Date #6

Had date numero six with Mr. Show Biz last night.  Unsurprisingly, it went great.  It was interesting, though, because I think we're starting to see one another's flaws.  His politics are a little too far to the right for my taste (and vice versa- I think he thinks I'm a bleeding heart liberal, which I suppose I am).  At least he's socially liberal, though- very live and let live- so I can live with that. If he wasn't, I don't think this would work.  Also- and I realize how petty this sounds- but I hated his shoes last night!  We both decided to go a little more casual last night, and I really liked the outfit he wore, but the shoes were circa mid-nineties, and I never even liked them when they were in style, and now, well, they just need to go.  I'm not going to say anything to him about them, of course, because I don't believe in fixing men or dressing them up like Ken dolls.  If he's happy wearing them, then I'm happy- I just try to not look down.  I often date men with horrible taste in footwear.  His work shoes are great, but these- ugh.  I think he disliked a lot of dresses I've worn, so it all balances out in the end.  If this is the worst complaint we have about one another, I think we'll be in good shape.

Anyway, we saw "Away We Go" with Maya Rudolph and John Krasinski (sp.?).  It was so cute.  I really liked it.  It had so many layers and levels, and it was just a simple, heartfelt, funny piece.  I recommend it!  Then we went to a Spanish tapas restaurant.  Luckily he'd made reservations because there was a long line of people waiting for a table (I love a man who runs a tight ship!).  It was delicious, and once again I ate and drank way too much.  Oh, gluttony, I love it!  Friday nights don't count in diet land ; )  ... not that I'm dieting, but you know what I mean.

I began taking prerequisites for nursing school on Thursday.  I have my Bachelor's degree, but I never took microbiology, anatomy, and a few other courses in school.  So I've decided to start chipping away at my pre-reqs, slowly but surely.  This summer I'm taking "Calculating Drugs and Solutions."  We had a test the first day, and I was one of only a few people who aced it (as a sub, I should!).  It was actually kind of fun!  I like being in school and interacting with different people and learning.  I wish I could just be a professional student, and that was my job.  I want to be a lifelong learner and just take classes part-time forever.

Happy Father's Day!

So, it's been about a week, and I should probably say something... I'll tie up some loose strings.

                 

I never heard back from Gallagher or Daddy Warbucks.  I hate to say it, but good riddance to them both.  While I did really like them, and was attracted to the latter, I think that the first one really was gay and hadn't admitted that to himself yet, so that match was hopeless.   As for the latter, the communication style of Daddy Warbucks is so vastly different from mine that it really would have become an issue.  I am a planner.  I need another planner, otherwise I feel taken for granted, neglected and very unhappy.  I hate being late, and I hate waiting for people who are chronically late (which Warbucks was- over 30 minutes late both times, but I didn't mention it because he drove from so far away, so I tried to be understanding).  And I really can't stand it when people make plans and then forget they made them, or flake and try to play me second fiddle.  Maybe I reacted too strongly to his family plans, but the first weekend he asked me out, he asked me out once, forgot, and then asked me again.  He was shocked when I told him we already had plans.  While I appreciate that he did go way out of his way to drive me around and pick me up, drop me off, etcetera, it really bothered me how low a priority he gave our plans... he couldn't even remember them!  Both times!

Sadly, I probably would have put up with his ish, though (because he's such a tall, cool drink of water) if I weren't so enamored by Mr. Show Biz...

Biz sent me a third bouquet of flowers this weekend, to tell me that he missed me (he traveled out of town to see his dad for Father's Day).  They're the prettiest of the bunch yet.   This arrangement has these beautiful deep pink flowers that match the pink tips of the white roses... just gorgeous.

Anyway, we've been talking on the phone every day, and he's all I talk about with my sister.  She's really getting sick of hearing about him, as I'm sure you are, too!  Speaking of, I think I need to find a new blog topic while I'm dating him because this is going to turn into a really boring gush-fest.  Okay, you get the point... I like him.  He likes me.  He's cool.  I don't know if he's "the one," but I do feel optimistic about our potential.

