Or rather my experience with internet dating. It's exhausting. It's exhilarating.
When I was walking to my favorite coffee shop, picture here a sunny, unseasonably warm October afternoon, Zumba music blasting in my ears, all happy after PT, I had a moment of "What if she doesn't like me"? And then I thought, wait a minute sister, why don't you wait and see if you like her.
It's not like I'm going to get voted off the island if it's not a Match so to speak.
So I calmed down, sang along and got there early. I walk too fast.
I hung about till an outside table finally vacated, set up shop, took a pic to Instagram, replied to comments on my last post and text Shelley.
Then I put my phone away so I wasn't sitting there all hunched over with bad posture and a double chin. Know what I mean?
She arrived, got us come coffees and we got down to the business of talking. She talks as much as I do. That's lethal, maybe illegal.
2 hours later we hugged, parted ways and I hurried home to whirl about in a Julie Andrews/Sound of Music fashion so happy was I to be home with two hungry cats in my own little house.
I have heard of people who set up 3 dates a night. Jesus.
Will I do it again? Yes. Will I meet her again? Yes. She's smart, funny and originally from Boston, currently furloughed, single parent of an 8year old child.
All well and good but I was looking for someone with a dog. And a shovel. Hum a few bars of "we've only just begun" here?
I know, I know, when I started this blog it was all gardening and food and flowers. Now it's angst and cats and internet dating. Stick with me, I'm cooking on Sunday.
If you didn't come to dance then what are you here for?
Well, you could be the one with the dog. just sayin', you dog lover you.
ReplyDeleteHow solution oriented are you? I'm afraid the cats would vote me off the island.
Deletesorry... the old problem solver in me. The cats liked Nika, right? AND, my guess is that while you're looking for Ms. Right, your circle of friends is going to get wider and wider!!!
DeleteI mean you were brilliant with that suggestion. And yes, the cats loved (Lucy)/ loved to torture (Gus) beautiful Nika. Did you see Steve's comment?
DeleteFollow what you feel and all well be well. You are all that and deserve all that. Look forward to your next passages - to get all of us on track.
ReplyDeleteYou're a light in the darkness, you are.
DeleteWell, I've done all sorts of flying without a net things. But never in the dating line! Jane, I think I need to meet you and maybe some of your bravery will rub off! Go get 'em, tiger!
ReplyDeleteMaybe your lack of fear of actual flying will rub off on me!
Delete"What if she doesn't like me"? Ha! Ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteBig X and O.
Delete...and the opposite of dull is....JANE! Thanks for bringing us along on your sidecar. xxxx
ReplyDeleteThanks all for hopping aboard!
DeleteDo you suppose she's sitting at home thinking "Wow, she was fun, but I was hoping for someone with a dog, not cats...."?
ReplyDeleteRight? Or an inch or so taller? Blonder? Faster talking?
DeleteWhy does she have to come with a dog. Couldn't you have a puppy together?
ReplyDelete:-) Now why didn't I think of that? I'm not too old to have a puppy?
DeleteI love that photo of the orange lilies and grass and the wonderful shadow play! Pardon me for just dropping in here after ignoring you for ages (and every other blog I sometimes follow). That said, I vote with the folks who say don't worry about the dog. (They are saying that, aren't they?) And expanding your circle of friends while being open to all possibilities. I mean, what if Ms. Right keeps chickens? She may or may not have a dog in that case.
ReplyDeleteSee, I rely on my blogworld friends for their sense and sensibility.
DeleteChicken, I hadn't considered that.
Love to hear you're back in the game.
ReplyDeleteThe game is fast paced but not yet furious:-)
DeleteDid you put "must have shovel" online? What would kitties think of a dog? Anyway, even if it wasn't love at first sight, it sounds like you made a new friend and had a nice time.
ReplyDeletewell I didn't say MUST, I said looking for a woman with a dog and a shovel.
DeleteOk, maybe a pickup truck was alluded to....
jane, this is great news! been thinking about you. meanwhile, if you're looking for cooking inspiration and haven't 'met' her yet, check out Amy: http://www.amythielen.com/about
ReplyDeleteGEN
This sounds like an almost home run! When I think of internet dating I have horrifying thoughts of a crappy movie with Al Pacino and Ellen Barkin, thankfully life is not a movie and things aren't that dramatic. I'm with Steve, get a puppy and while you're at it, a shovel.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an excellent start. No one said you have to keep the first one you find, did they? If she's not willing to have a puppy, then maybe the next one will. So proud of you for putting it all on the line and getting out there. It ain't easy. You go, Girl!! XOXO
ReplyDeleteI think it's wonderful that you're putting yourself out there and I for one, can't wait to hear all about it :)
ReplyDeleteOk, Jane, this is your agent talking. This is Modern Love column for The Times. Verbatum. You write too well.
ReplyDelete