Eliz-Final Thoughts

Bitter Sweet is the only way I can describe how I feel. In one regards I’m glad to be done with the email/phone call protocol that was required for this project but on the other hand, I feel sad that I only have 2 dates scheduled for this coming week! Like anything there needs to be a balance.

I started this project anxious, unsure and skeptical of online dating and the guys but I finished confident, proud and with a new understanding of my inner sexy self. Thanks to all of the guys for the drinks, dinners, and of course, providing the material for this fantastic blog. Without them, this would never have happened–I have stories, experiences and faces that I will never forget. Gossip Girl deserves props for the incredible spread sheet she provided haha And the biggest shout out goes to Joe and Sarah for their commitment and effort—they rock and I’m so proud of them.

Here’s my final breakdown:
24 dates
15 total guys
3 guys with multiple dates
2 cancellations
1 guy 41 years of age with child
1 sleepover
countless hours of match.com time, emails and phone calls
2,000+ profile views
120+  connections either by email or winks
4,100+ blog hits
3 pounds lost
increase in dry cleaning costs
= PRICELESS

Next up:
I will continue seeing 2 of the guys from 30/30; I added one new one that I’m meeting Thursday and with no surprise, Lucky #7 texted me Saturday night at 11:10 pm asking if I’m enjoying the amazing weather (current forecast: always HOT in my bed mother f*cker)……I didn’t respond

Eliz-Date 22,23: 2 Dates, Lots of Texting and a Drunk Phone Call

Today was a very productive day.
Sunday is not the day for rest, but the day for Dates! That’s the spirit. I’m going to end this project wiser, STD free and with (hopefully) 25 total dates!

Date 1: 12:35pm, Yoga Studio / Starbucks
This morning started with yoga and ended with me getting a quick thai massage* from the yoga instructor post class, which turned into, let’s grab a quick tea. LETS! Instant date. We chatted about all things yoga until he reached over and ran his hand through my hair, not once, but twice and here’s the best part, he says: You have great hair to grab on to and I love running my hand through it.  I blinked and all I could do was agree, I have amazing hair to grab on to and run your hands through, it’s like a mane
I finished my tea accomplishing a quick feel and a recommendation if I ever want to do a yoga teacher training (score!)

*thai massage is the act of performing yoga on another person, typically called lazy man yoga and NO, it doesn’t come with a happy ending.

I rushed home to get ready for date 2

Date 2: 2:30pm, Old Town Ale House
I quickly pulled myself together, hopped on the brown line and there I was, in Old Town. The original plan was Starbucks but that was too crowded so we agreed on Old Town Ale House. This place is the epitome of dive and disgusting..I made sure not to sit in the seat I sat last time I was there (the waitress had told me that was the exact location Chris Farley sat on the night he died, I avoid that seat now). So nothing says Sunday like Old Town Ale House (I do like this place). The date was ok, he was married young and divorced 2 years later. Very different background (religious/political, etc) from me, interesting, serious but nice at the same time. He has red hair and I had to bite my tongue not to say Fire Crotch. Talked about the basics, went dutch on our drinks. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday. Here’s where the texting began.

Lucky #7 and I have been texting like mad the past 2 weeks, trying to meet up but not committing to eithers plans (I’m playing it like a man) Anyway, I text him from the bathroom and there I went: PLANNING ANOTHER DATE WHILE ON A DATE. The madness has overtaken me like a pod person.

I ended the date and headed home but I was close to a bus or el stop just in case Lucky #7 wanted to meet up. We continued to text and then it happened, he asked me out for dinner on Tuesday. NICE! Check that off my list. On to the next item for the evening: a  phone call to the last of the candidates I will be talking to for sometime on match.

Phone Call, 8:05pm
I give MATCH GUY a call as promised and as soon as he answered the phone, I knew this was going to be interesting. He was slurring his words and giggling, and I hear people in the background talking/laughing, so I say: Are you Drunk? He doesn’t deny it and we proceed to talk for 8 minutes. This was cracking me up. Kinda glad he answered the phone that way because this is how I pictured him. I would share a pint with him.