So, in future posts, I think I'll focus on other things...   

LAST NIGHT (#5)

Super tired, so short post... last night I had dinner with Mr. Show Biz because he'll be out of town this weekend.  It was date #5, I'll have to check because my memory fails me...

+ 

He picked me up at my house and drove us to the restaurant.  He drove from LA to Long Beach.

I was running late, so he left his house an hour later than we had planned.  He was really cool about it.

I made him brownies and he liked them.

The restaurant was nice.   Right on the water, but not too stuffy.  Food was really good.  Drinks were great.

He already followed up with a nice email this morning, so I guess I didn't scare him off (see below).

-

I drank too much and got too comfortable.  And when that happens, you know I start talking!  I told him a few things that probably could have waited... like about my recurring night terrors and nightmares.  My night terrors are actually kind of wild.  I wake up thinking snakes are attacking me or I've swallowed a bullet.  I'm always screaming and begging my sister to call 911 for something, but she talks me out of it somehow.  If those stories don't scare him off, nothing will.  Doesn't happen too often, but enough to scare and seriously annoy my sister.

He didn't walk to my door to pick me up or drop me off.  He called me from his cell phone, and I came out.  I didn't like it, but because we were running late, I understood.  Next time, though, I think I'll just ignore my cell phone and force him out of his freaging car.  And when he dropped me off, he didn't even wait until I was inside the house before he flipped a U-y and drove off.  I used to get on my ex about that, and it looks like I'll have to ask him, too.  If he can't walk me to my door, he needs to wait from the safety of his car until I'm inside the house.  Just a thing with me.

MY FIX

 is my    

Saturday night I spent five hours at a bar with my friend, Rita.  We had a lot of fun, but when I got in my car, I realized  that while I was probably okay to drive, I didn't want to risk it.  So when I saw Mr. Show Biz had called, I sat in my car and phoned him back.  I broke the fifteen minute rule and stayed on the phone with him for two hours.  I reasoned that I needed company while I sobered up, so whatever.  He's been wanting to help me get some of my business ideas off the ground, so we talked about how to make some of them work.   I'm really excited about that- I could use the help and guidance from someone who actually knows what they're doing!

He called again yesterday and requested an impromptu date this week.  We need our fix of one another!  I'm so addicted to him.  But that's also another rule I broke... it's kind of a last minute date- on Tuesday.  BUT he's been perfect about scheduling ahead of time and this was an extenuating circumstance, as he'll be out of town this weekend.  Also, he suggested Wednesday or Thursday (which would have been within the rules), but I was busy on those nights, so I suggested Tuesday.  Therefore, I don't think I really broke anything... just maybe bent it a little.  Either way, I'm glad I don't have to wait two weeks before I see him again!

Reciprocity

I had my fourth date with Mr. Show Biz last night.  It was fantastic!  I drove up to his house in L.A.  It's a three-story townhouse, pristine and well-decorated... he makes me feel like such a loser and a slob when I think of how I live!  He really has his ish together.  I gave him a small gift I made (the author of "Be Your Own Matchmaker" says that for every four nice things he does for you, you should try and reciprocate by doing something nice for him so that he doesn't feel taken advantage of).  So, I have this "idea book" where I put all my so-called million-dollar ideas, and he's been telling me that he wants one, too, and that I should help him get one started.  So I bought a small binder, paper and spent hours making a guide on construction paper with all these colorful pages to help him get started that said things like, "What are problems I see in society?  Are these fixable?  If yes, how so?"  Etcetera.  But then I woke up the next morning and realized that the whole thing might be a bit too pedantic and most guys hate getting advice from girls.  They get insulted or something.  ALL the relationship books advise against this, so that you don't seem too mother hen-ish.  So I took out all my inspirational pages of questions and prompts and just gave him the binder with empty white pages instead.  It ended up being kind of a lame gift without it, but better than nothing I suppose.  I did decorate the cover, so that's something...  But I think I'll finish up the apron I started in sewing class and give that to him since he's such a great chef and all.

