Spoke to SpeedDating Guy #1 (SDG1) for about half an hour on the phone yesterday until I had to pickup my car from the shop (found a great mechanic and got new brake pads). SDG1 is going to call back tonight so we can make plans for later in the week.
My Jdate subscription expired last week. That means, should someone send me an email, I no longer have the ability to find out who sent it or read what it says. And of course, as Murphy’s Law would have it, in the entire month I had the paid subscription, I received only a handful of emails, none of which ever progressed further than a phone call. In the one week since my subscription has ended, I have already received four emails. What’s up with that? Sometimes I wonder if it’s a big ploy on Jdate’s part to scam people for money.
Dear Absentee Dog Owner,
Please please please please please please please come home. Now. Your little runt dog is emitting a high pitched yelp that is driving me mad. Either get a real dog who knows how to properly bark or make the runt dog shut up.
Sincerely,
Your Really Annoyed Neighbor
In the span of an hour, you are stopped by two different men and asked if you speak Arabic and Russian, respectively.
Earlier today, I “Googled” SpeedDating Guy #1. A few hundred search results displayed, pretty much all referencing an 80s hair band (that I had never heard of). I assumed there must be someone else with the same name as SDG1, albeit, his last name isn’t very common. So, I redid my search, this time telling Google to omit any results with the name of the band. Nada. Zero search results. So, out of curiosity, I clicked on the band’s website and to my surprise, I found a picture of SDG1 with major 80s rocker hair. Yep, that’s his band. I took a look at the rest of the site and found current pictures of him as well. Hmmm, maybe musicians are my new comics…
Last night I had a phone conversation with a married friend about tonight’s date with SpeedDating Guy. (Please note: SpeedDating Guy #1 is now known simply as SpeedDating Guy because SpeedDating Guy #2, now known as Loser Guy, never called. Yes, I know I could call him, but I’m not sure if I want to.) Anyway, I told my friend I was on my home from the usual first date shopping spree at which point she started to laugh. At me. You buy a new outfit for each first date she asked? Sadly, I realized the answer to that question was usually yes. In fact, much of my wardrobe is composed of first date pieces. Please tell me I’m not the only one who does this.
In case you’re wondering, I bought a really cute plum colored top from the Gap and black pants from Express. The new pants however, will not be worn tonight. I’m wearing jeans instead.
Just got home from my date with SpeedDating Guy. Had a great time–we went for dinner at a Middle Eastern restaurant complete with delicious kebob and screaming Israelis. The conversation flowed nicely and we hung out talking long after he paid the bill, at least until we started receiving evil looks from the waitstaff. He then suggested we head down the street to a coffeeshop where we chatted until closing down the place. After that, he offered to walk me to my car, we hugged, and said our goodnights.
This is where it gets tricky–whenever I think a date went well, the guy doesn’t call. Think good thoughts for me, cuz now the waiting game begins…
As you all know, last night I had a really fun date with SpeedDating Guy. In an attempt to not screw up my chances of being asked out on a second date, (assuming of course, SDG hasn’t by some weird chance found my blog, in which case, um, hi SpeedDating Guy), what do I do now? Should I call and say thank you, I had a nice time, etc.? If so, when? Or should I just wait it out and see if he calls? Afterall, I do subscribe to that whole If he’s interested, he’ll call. belief. Well, sometimes.
Your thoughts please.
Just got a message from Loser Guy (aka SpeedDating Guy #2). Not sure if I’ll call him back yet, considering the girls [that I met at SpeedDating] and I already caught him in a lie. Hmmmm…
Toward the end of the fourth hour (normally a two hour drive) of sitting in traffic on my way to Del Mar this morning, I decided to give SpeedDating Guy a call. I know, I know, I was going to wait, but alas, I have no patience. Anyway, it worked out well. I ended up getting SpeedDating Guy’s voicemail and left a message saying “Wanted to say thank you for the other night, I had a great time. Hope you’re enjoying your weekend. Take care.” About 30 minutes after leaving said message, I received a message from him saying he was really glad I called, he also had a great time, it was his pleasure, would love to do it again, call him back, etc. I just returned his call a few minutes ago–we chatted for a bit and he said he’d call Monday so we can make plans to go out again. Woohoo! All is well in the dating world (for now anyway).
At first I thought this article about “cuddle parties” was slightly odd. Then I got to this part:
Cuddle parties are intended for people who are emotionally sound. People in therapy or who are seeing a mental health professional are asked to consult their doctor before signing up for a party and to tell organizers of their situation.