Done.

Eliz-Date 21: Cancelled / Drink Sponsor?

Drinks with Jungle Cat guy were cancelled for this evening. I doubt I’ll hear from him again. I’m ok with that. I mean I did blow him off for muscle soreness last week—TOTALLY WORTH IT
No more mindless drinks with people for awhile.

If I was smart, I should have gotten Kettle One as a sponsor…I’ve probably consumed my own handle in the past 25 days.
Looking forward to my night off . Gearing up for tomorrows adventure

Eliz-Date 20: We Are Cleared For Take Off

Date 20!!! High Fives me

Had a lovely date tonight with a new guy. Met for drinks after work, which turned into dinner, that lead into 4 hours of amazing…
Oh come on….I wouldn’t do that twice! ahhah But he did walk me to the EL after dinner and give me a nice kiss goodnight.

I think this guy is in the running. He has moved into spot #3. I definitely would hang out again.

When I asked him to describe a date he would like to take me on, he proceeded to tell me how he has his pilot’s license (I checked, it’s legit) and that on a Sunday, he would pick me up, we would drive out to the DuPage airport and then fly up to Lake Geneva for breakfast at this little dive diner by the water. I proceeded to say how nice that would be but that I would probably need to breathe into a bag for 20 minutes, require at least 30 minutes of taxing and safety instruction before I could ever go up in a small plane. I think this is more a tenth date activity! Of course, I would need to bring snacks for the ride.

I have a good feeling about this one.

Eliz-Date 19: I Can’t Talk Anymore….Hell Must Have Frozen Over

If you are wondering, I have lost a little steam on this project. I’m not even posting clever photos anymore!  I just can’t talk anymore…and for those of you who know me, know I must be tired. Well I will try harder in the homestretch of this project.

Tonight I met Date 19 for a beer at a local watering hole. Very nice guy! He is a friend of Gossip Girls and at her recommendation, we met. For 2 hours we drank Stella and talked about all kinds of stuff. Though I had a good time, I can’t  stop thinking about the 2 MEN as I like to call them. My date tonight is a terrific guy and he deserves a girl who is going to be focused on him 100% of the time.

I need to shower and watch Modern Family. That will put me right again. Date 20 on Thursday! Whoo Hoo!

Eliz-Date 18: I Just Friended You

Date 18 was a repeat with the young Texan boy. We just met for a quick drink in the neighborhood. Caught up on the weeks activities ( I of course left out my involvement with Dates 11/12 ) and when he tried to make plans with me for the upcoming weekend, I simply stated that I was busy and that we can hang out another time but as buddies. Not sure if it registered but I do want to take him in as a friend but that’s it. I mean, he is no Date 7/11/12 or Date 1/5/9/16–these 2 guys are MEN!

I arrived home around 10:30 and had a 1.5 hour phone call with the guy I’m meeting tomorrow. I have a good feeling about this.

Eliz-Date 17: Did you do a background check on me?

I had a coffee with a set up today. A friend of a friend recommended that I meet this very nice, mature man so thats just what I did. This is a first for me: 41 and with child. We chatted for an hour before he was due back to work. My friend did tell him about 30:30 so he had lots of questions for me and asked which # he was, etc. I think he was surprised he was named 17. He admitted that he did google me so he knew some topics to discuss, but considering I am such the pro at this now, we didn’t even touch on the planned topics. How’s that for working a conversation?!

In the end, I’m sure I will see him around seeing that he works with my friend. Great guy, likes to have a good time but needs a mature woman. I don’t fit that bill yet. I’ll think of some lovely ladies for him!

Eliz-Date 16: Brunch Connection

This morning I needed some serious brunch and I thought I would text Date #1 (who I’ve been out with 3 times before) to see if he was game. We hadn’t been able to meet up this week due to busy schedules, but he responded quickly and sounded delighted. I’m very proud of my initiative!

It was a lovely meal and conversation. I am really liking him and feel relaxed in his company; for goodness sakes, I had yoga clothes on!!! He’s a great guy to hang out with, plus he laughs at my stories and attempted jokes. Favorite topic discussed: Who’s on your celebrity sex list? hahha I love hearing people’s answers.