But anyway, he's funny when I give him things.  This time he said thank you, and then he just put it on his table.  He didn't open it right then and there.  He's the only person I've ever met who does that (unless there's a big pile of gifts or something).  Who doesn't want to tear into a gift right away?  I guess he has more restraint than me, but I found it odd and surprising.

Anyway, after he gave me a tour of his place, we drove downtown to see "Oleanna," a play by David Mamet, starring Julia Stiles and Bill Pullman.  It was a pretty shocking and interesting play, and Stiles and Pullman were both excellent in their roles.  Stiles had to pull off a pretty crazy role and did so with conviction, and Pullman was a very charming and foppish asshole.  I really enjoyed myself!  It's crazy, though, because people in L.A. don't dress up for the theatre! Not like New York.  Practically everyone else in the audience was over sixty years old and wearing jeans and a blazer (women included).

We were hungry afterwards, so we went to this amazing restaurant in Hollywood.  It was the best I've been to in years.  The food absolutely melted in my mouth.  I ate SO much, I was a little piggy and didn't care.

He drove us back to his house and he told me he had a gift for me downstairs, so we went to his room and made out (kept it tame).  I asked him if that was the gift he had for me (a la "Dick in a Box"- although I didn't see any of that).  He laughed and said no, and handed me a boxed set of Season 1 & 2 of one of my favorite shows, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."  He said he saw it at Target and thought of me.  I love gifts and I love that show, so I squealed when I saw it.  He's so thoughtful!

His family is flying in next weekend, so we won't see each other for two weeks.  I miss him already!

URGH!

Daddy Warbucks is starting to get on my nerves...

He texted me yesterday at 6:50 a.m. (he knows I get up early for work), while I was trying to get out the door.  He was trying to have a text conversation, which I really don't have time for in the morning... I'm usually scrambling around trying to make it out of the house.  I tried to be patient about it because a) I probably put that pressure on myself.  I should have just ignored the texts until I had time to answer them, and b) he had some really great news he wanted to share about getting good feedback from a potential publisher.

In our texts, he asked me when he could see me again.  I suggested this Sunday (we'd already decided days ago to meet either Saturday or Sunday), and he said he hoped he could, but he might have to go to a graduation for a family member this weekend.  I think he was playing one of his little games that I thought he had finished doing.  He was obviously expecting me to say, "Well, then, keep me posted," or something like that.  But hell no!  I'm a busy woman, and I can't turn down other options/ plans/ invitations because he can't make a decision and wants to pull out and string me along AFTER we already made plans.  This is annoying to me because we decided on like Tuesday that we would do something this weekend.  He could have told me at that time that the weekend wasn't an option, or that one of the days wasn't an option, but he didn't.  I've thought all week that we were all good to go.  But it turns out that the whole weekend might be a wash.  If this family thing just came up, he should have said that.  And even if it did, it sounds like his overbearing sisters and mother might be behind it, which is a whole other headache I don't want to deal with (a mama's boy who hasn't cut the umbilical chord- fun).  I could go on forever about how passive aggressive and weird our whole interaction was, but I have to get ready for work.

If you're wondering, I just replied something like, "Alright, well maybe next weekend then.  Gotta run.  Have a great day!"  It might have been too abrupt or cold, but I'd hinted ten minutes earlier in the middle of our texting that I was running late for work, but he plowed right ahead with all his crap.  

I can see that this really isn't going to work unless he learns how to act right.  I just know that he's going to call on Sunday, asking if we're still on.  But when he calls, sniffing around for a date, I'll have to say, "Oh no!  I totally thought you were going to your family thing.  I know how important they are to you, so I made other plans.  Maybe next weekend?"  Even if I'm  not doing a damn thing, that's the deal.  I will not see him this weekend.  I will not be toyed with like that.  He will learn this or he will move on.  I don't really care which one.

