Marty did the "leave behind" date

So, as many of you know, I finally upgraded to a big girl TV! But, every time you upgrade, there's that annoying thing about setting up all the other things that hook up to the TV. Enter Marty. (Every once in a while, a girl needs to use a guy for utility!)

He said he wanted to set it all up for me, so I let him. I got carry-out for us and sat at my computer while he mumbled behind the TV tangled in the various cords hooking up my Tivo, DVD, cable, etc.

Of course the power goes out on my block of Lakeview. So, I'm in the dark with a guy that I barely know unable to hookup my TV! Why do these things happen to me? Thankfully, there were only a few awkward moments and the power was back on -- no need for a spontaneous romantic candlelight dinner!

So, now it's midnight and I'm pushing him out the door -- I have to get up early to do a training run. He leaves, I admire my TV and I notice a DVD on my new TV stand. Sneaky, sneaky. Very George Castanza-esque that Marty is. Leaving something at my house so there's a reason to come back. Nice try.

Not sure when or if they'll be another date with the TV repairman, but the movie is mine now. Finders Keepers.

One thing at a time. Husband first. Baby next.

According to direct mail list vendors, I should already be married and with child. Today, I received my first "complimentary" issue of Working Mother magazine. Demographically speaking, I'm their target. Little do they know – for I am unwed and without child, but I do have a job! Which makes me think, am I going to also start receiving "complimentary" issues of Depression Today magazine or Knitting Your Way into Old Age or Cat Lovers magazine? Seriously.

Maybe there's hope, I have been on four dates with Marty! And, the cute redhead has been emailing, but if he doesn't ask me out, I'm going to end our penpal relationship for I don't need any more friends! (Ok, that sounds harsh, but come on...another guy friend? No, unless they have lots of available single men, don't need 'em!)

So, as you go about your weekends, think about who you may know that I may need to know.

Another set-up in the works

It pays to keep in contact with your old co-workers and their brothers! At my first job (more than 10 years ago), I met Sue and have kept in touch ever since. This will be her second attempt at setting me up. The first one didn't go so well, but I still trust her judgment! Sue and her brother, Brian, are bar flies at Catch 35 and met a nice boy named Jack. So, I'll be calling him later this week to see how he fits with the "must-haves" list.

Saw Marty again this weekend, but I don't remember much of it since I'd been celebrating St. Patty's Day for nearly 8 hours before I met up with him. He must not have cared too much because we're going out again this week.

Prize patrol

The following friends will be receiving prizes:

Set-up that has lasted the longest prize goes to Karyn – she's right, I have been on the most dates with Marty!
Cutest set-up prize goes Kim, Merrideth & Katie W – a second date with this cute red head is in the works!
Most set-ups prize goes to Leigh – I went on two dates thanks to Leigh!
Consolation set-up prize goes to Katie B – she can't help that the date was "crabby!"

For the rest of you out there, keep your eyes open! It's spring soon and the boys will be in full bloom.

Like finding a needle in a haystack

I went out with a "good one" last night. Cute, funny, charming, smart, etc. Katie, Meredith and Kim are approved for setting me up any time. Prizes will be awarded. Speaking of prizes, now that I've been on a few dates that have been what I'd consider to be successful, we should all start discussing what the ultimate prize will be for the lucky setter upper -- any ideas?

Katie, Kim & Meredith will definitely get a "best match so far" prize! And, if he calls, I'll be so excited that they may get two prizes.

I have to go now because I have another date in two hours!

A dating first

I had my first date ever with a guy closer in age to 40 than 30! Whoa! That's huge. Nevin is 37! And, one of my dates next week is with someone even closer to that hill – he's 39!

For those you that have shared all the joys of my dating over the years, this is a big deal. I typically look for the guys that could be on "One Tree Hill" rather than over the hill. Sorry, couldn't help myself.

What happened to flirting?

Do boys over 30 remember how to flirt?

Here's a quick definition - flirt, verb, to pay amorous attention to someone without serious intentions or emotional commitment; a play at love

It's taken me how many dates to figure out what's missing with the over 30 crowd! They are reluctant flirters. The 20 somethings are so much better at it. For instance, Scott Bailey (remember him?), my 25 year old Cubs boyfriend, he was a genius flirter. In fact, he was so good that I thought he liked me. Maybe I needed a definition refresher - "without serious intentions or emotional commitment."

Anyway, that's what I'm looking for! Can they just flirt a little? Marty is great. Date #2 was fun, but something was missing. No worries, he's going to get another chance. He's planning a date with a little less loud music, drunk Irishmen and Mardi Gras beads. Three dates – there better be some flirting or I'm going to bat my eyelashes at Seth, Sean, Mike or Nevin!

Stay tuned to here more about this week's dates! Here's my schedule:
- Thursday is a date with Sean
- Friday is an informal "meeting" of Seth
- Next week, Date #3 with Marty & Date #1 with Mike
- Still waiting to see if Nevin wants to advance to round 2

I still like red heads

This much is confirmed.

I went on a date Saturday night to the Aqualong/Pete Yorn show at the Riv and it was a good time. It's been a long time since you've heard me say those words, huh?

Yes, Nevin was a cute, funny, talkative, non-smoker! Just a few of the things that are must haves. He met a lot of my friends and didn't get dinner until almost midnight, but he hung in there with no complaints.

So...what happens now?

We'll see. If he calls, I'll go on another date, if he doesn't, I'll still like red heads.

And, I have a date tonight with Marty -- date #2!

And, Sean makes three

That's right, I have three dates on my calendar!
Tonight, it's Nevin (client set-up)
Monday, it's Marty (Date #2)
Thursday, it's Sean (Kim, Katie W & Merredith set-up)

And, I still have one guy, Mike, that I'm trying to set something up, but I'm busy next week already!

And, two out of three of my dates are red heads! In yer face, Matt Murton!

Wish me luck, and don't worry, I'll be back to tell you all about it!

Marty makes a comeback!

I still don't think it's an absolute love connection, but since the date, he's been real cute, like this puppy. I know that word is overused, but it works in this instance. He writes witty emails and does not call too much, which I like. In fact, he has only called me once and I like it.

I'll be going out with him again on Monday night to see The Pogues, the ultimate Irish band, in his words.

Oh...one more thing I should mention. The text stalker is back. The friend of the bad date from the Auto Show text me again. He took two weeks off and then thought it would be a good idea to see if maybe now I'd be interested. He has since been renamed in my phone from "Random Dave" to "Don't Answer!" Only one other person has had the "Don't Answer" name. Do you remember who?

C'mon Meghan, Shannon or Karyn...you know who it is. I'll give you a hint. He called me on the day that Cubs tickets went on sale. Haven't talked to him since German Fest, but apparently I'm still affectionately stored in his phone.