Eliz-Date 15: Going With The Flow

Lucky #7 never showed face at the bar last night. Well let me rephrase, he showed up but at 4am! (I received a text) I was already gone.
Drank myself a pitcher of beer and was home by 2am.

I had invited him with a generic text, he responded that he loves the bar I’m going to. With no definite yes/commitment from either of us the night played out as stated above.

Let me clarify, my tone isn’t one of haste or anger. I’m just simply stating the facts AND I wasn’t at the bar by myself, I was with a great group of people

Finally, my new thing is not to make a situation out of something that may not be a situation. Make sense? I’m going with the flow on this one.

Eliz-New Found Confidence

Who got 2 phone #’s and a $25 glass of champagne last night? And to think, I didn’t even need to leave my bar stool.

Marisa Tomei move over!

Eliz-Date 14: I Think Someone Needs Some Flair

Alright, I met Date 14 for a quick afternoon coffee. I think he is a real life Office Space character. Doesn’t really like his job, complained about finding a new apt/roommate and wasn’t into celebrating his 30th birthday. I felt like an afternoon shrink, but instead of drinking my tea I should have had a whiskey. I bet he’s fun and if I took the time to get to know him, I’m sure he’s a nice enough guy. NO instant attraction.

He needs a t-shirt with a smiley face on it or some flair.

Eliz-Date 13: Cancelled Due To Muscle Burn

Having lost a number of calories and electrolytes during last nights FUN, Date 13 was rescheduled to a later date.

Eliz-Dates 11 and 12: The MVP Award Goes To…

Touchdown!! (cue large brass band and fireworks)

Lucky # 7 repeats and repeats………….and repeats.

Eliz-Date 10: The Tamale Is Worth Mentioning

Just had my first lunch date. Date 10 was really nice, easy to chat with and we shared a really good meal at my favorite Mexican lunch place. One hour breezed by as we chatted about our selves, our work, etc….I’m getting really good at keeping the short meetings to an interview protocol.

We said good bye and didn’t mention that we would get together again. He may be the kind to text me a week later…

Did I mention that I love the tamales?

Eliz-Date 9: Happily Never After

I’m not sure if it’s the lack of the sleep, the new wrinkle I discovered or the constant chatter in my head but I couldn’t involve myself too much in this afternoons coffee date. I met Date 9 for a 4 pm coffee. Nice enough, well educated, good face BUT he was soooooo damn positive and happy that I wished I could have pulled an I Dream of Jeanie arm slap and head nod to make myself disappear back to my house for much needed R&R.

We did chat about the online dating world and (get this) he wants to do a little screen play or book on his dating experience, blah blah. I immediately perked up and asked him what he would do if he had a blog, etc….I listened, gave comments and all I wanted to do was blurt out: Too Late Happy Man, I Beat You To The Fuckin Punch.

I feel better now.

Eliz-Date 8: Turnin’ The Heat Up

Having spent the afternoon eating and drinking with my cousins, I needed to come home and nap before date 3 with Guy 1. I quickly threw myself together in a vodka/nap haze….when in doubt ladies: a bold lip stain, 4 inch heels and a classy hair bun work every time. Guy 1 said I looked beautiful (just think if I had a proper shower?).

We headed over to a very cool, hip rooftop lounge in the Loop where we parked it on a comfy couch and proceeded to drink vodka (like I needed more to drink) and eat flat breads and olives. I have to say, Guy 1 was lookin’ extra good. He’s more shy than I initially thought, but in a cute sexy sort of way. As the night when on we talked about music, laughed about funny drunkin things we’ve done in the past and even started to talk about close friends/ family and our backgrounds. Guy 1 has/had a little bit of a bad boy streak…..

I really enjoy watching Guy 1 talk. He uses his hands (just like me) to explain things and he does this thing with his mouth that is really cute when he gets passionate about something. Makes me want to bite his lips, so I did. As the night went on we did move in closer to each other, flirting and stealing little kisses every once in awhile.

Eliz-Date 7: Lucky #7

Where do I begin?!?