ALL IS WELL...

All is well.  Mr. Show Biz responded to my apology e-mail and was very blase and whatever (in a good way) about the whole thing.  He basically said that he didn't expect me to be high energy all the time, and that he hoped I was feeling better.  He's very patient and sweet!  He's also very vocal about how much he likes me, which is something I'm not used to, and I definitely like.  I'm used to men who play it cool (they make it known they like me through their actions, but they never really say too much about it... they definitely don't reiterate it like he does on the regular-- and I know that last sentence is redundant, but I like the way it sounds!).

He's taking me to a notable play this weekend, so I'm excited about that.  Now we're finally speaking my language!

It's funny... I never really speak to Daddy Warbucks during the week.  He'll send a follow-up e-mail thanking me for the date, and then a few days later, he'll ask me out for another one.  But that's always over e-mail, and he's only called once.  Of course, I could call him, but you already know how I feel about that.  I don't necessarily care if he calls either way... I just find it interesting that he purportedly likes me but never calls to chat.  I kinda prefer his e-mails anyway... our connection is stronger that way.  

Anyway, I speak with Mr. Show Biz at least 2-3 times a week.  He's calling tonight to iron out the details of our next date.  Just an interesting difference to note...  

Right now I definitely like Mr. Show Biz better, but anything can happen, and Daddy Warbucks is a great guy, so I'm trying to stay open-minded...

MOODY

I'm a half-way decent substitute teacher.  I like to talk to the kids, tend to keep the classroom just a little bit noisy (they get SOOO loud, so this is a huge feat), and get most of them to do their work.  But to be a GREAT sub in a "difficult" school, you really have to be the most charming comedian in the world, or you have to become a bit of a monster.  I'm not that charming, and I hate being angry all day, so I settle for mediocrity in this arena.

However, I'm administering state tests this week to my classrooms, so I have to make sure that the room is absolutely quiet.  Miraculously, I've been able to do it, but it takes me screaming and yelling all day to do it.  I was sending students out left and right and being generally mean and ugly about things.  It took everything out of me.  It really brings me down to have to change my personality like that... to become so ugly and angry.  I really hate it.

And then... I try to go to Bikram yoga on Tuesdays, too.  I was really exhausted after screaming all day, but I forced myself to go.  It was especially intense yesterday, beyond the usual 105 degrees,  1.5 hours of sweating.  The camel posture made me want to throw up; it's so tough.

After all that, and the day was finished, I came back home and was about ready to pass out.  But Mr. Show Biz called.  I couldn't get my act together to talk to him.  I was acting really weird, sluggish, tired and out of it.  Just really weird!  I felt really disconnected, like I wasn't even there.  I just kept saying, "That's nice" in this unenthusiastic voice, although I really tried to muster a modicum of energy... and I don't know what else.  Miraculously, he confirmed our date on Friday, but he's probably really doubting me now.  Strike One for LB Woman... actually that might have been my strike two!  Strike 1 was dissing him after the religion difference thing.

I sent him an apology email this morning, so I don't think it will be a big deal.  It's not like I was being a biotch or anything.  Just a little weird and crazy.  I guess it's better that he sees that now.  I AM a Cancer through and through, and we are notoriously moody.  When I get tired, I get in a really low mood.  Last night, I played this depressing song over and over and over again (like 50 times).  My sister gets worried about me when I do stuff like that, but it's actually really cathartic and makes me feel better.

Well, I suppose it's better he sees me a little crazy now than be surprised later.  This won't be my last "low mood", I'll tell you that!

S.O. Strikes Again

THE SMOOTH OPERATOR STRIKES AGAIN!

My sister can't find her camera, so I can't take pictures of the new bouquet, but Mr. Show Biz sent me another round of flowers this afternoon!  These are slightly more autumnal (if that's a word)... reds, deep browns and oranges.  It's a very pretty bouquet- same size as the last.  Cute. This time he hand-wrote the card, and said I was the most beautiful girl in the world.  Of course I'm not even close, and of course he doesn't really believe that, but it's a sweet gesture all the same.  I called him to thank him.

