'found love' yet!

So, unless the Law Prof cuts it tomorrow night, I guess you're stuck reading this inane babble possibly until June 2007.

Seriously moment though... when I signed up to online dating (6 months ago) I honestly thought by Christmas I'd be completely loved up in some kind of coupledom. But no!

And d'you know what... I'm still happy having fun :)

Ooh, and funny moment of the night... I get a text earlier on. Voice of Reason threw my phone at me, but when I checked it, it was a blank message.

Bugger... who's that off (I was thinking maybe Chainsaw Guy had become a silent pervert). No no no... it was from Gorgeous H.

Now... I know in reality he somehow accidentally sent a message (you know... your phone is in your pocket, and I'm probably first in his list of numbers), but my happy thought for the night is I'm in his phonebook!!!

Sunday 17 December 2006

Steady on now!

Blimey... Potential from Gloucester's keen. We arranged to meet on Thursday, but today he's already suggested meeting on Tuesday as well (I can't... drinks with the Law Prof). Then he sent me a text suggesting we meet this evening.

He did call earlier too, when I was at my Bruv's (who incidentally forgot he'd mentioned cake!). Now, I never answer the phone the first time a Potential calls... only because I want them to leave a message (so I get to hear what they sound like), but he didn't leave one. Ah well, I'll wait until he calls again!

Another Christmas 'Face to Face'

That's right! Potential from Gloucester (No. 75!) has now become Face to Face No. 17! We're going to meet for a drink on Thursday. Guinness or coffee?? Well... my choice, so I'm opting for the Guinness.

I quite like the sound of this guy, and he thinks I have a 'cheeky smile' (and I'm a cutie, remember)!

I know Thursday is likely to be the busiest night of the year, what with the world and his wife all out for Christmas drinks so I'm going to have to choose somewhere quiet(ish). Actually, the bar I'm meeting the Law Prof on Tuesday would be ideal!!

Rugby Guy (remember, from ages ago) has sent me another email. He wants my address so he can send me a Christmas card! I don't think so (although, I remember he was a fairly generous guy, so I could well be missing out on a potential pressie there!)

I think I can safely say I'm not just doing this exercise just for gifts. If that were the case I would have opted for Dubliner 1 of 3 (with wine cellar). I'm a girl of morals... in it for the fun of dating!!

Ooh, and Yoga Guy... Please please please STOP PLAYING WITH MY HAIR!!!

It's a real pet hate of mine, and anyone with curly hair knows that constantly fiddling with it is eventually going to turn it into a ball of fluff. I know my hair generally looks a little unruly (I prefer to call it that 'just got out of bed', or 'casually tousled' look), but I like my curls where they are, and have no desire to have my entire fringe tucked behind my ears every 30 seconds!

Right, off to see my beloved family (my Bruv has called, and mentioned cake!)

Saturday 16 December 2006

Christmas rush?

I thought this would happen. There seems to be a rush on winks over the last few days! Here's another new Potential:

Potential from Gloucester (No. 75!) - sounds like quite a fun guy... likes golf, but has a hard time making a decision between Guinness and coffee (not something that's ever troubled me I have to say!). Far enough away, so again unlikely to be 'just passing', and thinks I'm a 'real cutie'!!
How sweet! And he's already given me his mobile number (in less than 24 hours!)

And winks of no less than 6 locals overnight. It looks like my instinct was right, and that loads of people suddenly become single just before Christmas... remember, it saves on pressie buying if you ditch your partner just before!

I'll have a scan through them to find any Potentials in the morning.

Tonight I'm out with Yoga Guy. Yes, he's still on the scene, but I swear I'm making no kind of commitment. He is good fun, and as long as I keep reminding him I'm single, and just dating that's OK!!

Friday 15 December 2006

S.A.D

Bless... remember Cute from Devon? Well, he winked at me again! I emailed him back, and he reminded me that over the last 6 months he's winked at me 3 times, and I've never winked back at him! And I thought it was just me that was counting!

So another old face, still on the site! I think us old timers should all get together (apart from Chainsaw Guy, who shouldn't even be allowed to mix in normal adult company). We could have a SAD (Single And Dating) Christmas Party - a whole bunch of us either moaning about how we seem to be incapable of holding down a relationship, or in my case celebrating the fact I've successfully (albeit unintentionally) managed to avoid actually getting hooked up!

I've got a new Potential too (honestly... I'm really getting back into this!).

Number 74 - lives about 50 miles away (so unlikely to ever be 'just passing'). He looks relatively normal in his photo, and there's no mention of sofas, DVD's or the Da Vinci code, so surely worth following up!

Take the hint... please!

Chainsaw guy... it doesn't matter how many times you wink at me I'm not going to have any 'Mutual Contact' with you. Ever!!!

A gold star for persistance though!

Wednesday 13 December 2006

Number 16

Face to face... next Tuesday!

