What I learned

 There is no replacing chemistry. Last night I had an epiphany. My partner in crime and I were dancing at the Rack. The night was booze filled and drama empty, just the way we like it.  Then, I see...this guy. He is cute in the t-shirt and jeans kind of way, not the douchey button down shirt and cologne style, but the real guy look. I knew I kind of liked him because I actually felt a little shy. So, I danced with his friend. Yes my moves are that smooth. As the night goes on we all start to talk and I realize that these guys are actually intelligent, witty and cute. The trifecta. But there is just something about t-shirt guy that makes me knotty. I am coining that term for the feeling you get when experiencing true chemistry with someone that is both physical and intellectual. And it hits me. This is what was missing with the other guys I have been dating. That spark that comes from a guy that makes me laugh, is able to discuss Nietzsche  at The Saddle Rack, and also can talk about why the World Cup is the greatest athletic tournament ever.

  We went to Denny's after leaving the club, and I ordered some Hush Puppies, which we decided to call Churrnoballs, since they were like churro balls, and besides, who doesn't love a little nuclear disaster reference with their food. After eating we got up to leave and said our goodbyes. Oh well, I thought, as I climbed in my car, cool guys exist, even if I never see this guy again. Then a knock at my window, and it is t-shirt guy asking if he can put his number in my cell, to which I said yes. He had asked a few times throughout the night, because he left his phone in his truck, so I was glad for the follow through. Ball is in my court. At some point today, I think I may text? 

  Overall it was a really great night. Carri and I always have fun and seem to generate memorable experiences...hey at least this one did not involve homeless Jesus and his fork!

Vegas!!

I realize the motto of what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but that really doesn't work when one is trying to blog. Some of the details may be a little fuzzy, but I will do my best.
Friday: My sister and I meet at the airport and hop in a cab to the Mirage. We decide to explore the Forum shops and wind up eating dinner at the bar at Cheescake Factory where the Laker's game was on. The destination for the evening was the dueling piano bar at NYNY. Last time my sis and I were there we saw a dwarf dressed as a leprechaun, so our expectations were high. My sister was treated to a Bud Light by a rather, seasoned gentleman... so she politely said thank you and we made our way to the other end of the dance floor. We befriended a group of Canadians at a "stag" party, and another pair of Canadian mounties. Oh...and Bobby Flay was there signing autographs and basking in drunken admiration of his fans. The end of the night remains a little blurry, but I woke up with a swollen ankle and a massive hangover.
Saturday: Sister and I head down for breakfast before our spa day. I choked down some toast and tea, but the likelihood of that staying down was not great. Making our way to the spa, I felt better and was excited for some detoxification. A massage, facial and steam later, I was almost at 100%. That night we had a great steak dinner at a steak house in TI, followed by LOVE, the Beatles Cirque du Soleil, at the Mirage. Hands down the most incredible experience of live entertainment I have ever witnessed. After the show we went to Revolution, good dj, overpriced beer. $8 for a Corona?!! But we danced, and met an adopted Korean guy from San Diego. He was cool until I found out he went to USC... loser. 3AM...time for bed.
Sunday: We hit the brunch for breakfast, gorging on French toast, hot chocolate and Frosted Flakes....SUGAR!!! We checked out and wondered around catching bits on the Indy game. Spotting Serendipity 3, we parked ourselves at their counter and watched the rest of the game while eating a sandwhich and a hot fudge sundae.....food coma approaching. The trip ended with us at the bar in the Mirage watching football with yet another group of Canadians.  By the time I was at the gate waiting for my flight, my liver was thoroughly pickled, my body beat down, but a smile remained on my face. Going back in April!!

 I am a dating rookie. However I was determined to take what I have learned so far and go out on two first  dates this weekend. A sort of... dating research expedition if you will.

Date #1: The first candidate I met online through eharmony.

Stats:

Age 37

job: project manager

status: divorced for 9 years

hobbies: runs marathons, sails and mountain bikes

This was the first guy I had actually made it through the arduous " get to know you" process with and still found interesting enough to meet. So I gussied my self up, hopped in the car and headed to our meeting place. Having never met this guy in person, I only had his pictures to go by for identification purposes. I walked through the door to be pleasantly surprised with a date that was better looking then his pictures. Phew...not that I am shallow, but he could have been a troll, and who wants to eat dinner with that? Ok, that sounds bad. I tried to walk up and confidently shake his hand as he went in for the hug, awkward. After that dinner went well and the conversation was easy and entertaining. We split a pizza and salad at his suggestion, and I actually tried something new. Shocking.  After dinner we went to a little bar that had live music. We sat in the back with our beers and tried to figure out the characters that were milling around. Some potentially homeless, others that we guessed were swingers. It was midnight at that point and time to call it a night. He walked me to my car and we kissed, and yes he was a really good kisser. Before I got into my car, he asked if I wanted to go out again on Sunday night, so I figured the no "getting too comfortable" on a first date rule was proven successful.

Date #2: This guy I met at the Saddle Rack

Stats:

Age: 31

Status: single, never married

Job: head of the gym for Oracle

Hobbies: golf, baseball, fishing

  Although I knew what this guy looked like, I didn't know much else about him and he knew even less about me. But we had good chemistry and were able to talk easily. I wondered when it was appropriate to tell him that I was married before and I had a 13 year old son. I mean when does that exactly flow into the conversation?  I decided to hold off on this discussion.

 We met at his house and he drove us into the city for dinner. The house was clean, but not too clean. Again, easy conversation, he opened all doors, held the umbrella for me and all things gentlemanly. Dinner was delicious and he was very sweet. We shared the best dessert of churros in Mexican chocolate. Yum. After dinner we went to the Metreon for some virtual bowling, to which I lost, but I tried not to pout too much. Then we drove back to his house and watched tv for a half an hour and then I told him I had to go. This was truly a test for me, because he was very cute, and a great kisser. But, my strength prevailed and I got in my car and drove home.

The conclusion....I have no idea. Date one was smarter, but he is looking for a serious relationship.

Date two was cute, but I am not sure about our compatibility. Further study is required. Will report findings.

The Rack Strikes Again

   So I have said it once and I will say it again...it impossible not to be entertained at The Saddle Rack. I venture to guess that one can sit at a table, ten feet from the entrance, the whole night, and see more shenanigans than anywhere else. The 80 year old guy with a bowl cut is a staple. Watching him swing the youngest ladies around the dance floor is a Viagra commercial in the making. Last night was no exception. The man is a god and should be studied. Next time I will try to pluck a hair off his head for further analysis.  
Drinking, dancing and watching brave souls be tossed from the mechanical bull completed a night of debauchery with the ladies. I did meet a nice guy there, who kind of looked like a cross between Matt Lauer and Bill Resnick. At least this guy was out of his twenties!
     By 3:30 am the night was done and my head hit the pillow. Sweet dreams still lingered in my mind as I got up the next morning. In an inspired moment of productivity I decide to start a load of laundry before yoga. As I go to put the clothes in the dryer and hit start, it moans in protest and then stops. shit.

Looking forward to a weekend of the Saddle Rack, Dodgeball and watching football. Oh, and helping some friends move. This means that I will probably be in some pain Sunday night...but it is worth it.
I decided to apply for the Fulbright teacher exchange program for next year. This means that I will possibly be teaching and living in London for the 2011-2012 school year. As an added bonus I will hopefully get to see Landon play for Everton! Whoever I exchange with will live in my place and teach in my position, and vice versa. The applicaiton process takes months, but hopefully my Masters will give me a leg up on the competition.
Some friends and I are doing a World Cup pool with a $50 buy in...if I can't be there at least this will be some consolation...if I win that is.