We also spoke yesterday (he called) and we spoke for over an hour, but it felt like five minutes.  My sister makes fun of me because when he calls, I like to snuggle under my covers while we talk.  It's pillow talk, I suppose- in a literal sense- but we keep it G-rated.  But he doesn't know I'm huddled up in bed with my blankets over my head when I talk to him, of course!  It's just fun, and probably a little pathetic.

Anyway, yesterday he asked me why I never call him (I only call BACK).  I think my negligence is kind of hurting his feelings.  He said it really made his day when I called (that one time), and he'd love for us to speak more often.  Of course I didn't tell him it was against "The Rules" for me to do this!  I just said that when I called I felt like I was interrupting something, and since he's much busier than I am it was probably better that he call me.  He disagreed and said that was probably in my head, and he'd always make time for me, so long story short, I kind of got cornered into calling him more.  So I promised to call him more frequently, and he was happy.   But between you and me, I'll never call him more than he calls me.  That's just asking for trouble!  I believe most guys are quick to think you're needy if you start blowing up their phone too much. 

So that's that.

And Daddy Warbucks sent me an e-mail today, asking me out on another date!  Of course, I accepted.  The author of "Be Your Own Matchmaker" suggests you always have "a pair and a spare" when you're dating, but I'm pretty happy with just these two guys.  No spares.  At this point, I don't want to renew my Match account and go through all that again, all for a "just in case" guy.  Who wants a "just in case" guy?  Sounds boring!  And kinda mean, too- to waste his time and money like that!  I'll save my $40, thank you.  I had a life before I met these guys, and I'd like to continue having a life now.  Any more than two date nights a week means that I'll never see a friend again.  I've put a lot of stuff on hold to get through the dating trials, and I think two dates a week is more than enough!  It's the perfect number, really (yoga/gym two nights a week, sewing two nights a week+ 2 date nights + 1 friend night= 1 week).  See?

DATE #2 WITH DADDY WARBUCKS

Just returned from my date with Daddy Warbucks.  It was great!

I feel kinda bad because I misunderstood the plans.  I thought he was going to pick me up and then drive us to Huntington Beach, which is about ten minutes south of where I live.  But it turns out, he had to drive down from Malibu Canyon (1.5 hours away) to my house, pick me up, and then we drove up to Pasadena (at least an hour) to Huntington Gardens!!  Then he dropped me back off at home (1+ hour), and then he drove back up to his house in the canyons (1.5+ hrs).  

Yikes!  I just assumed Huntington Gardens was in Huntington Beach, but it was in Pasadena.  So he drove A LOT of extra hours for me.  All in all, he spent over 5 hours in his car for our date!  And no complaints.  He thought I understood and wanted it that way anyway.  What a trooper!   And a gentleman.  If I'd known it was up in Pasadena, I would have suggested I take the train up and he could pick me up from the station.  I think he (unlike Control Freak) would be totally cool with that, and probably would have preferred that over all that driving he did!

At the end of the night, he gave me another hug.  I felt like he should get something for his troubles, so then I gave him a hand job.  JUST KIDDING!  I gave him a bag of trail mix we'd talked about earlier.  It's the most perfect mix in the world, and he really liked it.

He's a really nice guy.  He talks to his family every day.  His sister was blowing up his phone while we were out.  I don't get a player vibe from him at all.  And for what it's worth, his resume is pretty impressive.  He's accomplished so much.  He's published books, is a professor, a political pundit and commentator, produced a documentary, and more.  A bit of a Renaissance Man, if you will.  We talked about our plans for the summer.  Usually he travels on hiatus, and when I told him I was still looking for a summer job, he asked if I would be free to travel.  I replied that right now my summer is wide open, so who knows.  It seemed to be a hint, but we both kept it light.