He's a local guy, involved in research and law. That's what he said, so I Googled him (it's not stalking. It's a perfectly valid and appropriate way of finding out more about someone. These days I'd be slightly more worried if Google found nothing... what does that say about a person!!)

Anyway, yes - I Googled him. for 'research and law' read Professor of Law. Blimey... an intelligent one! The Voice of Reason actually suggested I buy "Law for Dummies", so I'll know what he's talking about. And my beloved family have built this one up into some kind of mad professor, with wild grey hair, specs and sandals.

In a way that's good. I'm begining to think I should lower my expectations anyway, then as long as he's a little up the scale from The Missing Link I'll be pleasantly surprised!

And this time I may also take a bit of my mothers advice (for once). Her theory is this: because I always tell Potentials I'm a bit of a commitment-phobe they see it as a challenge, and that maybe, just maybe they'll be the one to make me change. So, her plan is for me to make out I'm looking for a very serious relationship, and to actually ask the dreaded question myself.

So, Number 16... just where do you see us going??

Monday 11 December 2006

Stats!!!!

As I'm in bored mode, I thought I'd have a quick scan through the last six months, to work out how many Potentials I've had some kind of 'Mutual Contact' with.

Are you ready for this:

73 Potentials!!! 73 - that's just nuts (and that doesn't include any winks I didn't respond to!)

Before you all call me a floozy, I've only actually had dates with 15 of them (and only 9 of them had more than one date!). Fairly respectable, I think ;)

bored, bored, bored!!

That's right... I'm bored with my Potentials. I've just had my third date with Dubliner 1 of 3 (with wine cellar), and in what has almost become a pattern with me, after three dates I'm bored.

I know he's got a wine cellar, and that should be enough to have me welded to his hip for life, but no - it's not.

We had a great weekend, but he did the worst thing possible... he asked 'where did I see us going'!

Arghhh...he broke the golden rule! I seriously didn't know what to say. Not only that, he talked seriously about moving over here. I told him the reason I like him was because of the distance between us. If he moves around the corner it just wouldn't be the same!

So, I've kind of put him to the bottom of the list, while I continue my search for an equally commitment shy man of my dreams!!

I've been back on the dating site (mainly to make absolutely sure I'm going to get my next 6 months free). Almost immediately I got a new flurry of winks. Even more bizarrely some of the guys I've dated in the past (Rugby Guy, Chainsaw Guy, Dubliner 2 of 3) all got in touch too!

Now, as it didn't work out with them the first time round (apart from Dubliner 2 of 3, who was quite gorgeous and I'm glad he winked at me again!), why do they think it's going to work second time... Especially Chainsaw Guy?!?

Anyway... the new Potentials:

A slightly strange guy who named himself after Brad Pitt's character in Fight Club. That in itself should be enough to worry me, but no... he's quite funny, so we've arranged to meet up after Christmas (I'm going to struggle to find a free night before, what with work nights out, friends nights out... I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!)

And one other guy, who I'm meeting next week. He 'Seems Nice' (tm) , so I thought I should squeeze him in before Christmas.

Ooh, and Bruv... yes, I do remember who you are, and I'm sorry I missed you today. I'll check your blog to see if the catalogue of errors matches mine :)

Sunday 3 December 2006

December already!

I know, I'm getting terribly lax with this blog... sorry!

So, since last time what's happened?? My second date with Dubliner 1 of 3 (with wine cellar) was amazing!! I was the belle of the ball in the most beautiful dress in the world (II), and I got to wear my heels. I pleaded ignorance at the "no heels" small print :)

The party was a blast, and I even got to dance with Coldplay's drummer's dad! And Dubliner 1 of 3 was divine! Quite funny really, when the band were packing their gear away at the end of the night, the singer said he'd never seen somebody smile and giggle as much as I did! Sweet!

And the family... a typical Oirish lot, who could all seriously outdrink me (honestly... I was an amateur compared to them!). At the family lunch they had at least 6 different types of wine. Unfortunately I could only have one glass as I had to drive back later that day.

So anyway, since then... more dates with Yoga Guy. And I've even gone so far as to introduce him to my Bruv, and my friends (gulp!). I'm even thinking of taking him along to my office party. I know, this all smacks of commitment!!

Anyway, back to Dubliner 1 of 3... guess what?? He's coming over next weekend. So I've got to work out a weekend of entertainment so that he leaves thinking my part of the world is the coolest in the world. Easy!

Ooh, and in two weeks I'm entitled to my free 6 months on the dating site. If you don't find love within 6 months, you get another 6 months free. Well, I've found fun, scary moments, nice meals, pressies, neediness, and oodles of other stuff, but not love. Not enough to pass on 6 more months of dating.

Talking of which... it's time to do a new search. I think December will will have loads of new people on the site. December is a time when people become single - it saves you buying pressies!!

I want new dates :)