And all I could think was Who the hell would actually go to something like this?
I’m in the market for a portable MP3 player. I’d like to buy a 256 meg player with an expansion slot so I can add a 512 meg card (for a total of 768 meg). Any suggestions? And yes, I would love an iPod, but I don’t want to spend that much money.
OK, nevermind. I am looking at the Dell Jukebox now. You all persuaded me.
In recent dating news, I did return Loser Guy’s message and left him a voicemail last night. Have not heard from him as of yet.
Also, following a slight text message mishap with SpeedDating Guy (read: I accidentally sent him a message intended for my friend; no worries, it wasn’t anything bad), a second date was set for a week from tomorrow. Hey, we’re busy people. And, he even said to give him a call in the next week if I felt like saying hi or whatever. To top it off, I was also pleasantly surprised to find a voicemail (pre-text-message-mishap) on my home phone from him while I was at work. Awww.
Just got back from a friend’s hysterical show at IO (Improv Olympic West). I think it was her best show ever and am quite impressed. I went to the theater alone, something I’m realizing isn’t so weird afterall, and within five minutes, had a major blast from the past. I saw three girls and a guy from high school, my friend’s mom, and a really cool guy I had a date with a while back. It was nice to chat with everyone for a bit.
Now please excuse me as I watch Gary Gulman (hopefully) win Last Comic Standing.
Has anything you’ve written in your blog come back to haunt you? Or help you? Do you censor what you write? I ask this because sometimes I become paranoid about writing about my dates. What if they find my blog? Will they laugh? Be pissed off? Think I’m nutty for sharing all this info?
Your thoughts and experiences please.
For those of you (ahem, you know who you are) complaining about my lack of posts today, here’s one as I rush out the door.
It’s that time again. Feeling inquisitive? Or nosy? Send me up to five questions (or post them in the comments) about whatever you want–about me, about Los Angeles, whatever is on your mind, and I will answer whichever ones I want to answer (hey, it’s my blog). Sounds fun, right? Ask away!
…visiting my sister! Yep, tomorrow’s the big day! My 25-year-old sister is leaving behind the warm weather and beautiful beaches of California for the excitement of New York. And, since I know many of my readers live in New York, I figured why not solicit NYC living advice from you. Have any tips for my sister?
The following occurred in the lane next to me at Trader Joe’s earlier today: A man had his cart holding his place in line as he went to retrieve something he had forgetten to get originally. A woman got in that line and pushed his cart behind her. The man then returned with his item and told the woman he was in line in front of her. She said he wasn’t. Who’s in the right?
Busy busy weekend! Spent Friday night welcoming a friend into a new decade (woohoo, go thirties!). Saturday I treated myself to a manicure and pedicure then ran around like a crazy person trying to get my errands done. Then finally got to relax.
Today I took my little to Shoreline Village in Downtown Long Beach where we walked around the pier then took a relaxing cruise around the harbor where we got to see some seals hanging out on a buoy! The weather was absolutely perfect and the clouds burned off just in time for the boat ride.
Now I must sleep.
Just got back from the doctor. And guess what? I need to have surgery. Only this time, it will be at Cedars, not at the doctor’s office. And I won’t have just a local anesthetic, I’ll be asleep. It turns out the procedure I had last month was successful; however, fifty percent of the time, this new thing I got develops and must be fixed. So, sometime in September I will be visiting Cedars-Sinai yet again. Oh, did I mention I am the world’s biggest wuss when it comes to anything medical? This is gonna suck.
On a lighter note, it could mean more Percoset.
… your company’s quarterly newsletter includes celebrity sightings that took place in your office building.
I mean, that would be the only explanation as to why my phone hasn’t rung tonight, therefore making it impossible to answer SpeedDating Guy’s phone call regarding what we are doing on our supposed date Wednesday night. Right?
It took long enough, but Mirna and Charla have finally been eliminated on The Amazing Race. All is good in the reality TV world.
After a game of phone tag, Shmo SpeedDating Guy and I finally got a chance to talk. We’re rescheduling tonight’s date (due to a legitimate reason) and are going out next week instead. Stay tuned.
Huge thanks to my friend JAB for sending me the Garden State soundtrack. It is AWESOME.
You exchange emails with a Jdate guy (with headshots on his profile) and ask if he’s a working actor or if he has a day job and his response is…
I’ll send you my IMDB page.