The gardens were beautiful.  There were desert gardens and tropical gardens and Japanese gardens.  A lot of beautiful plant life.  It was very interesting.  I had a nice time.  It's hard to tell if we'll have a physical connection, though, since we haven't done anything more than a hug.  There is an undercurrent there, so I think we'll be fine.  He's a tall drink of water.  A lot of women looked at him, and one who did then glared at me, so that was kind of funny.

SHOW BIZ DATE #3

I went to a screening and then met Mr. Show Biz for drinks.

1.  The screening was great!  I briefly saw a few people I hadn't seen in awhile, including a friend who I used to know in high school.  She was always one of my favorite people in school; She was a cool Junior when I was a lame Freshman, and she and her friend really took me under their wings.  We actually ran into each other at the table read for the movie (that we screened last night) last year... it turned out we were both cast in it.  I had no idea.  Small world!  Unfortunately, the movie was running 45 minutes behind, and I was only able to push drinks with Mr. Show Biz back for about 30, so I had to head out early.  I still don't know how the last 10 minutes ends!

2.  Mr. Show Biz swung by the theatre around 11:15 p.m. and picked me up.  The plan was to go to a nice martini lounge in Beverly Hills, but he changed his mind.  He thought that was a bit too stuffy, and we went to some Hollywood hot spot instead.  I was wearing a dress, so I would have definitely preferred the stuffy martini bar, but whatever, it was fine.  My dress wasn't uber-fancy or anything, but there's some faux-fur going on up top and it's one of my faves and I did feel out of place at the bar where we ended up.  All the other girls were in casual jeans, heels and cute tops, so I was slightly over-dressed.  

The place was too crowded, too loud, too smokey (the ashes from the cigarette of some guy above me and to my left kept falling in my lap), but HE was great.  The conversation was great.  I always like spending time with him.  We held hands the whole time we were talking.  The good-night kiss rocked.  We're VERY compatible in that arena.  He makes me dizzy!  I'm a little worried because he IS a Scorpio, and I've heard that Scorpios are notorious freaks.  And he really seems to know what he's doing.  We were just kissing, but I couldn't help thinking, "Damn, how many women has this man been with?"  It makes me a little insecure.  He was just so good!  Scary good.

Sometimes I talk crazy talk about wild stallions and stuff, but at the end of the day, I just want a nice guy who can turn me on.  Mr. Show Biz is definitely a smooth operator, and it's too soon to tell what's really going on with the man behind the curtain, but I'm really hoping he's not a wild stallion.  I really hope he's just what he appears to be- a nice guy.

     

Tomorrow is Daddy Warbucks...

Dress-Up Barbie

       

Daddy Warbucks told me today that he likes the way I dress, and that he'd like to dress me up like a Barbie doll sometime.  He says these things that are just sooo wrong, and yet so right...  I don't know why, but they really tickle me.  

My sister thinks the Barbie doll comment makes him sound a bit homosexual, but I don't think so.  I think it's kinda hot.  Can't explain it... guess I have a wire crossed somewhere...

TRAINERS AND TAMERS

Tuesday night I had drinks with Gallagher.

High points:

He agreed to meet in a local artsy dive bar.  I really love this place, so threw it in the list of options I gave him (which annoys me that I had to do that).  I thought maybe his inner performance artist would bite, and to my glee, he did.  I've tried getting other dates to go there, but they just laughed like I was kidding, and picked somewhere nice and classy to take me... ultimately, I'm glad that the others brought me somewhere nice.  I guess I've just wanted to go to that dive bar for awhile now, and needed to get it out of my system, for some unknown reason.  But yeah, generally, let's keep it classy.

We laughed a lot.  Beginning was awkward and slow, but after a few drinks we were really slapping our knees.  The caveat is that after a few drinks, I think everyone is hilarious and slap my knees at everything.  And I really turn on and let loose.  So it wasn't necessarily him.  But he was sweet and present and said things that made me laugh when I was drunk, so I guess that's something.