Scene 1: Macy’s Department Store, men’s socks, 7:55 pm
Long story short, my 9pm drink date got moved to a 8:15 coffee date due to Guy 7 having to go back to work to close a case. Not being prepared, as I thought I would have time to go home and spruce, I decided to pop into Macy’s 5 minutes before it closed to prepare myself. With assistance from a friend, I applied some concealer, a light bronzer sweep and lip gloss, switched shoes, and gave my self a spritz; Tosselled the hair and I was good to go.

Scene 2: Coffee Shop, 10 mins later
Guy 7 walks in and I think the heavens opened up and angels trumpeted. I was hooked instantly. Everything about him: his hair, eyes, his clothes, the way he smiled, smelled (yes, I sniffed)= YUMMY. We had an hour or so to chat and it flew by. Easy to talk with, laugh and I found myself wanting more. I even wanted to volunteer help at the firm just so I can keep talking with him. The funny thing is we didn’t even get to the basics: last name, birthday, how long have you been in Chicago. We were two chatter boxes about everything else. Our mutual love for fried chicken did come up (jack pot).

Scene 3: Street, 1:10 mins later
As we grabbed our stuff to go, we lingered outside the coffee shop not wanting to leave, trying to make quick plans to see each other sometime this weekend (ps, for those of you who know me, this IS SO NOT LIKE ME, isn’t it great?!). We hugged and cheek-kissed good-bye, bodies close. He moved his hand to the small of my back (love it!) and I, of course, had to move my hands down his arms (WOW) and we said good-bye.

I need to clear my schedule STAT.

Eliz: I Need A Drink

1) winking: just don’t do it. EMAIL

2) don’t email me for a second time, when I haven’t even responded to the first email, asking why I haven’t emailed and that the ball is in my court…what does that even mean? was there EVER a ball or a court?

3) IM’ing on match is awkward and unnecessary

4) bring mace, switch blades, brass knuckles, etc on dates….these people are still strangers

5) if you are living in Bartlett, you don’t get to say “I don’t like Chicago” without expecting a verbal dis, a beat down and the ultimate online no-no, DELETED. Good luck Mr. Bartlett

6) clearly I state on my profile “Chicago”  as my hometown. If you live in Fond de Luc, WI why are you emailing and winking at me? really?

7) Men: when you go on a date, please make sure your nails are clipped. Enough said

8 Don’t call and not leave a message AND then follow it up with a text that says: VMS are sooooo 2001. It took me 10 minutes to realize VMS means voicemails.

9) I question why I a 41 year old man with no profile pic is still emailing me…you know who you are…STOP. Never going to happen

10) Really think about your screen name. This is the best one I’ve come across so far: YouHadMeAtHello

Eliz-Date 6: I’ve turned into Susan Sarandon

My first date with a Texan. That’s right ladies and Joe…a real Texan with real boots. Hot, right?

Well, he looked like he was from Indiana more than Texas. Very sweet, cute in a “I’ve never lived in a big city” look. I feel like I want to befriend him, show him the city. It’s very Susan Sarandon of me, like in Bull Durham. Note: need to by baseball uniform and garter belt. Date 6 guy just moved to Chicago in November for work and knows no one. He seems to be a hard worker, honest and has a man hair cut (you know, parted on the side with a sweep around in front). I told him about this project and he thought it was a great idea. He wants to participate again. I will check my books.

This date is a great example on how I now balance my days: 1) woke up late for work 2) worked until 5pm 3) went to the gym  4) threw together an odd mixture of left overs for dinner 5) took a 5 minute shower 6) quickly dressed, did make-up and made it to the bar for 8 pm drinks!

Eliz-Date 5: What’s French for Kiss Me?

Date 5 was a second date with guy 1. Had a nice leisurely afternoon walking around the art museum, chatting and laughing away. Finished the date with a long coffee in a local shop cozied up at a small table. Talk included everything from music, travel, family, who’s been kicked out of a bar or in a fight, tattoo’s, etc…

We shared a kiss outside under a street lamp in a light snow storm…it was very french.