Just got back from my monthly bookclub meeting where as usual, a good time was had by all. At tonight’s meeting we toasted a soon-to-be-bride, said goodbye to one of our founding members who is moving away (only temporarily we hope), and celebrated our third year together as a group. I realize how fortunate I am to be in a bookclub that not only has been around for so long, but is composed of such amazing and diverse women. Anyone else in a bookclub? If so, what are you currently reading?
You know that commercial with Gary Coleman? The one where he’s talking about how he used to have millions but now he’s broke so he needed to borrow money? I hate it. It bugs me to no end! What’s the one tv commercial that drives you nuts?
Dear Girl (On The Cell Phone) In The Dressing Room Next To Me At Express Today,
Was it really necessary, while on your cell phone in the dressing room, to go into detail about why you and your boyfriend are fighting, thus forcing you to shop and spend too much money on retail therapy?
Sure, I love reality tv and reading stories on people’s blogs, but every now and then, I like to take a break from that stuff. And try on a damn pair of jeans while listening to the too-loud music blasting from the speakers that always reminds me I’m getting to old to shop at Express.
But I digress. I know you’re upset, and while there’s nothing better than talking to a friend while buying clothes (save for talking to friend while buying clothes and eating a pint of Ben and Jerry’s), you were really loud. And shared too much information.
Perhaps I can offer up this piece of advice: Put down the phone. Finish your purchases, go home, call your friend, and ask her to bring over Ben and Jerry’s.
Sincerely,
The Girl In The Dressing Room Next To You
What a Jewish mother fears when her youngest daughter moves across country, as explained via instant message with Mom.
Mom: saw xxxx xxxxx (nice Jewish boy I tried to fix you up with) yesterday at xxxxx (local restaurant)
Mom: he told us a scary story
Me: about
Mom: he was moving to NY (from Detroit) and had a moving truck
Me: i thought he lives in sd
Mom: he had sublet an apt and when he got there the mgr of the bldg would NOT let him move in
Mom: 4-ish years ago
Mom: becuz the lessee did NOT have permission to sublet the apt!!!!!
Mom: he actually had to find another apt!!
Me: yeah it’s illegal
Mom: i just wrote xxxxxxx (my sister) the story
Mom: she is seeing an apt that sounds great
Mom: upper east side, 650sq ft, 1 bedroom $1900 a month for 3 months
Mom: but person wants all 3 months in advance with one month security along with it. $7600 all at once!!!!!!!!!!
Mom: i have visions!!
Me: visions?
Me: of
Mom: that happening and the girls being out $3800 per
So, if any of you out there in NY know of a sublet my sister and her friend could rent, please let me know. Think of it as a mitzvah. You’d be making a Jewish mother very happy.
I am so excited to have learned that David Schickler, the author of one of my all time favorite books, Kissing in Manhattan, has a new book out! It’s called Sweet and Vicious and you better believe I will be pre-ordering it.
If you’re looking for a good read and want to take a break from chick lit, check out Kissing in Manhattan. It’s dark, sexy, quirky, and has an almost gothic-like vibe to it. Definitely different from any book out there, and the fascinating characters and overlapping stories will draw you in right from the beginning. I can’t wait to read Sweet and Vicious!
Side Note: The name David Schickler may sound familiar because The Smoker, one of the connected short stories in Kissing in Manhattan, was published in The New Yorker a few years ago.
Arrived at work this morning and something seemed odd. It was completely silent–something definitely wasn’t right. Upon conferring with my coworkers, we figured it out. No white noise. It’s amazing how much I got used to the hum-like sound of the fan. The lack of noise threw me off all day.
I’m very sad–I was really enjoying spending time with and getting to know my little. Even though we’ve only been matched for about seven months, I can tell I’ve already had an impact on her. It’s a shame that a child who clearly needs and benefits from such an amazing program is the one to suffer because her mom is so irresponsible. As much as I wish I could go on with the match, the selfish part of me is relieved that I don’t have to continue to deal with the stresses the mother has constantly put me through.
Change: Like the new font?
Problem: Something’s up with the comments. They work, but the number All fixed!
of comments that displays is incorrect. Help?
Last night, my friend and I found ourselves reminiscing about Swatch Watches. And the cool “protectors” that went with them! What are some of your favorite memories from the 80s?
I’m back as a Big Sister. Spoke to the case worker yet again and we’re giving it another go, at least through the beginning of the school year. Long story. Cross those fingers.
Last night’s date: very very good. Sleep: three hours is not enough. Today’s mission: To appear as if I am working while sitting in front of my computer yawning until 5:00. More details to follow, after Pop Tart and Diet Coke kick in.