We told a lot of very personal things.  Again, I'd had a few drinks- two.  And they were very stiff.  I told the waitress to stop after one, but she brought a second one anyway.  I guess my inner alcoholic couldn't turn down a drink when it was plunked right in front of me.  I can't believe the stuff that was coming out of my mouth.  And his, too.  SHOCKING secret kind of stuff.  That's what happens when I get around artsy types, though.  They have no filters, so I take mine down, too.  It was fun to disclose so much on a first date, but it's definitely playing with fire and not something I'll repeat.  I probably scared him off.  I kinda hope so, cuz...

Low points:

Didn't walk me to my car.  I was parked in front.  He was parked in back.  At the end of the date, we exited via the side entrance and hugged good-bye right there.  He went his way and I walked back alone to my car.  It wasn't the best neighborhood, so maybe he was worried about his own safety.  But if he had walked me to my car, I would have driven him to his own.  Booo!  That's a HUGE no-no for me.  That's a technical foul that will almost always elicit an automatic break-up e-mail from me.

Also, we met for drinks-only at dinner time.  This place has killer food (and very cheap drinks), but since he hadn't offered dinner, I had to shovel some food in my mouth at home before the date.  I was still a little hungry when I got there, though, and had to suffer through watching other people order delicious dishes.  I thought about ordering something there anyway, but I would either have had to pay for it, which might upset him (and would annoy me on a first date), or he would think I engineered the whole thing so that I could get more out of him than he'd offered.  So I just ignored the grumbling in my stomach and drank up.

I had to set up the actual date (find and e-mail the location options, etc.).  He moves soooo slow and just kept ping-ponging the work back on me.  I just got so annoyed and frustrated as the clock was winding down and needed to plan my outfits for the week, so I gave him a list of options since he obviously wasn't going to do it.  He told me that when he read my break down of choices he was like, "Omigod, this girl is great!"  So now he probably expects me to do all the grunt work.  Yeah, I know how to run a tight ship, loser.  That doesn't mean I like it!  My thing is, women usually end up doing all that stuff anyway, later in the relationship, so the one time when we CAN be taken care of, we SHOULD.  And we should enjoy it, guilt free.  'Cuz it's all down hill after that!  I gathered from his juicy stories that he's dated a lot of cougars.  He's probably looking for a mommy type.  If so, keep it steppin' honey!

And last, but certainly not least... I think he might be gay.  We never spoke on the phone, oddly... all arrangements were done via e-mail.  I think if I had spoken with him on the phone, I might not have accepted the date.  There's something very effeminate about him.  He uses his hands a lot.  His voice has a ton of inflection, and his general mannerisms and pitch are just not what I'm used to.

If he's not gay, he's a feminine-energy man who will try to be the princess in the relationship.  We can't have two!  Two princesses does not work!  I'm hoping he doesn't ask me out again, because I'll probably accept, sadly.  The thing is, he's the ONLY guy who matched 5 out of 5 of my little non-negotiables.  So, I'd like for it to work.  It's really great on paper!  Maybe I'm just being too closed-minded about gender roles and identity... dunno.  We'll see...

He's a guy I'd have to train.  I think most women don't mind either training a man or taming a man, but few women can or want to do both.  I HATE training men.  I don't like to do it, and try to avoid men I have to train.  It makes me feel like their mother.  But taming a wild man, that's something I don't mind doing, or at least TRYING to do.  I've been thrown off many a wild bronco, but every time I learn something and get a little closer to domesticating one.  It's fun... digging in your heels and riding it out.  I will tame a wild stallion of a man.  Oh yes, I will!  He shall be mine.  To hell with those little puppies, training them.  If you're going to roll up your sleeves and put some real work in, at least tame you a wild stallion!  Even if you get thrown off, you'll have had the ride of your life ; ) 

    

I know I said I was taking this weekend off, but after I broke up with Night Man, I had a surge of energy!  People either inspire me or they tire me.  Apparently, he tired me.  But now that he's out of the picture, I'm brimming with energy and can't wait to see Mr. Show Biz and Daddy Warbucks.  I'm seeing them Friday and Sunday, respectively.  Sushi Fanatic also wants to meet up this weekend, but the only day left is Saturday and I have a busy line-up of personal ish to take care of then.

