The Great Dating Experiment

Is this thing on?

Good morning blog readers!  I'm so glad you could join me for another edition of the Great Dating Experiment.  Last night I had another adventure in dating through IJL with a young man named "J".  Well, let's just say the high light of the dinner were the crab cakes.  Here's what went down...

So I arrive at the restaurant 10 minutes late.  I know, I know - that is rude.  But I have to tell you the valet at this place could not have been more awful.  I sat in my car for 5 minutes waiting for him to come get my car.  I mean, I'm a single gal in the city.  I can't be parking my car in random lots in downtown Cleveland after dark!  So anywho, he finally get to my car (that hoodlum) and allegedly parks it.  We'll come back to this valet later...

I walk into the restaurant where I'm taken to "J" and I apologize for my lateness.  First impressions were a little rough.  "J" has a goatie.  As many of you may know, I have issues with facial hair.  I think it either looks really good...or it looks really bad.  Let's just say this was not a goodie.  He stands up to shake my hand (what a gentleman), and he is definitley at least an inch shorter than me.  Now, I was wearing heels...but when am I not??  You know how I feel about shoes!

Moving onto conversation with "J" - he is nice, has a good job, asks questions - so overall seems like a good guy.  But what is missing?  Humor.  I mean is it too much to ask for a guy to have all the above attributes plus be funny and charming??

I will admit that I accidentally got on the subject of religion at one point...don't ask - I'm an idiot.  But basically, I wanted to ask if he was ready for Christmas and it turns out he is Jewish.  Great work, Jenny.  Nothing like keeping it casual.  Anyway, he didn't seem phased and he told me how he celebrates both holidays.  Phew!

So we end the date and he awkwardly ends it with, "I had fun tonight.  You have a good personality and I find you attractive."  Okie dokie then - that's to the point.  We go to find the amazing valet to get my car...and he basically parked it on the street right in front of the restaurant.  So he gets my keys off the rack, hands them to me, and just points to my car.  Worst valet ever.  I coulda parked there! 

Thankfully, the date ended with "J" saying he'd call me after the New Year.  I'm thinking it'll be a no-go when he calls...

Moral of the story - IJL really needs to listen to what I'm looking for.  I mean, is this thing on? 

Holy Backpack Batman!

Good evening blog readers!  I was set up again with another young man, "B" through IJL.  Again, the date was not lunch it was dinner...so perhaps they should change the name of the service to IJD??  Oh well, semantics :)  Here's the scoop...

I get to the restaurant and walk up to the hostess.  I mention I have reservations for Jenny and "B".  She replies in an overly enthusiastic, high pitched voice "'B' who you've never met???"  I reply, "Yes, that's the one."  She says in an even higher-pitched voice how happy she is to introduce us.  Then she bounces (literally) over to the table where "B" is sitting.  Calm down lady!  It's not your date!!!

Unfortunately for "B", male pattern baldness has set in early.  I'm cool with bald men, but you need to keep the hair cut tight - as in super short - or just shave it.  He is sporting a fantastic short sleeved plaid button down, pleated front khakis, white socks with brown shoes, and...a backpack. 

Now, the number one question I get when I say this last piece of clothing is "What was in the backpack?"  Unfortunately, I did not think to ask...but now thinking on it, it may have been an amazing conversation.  What if he had brought his trophies to show me from his bowling league?  Perhaps his massive hat collection?  Or maybe that's where he was keeping his adorable dog that he wanted me to meet?  Ah well, missed opportunity and I'll never know...

So, I'm not super impressed by his outward appearance, but I figure he could be super hilarious and outgoing and sweet - better give him a chance.  At this point I proceed with dinner as usual - questions are asked and answered.  However, I can tell he doesn't get me.  Some say I'm bubbley...some say I'm kooky...some say I'm just plain crazy...but whatever I am...he was not liking it. 

We ended the date with a handshake and a "nice to meet you" and I was on my merry way.  Thankfully, I won't have to see him again.  Who wants to see a guy who doesn't get her? 

One thing is for sure...I'll always wonder what was in that backpack.