Date 37.1

I need to stop getting to dates early because I think I end up sending out a casual vibe because I go ahead and buy my own drink or I make friends while I wait.  Both of these were the case when  I was a few minutes early for this date; I felt bad sitting at the bar without ordering anything, so I ordered a drink and then started talking to the bartender and the guy next to me.  When Thirty-seven got there we moved to a table, and as a light-weight my one drink lasted me for the next hour which makes me the cheapest date ever since I bought it.  I think the first fifteen minutes had that "first date awkward vibe" happening, but then we got more comfortable and talked the night away.  After I finally finished my drink we walked to another bar that had live jazz, but the band was on break so we grabbed some seats at the bar and kept the conversation going for another hour.  I really, really, really had a good time and think I could like this guy.  

We didn't set up a next date, but he did say that we need to go to a silent disco (side note: my friend had told me about this silent disco that was happening at a music festival and when Thirty-seven and I first met he was going to that festival.  I told him he had to check out the disco for me.  One of the first things he said to me on the date was a thanks for the recommendation, and he proceeded to tell me how amazing it was).  I hope there's one happening sooner than later, but in the meantime I will definitely try to get another date scheduled.  

Main Conclusion: I like this guy.

Other Conclusion: I need to experience a silent disco as soon as possible.

Thirty-seven

The premise of this one might seem like deja vu to Thirty-six, and that's because I met Thirty-seven at the same two events.  Go ahead and say it aloud - flirt whore.  I told my friend that was with me the first night that I couldn't decide where to focus; we did some recon and determined that the two contenders did not know each other, so I could mix up my charm between both.  While Thirty-six was being friendly and having fun, Thirty-seven seemed to know everyone and showed a little bit of interest in me.  When we met he informed me, "I've definitely seen you here before.  You're always in the front dancing nonstop."  Oh yeah, he's noticed me!  When I was heading out he said he hoped to see me again soon.  Obviously that was the point I should have asked him out, but his roommate chose that moment to drag him back in for a drink.  Fail.  Luckily I saw him the next night, too.

Between talking with my friends, meeting new people, and chatting up Thirty-six, I still managed to find time to flirt with Thirty-seven.  My favorite point of the conversation was when I asked him what he was normally doing on a Saturday night and he responded, "Hopefully at Amnesia dancing with you." That's the part where I swooned, and his roommate seriously (seriously!) came up and said their ride was leaving.  His roommate is the worst wingman ever, and I really need to start seizing the date sooner.

Thanks to Facebook, though, we do have a date lined up this week!

Thirty-six

I met Thirty-six two nights in a row, and I still failed at reeling him in.  The first night I was dancing with some friends, and he was there having fun and enjoying life on the dance floor; he oozed genuine enthusiasm.  We started trading silly dance moves like my punching the invisible speed bag (patent pending).  The next night he was at the same event as I was because apparently he goes to my church - bonus points!  We were both mingling with various people, but when I saw his shaggy hair, beard, and chunky glasses I promptly made my way over to him to say hi.  We had been talking for ten minutes or so when we were all pulled together for toasts.  After that we were separated for the rest of the evening, and he left before I asked him on a date.

Luckily we found out we had a few mutual friends from church, so I sent him a message on Facebook (seriously, what did I do before this Fb messaging was an option?) and told him I'd love to go out sometime.  He politely responded that the next few weeks were crazy busy for him with work, a close friend visiting (Close friend?  Is that his way of saying he's taken?), and traveling to visit his family in Alabama.  However, he did say that he hoped to see me out dancing next time to learn some more moves.  I guess that's something, and I'll just have to keep dancing.

Date 5.1

Let's review: The lady who runs the daycare my niece attends gave me Five's contact information several months ago because she likes to play matchmaker.  I emailed Five, he called me and we had a confusing conversation about how I got his information.  In the end he said he'd be up for meeting me but that he was going to Hawaii for a week and would call me when he returned.

Fast forward to a text exchange a month ago:
5: Hi Penelope.  Our connection was Evelina and we spoke briefly several months ago.  I misplaced your # but recently found it.  Anyhow, are you still in SF? - Five
Me: (after trying to remember who this guy was) Hi, yes I'm still in SF. (Brief, I know, but I was so caught off guard I wasn't sure how I wanted to proceed.)
5: Thanks for getting back to me.  I will give you a call this weekend. I was at the ER with my sick dog last night and didn't get to bed until 4 am :( Talk soon.

After a few weeks of trying to coordinate our schedules we met after work last night.  I've never been on a blind date, but I will tell you that I'm glad I like to read otherwise I would have been completely nervous every time the door opened.  We were supposed to meet at 7:00, but then Five texted me that he would be 20 minutes late (boooooo).  I was engrossed in my book when he finally arrived (30 minutes late) and introduced himself.  He seems like a nice guy, is responsible and has had the same job for 14 years, and he wasn't drunk (all great qualities).  He's a few years older than me, which is something new and strange.  Unfortunately, the evening felt awkward and forced.  I realized that first dates (especially blind dates) aren't known for being relaxing, but I just didn't enjoy myself.  In the end I thanked him for meeting me, and he said the same and then added that hopefully we can meet up another time.  I'm definitely not initiating it, but in true Penelope fashion if he asks me out I'll probably give him a second chance.