SMOOTH OPERATOR

        

I went on my morning jog this morning with my dog.  Upon returning from my regular route, I noticed something on my front porch.  As I got closer, I realized it was a small bouquet of flowers.  At first I was a little annoyed and dismayed, assuming it was one of my sleazy neighbors who like to leer at me and my sister as we run by on our jogs.  But when I got closer and saw that the flowers came from a professional florist, I just knew they were from either Mr. Show Biz or Daddy Warbucks.  I screamed "Oh my God!" when I saw them on the outside porch and was so loud that I woke my sister up (she was sleeping inside).

I read the card.  They were from Mr. Show Biz.  Apparently they had arrived on Monday (which is why they're kinda wilted in the photos), but because I didn't arrive back home until 9 p.m., and was weighted down with bags and crap, I totally missed them on Monday night and didn't see them on the porch.  

Anyway, he's so thoughtful!!  He's too good to be true.  The words on the card were very sweet and kinda romantic.  He's quite the wordsmith and just too smooth for his own good.  I really hope he means what he says because I'm SOOOO buying it.  I reallllllly like him.  I'm going to a screening on Friday, and then we're supposed to meet afterwards.  He told me he's pretty much leaving Fridays open for me now.

Oh yeah, I went on a date with someone else tonight.  I'll talk about that tomorrow.  He's fine.  I laughed a lot and had a good time, yet still have some reservations.  More tomorrow.  Tired.  Just wanted to say that I got flowers today!!!  This is NOT an every day occurrence.  The last time I got flowers, the guy bought them in a strip club, so this is infinitely more romantic.  They totally made my day : )

xoxo

NIGHT DAWNS FOR NIGHT MAN

   

I thought I'd be able to wake up and make a clear decision about Night Man after a good night's sleep.  Unfortunately I only got about half my usual sleep hours, and am even more tired than usual.  But a few hours was all I needed to realize that there was just no question involved.  Who was I trying to kid?  You all know it's lights out for Night Man!  I know this.  And I know you know this.  I guess the actress in me likes dramatic pause and suspense, but this is really a no-brainer.  He's a really nice guy... but he's also a booger-bubble blowing incompatible kisser. Case closed!

There were other reasons why I think we didn't work out.  I decided to focus on those in my break-up e-mail (yeah, keepin' it classy), and not the more superficial reasons I have.  My email to him:

Hey Night Man,

It's really hard for me to say this, but I think I'm going to go in another direction.  I've really enjoyed my time with you and getting to know you, but I don't think we have a lot in common.  I've noticed that as our dates progress, I have less and less to say and share with you... I didn't think our lack of similar interests would be an issue in the beginning, but I'm beginning to see that it is.  I wish you the best of luck and know that a great guy like you will find someone who deserves you and all that you have to offer.  Thank you for being so good to me.

Best wishes,

LB Woman

Oh, and one thing I forgot to mention.  He told me on our last date that his son broke his hand last weekend.  I asked him how and he said he was "playing around" with him (like wrestling, I gathered) and the two of them fell and they landed on his son's hand wrong.  Maybe it's just me not understanding men (again.  Big surprise there!), but I don't know any grown man who wrestles that rough with his teenage kid who's rather slight and half his age.  I guess accidents happen, but it just struck me as weird.  Especially since in a previous date he told me his ex-wife calls him from her house every now and then and he has to cross the street to stop his sons from fighting.  I guess it gets a little violent.  I wonder if this is learned behavior, and if so, from whom...?!  Know what I mean?  Kinda weird there.  Dunno.  It's probably just me, but it struck me as odd and off.  Either way, that's over and done with.  

Tomorrow night is drinks with Gallagher.  I'm so tired.  I really need to gather up some energy.  It might help if I go to bed now...