On the way back to my apartment following a delicious authentic Thai dinner in Thai Town, SpeedDating Guy (SDG) and I decided to make like tourists and explore Hollywood and Highland. We walked around a bit then found ourselves in the Gap, where the following bizarre exchange took place:
At the register, a twenty-ish year old girl was ringing up SDG’s purchases.
Employee: Where are you guys from?
Me: I live down the street.
SDG: I live on the Westside.
Employee: Oh, I thought you guys were from New York. You look like you’re from New York.
Me: Oh. Nope. SDG, don’t forget to get the parking validated.
SDG: Oh yeah, thanks.
Employee: So, where are you from?
SDG: You mean originally?
Me: I’m from Michigan.
SDG: California. Where are you from?
Employee: Moscow, but I’ve lived here most of my life. So how long have you guys been married?
Me: Married? (looking down at my ring finger, don’t ask me why) We’re not married!
SDG: (giving Employee odd look)
Employee: Oh. You aren’t related are you?
SDG: Uh, no.
Employee: Oh. So how long have you been together?
Me: Um, we’ve only gone out a few times.
Employee: So what do you think of him?
Me: (a little uncomfortable at this point) He’s a really cool guy.
SDG: (smiles)
Employee: So how did you guys meet?
SDG: At a social event.
And finally, his two shirts were rung up and we headed back to my apartment where we watched tv then talked into the wee hours of the morning. And for all you nosy people out there, yes, he is a great kisser. Oh, he’s gonna play his guitar for me too.
Last night, I got home from work, ate something, then went to bed at 8:30. I woke up this morning at 9:30, finally feeling refreshed. Yesterday was a very difficult day at work, I could barely stay awake and I realized I’m just too old to be staying up into the wee hours of the morning. Anyway, before SpeedDating Guy left, he said he’d call me later so we can make plans to do something next week before my surgery (which is this Thursday, eek!). No phone call.
Now this is the part where I know I am being such a girl. The rational part of my brain is saying, Duh, he was sleeping just like I was, that’s why he didn’t call. But of course, the irrational part that is consuming all of my thoughts is saying, He’s like every other schmo, he’s not going to call and will disappear. Aaarrgghh I hate when I do this to myself.
The new Target center at Santa Monica and La Brea. For years this honor went to the Beverly Connection or the Laemmle theater structures, but times have changed. And this parking structure sucks, especially on weekends.
This Question of the Day may be irrelevant now, as I believe SpeedDating Guy has been hit by the bus. No phone call or text message since he left my apartment. I even left a “thank you, I had a nice time” message. Nada. However, it is still a fun question so here it goes:
When SpeedDating Guy and I went on date two, he picked me up at my apartment. We got to his truck and he unlocked my door, let me get in, then closed it. (I’ve never dated a guy with a pickup truck. I know mom, I didn’t think Jewish boys had pickups either.) He then walked to the driver’s side and unlocked the door and let himself in. The following times we got in the car I did unlock his door. So, keeping in mind the truck does not have power locks, the question is:
Was I supposed to reach across and unlock his door from the inside?
In no particular order:
Just got a text message from SpeedDating Guy. Apparently he’s been holed up in the studio since Friday. Oops. While I spent Friday night catching up on sleep, he was trying to stay awake while recording. Bigger oops. Hopefully we’ll chat soon so we can set a third date before my surgery!
You actually watched 50 Most Awesomely Bad Songs Ever on VH1 instead of the Video Music Awards on MTV. And enjoyed it.
The Bus has claimed yet another victim. Similar to Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus, but infinite in size and lacking in color (it’s invisible), The Bus is believed to have swept up it’s latest victim somewhere in the vicinity of LA’s Westside.
The Bus, known to many throughout the country as the answer to the question “Why didn’t he call?,” has been around for many years but only very recently has the public learned of its existence. Says one once-confused-but-now-in-the-know-single woman, “I always wondered what happened to the guys I went on dates with that disappeared. You know, the ones who said they’d call but didn’t. Now I know. The Bus picked them up.”
“He said he’d call. And he never did,” proclaims another woman, “I guess The Bus makes more sense than the possibility of him being abducted by aliens. Right?”
Of course, not all is answered with this recent discovery. The questions still remain: What exactly happens to these men once they get on The Bus? Are they then abducted by aliens? Brought to an island filled with other non-callers? Reformed and brought back to the dating world? We’ll never know.
