Your 'Good Intentions Are The Same As Sending Me Daisies Through The Phone

I talked to Cowboy on Sunday. He said he'd call me on Monday at 8pm my time. I expected him to call. Why? Because I expect people to call when they say they will. He didn't call. Whatever.

He called tonight at 8pm my time. I answered. He said he was sorry about yesterday and not calling me. I said that it was fine. He said "No. I really feel bad." I pointed out that he couldn't feel too bad since he didn't call. He said he stayed home sick with a violent migraine. I understand those, as I have suffered from some. I said he could have texted me but he didn't. Therefore, I do not think he feels that bad. He said he didn't want me to be mad & he knew I was. Umm. Nope.

He said I could have called him. I told him I was not mad and that I would not have called since I was going off of his directive. And I pointed out that I am not his girlfriend. Maybe I would have called him if I was his girlfriend, but even then its debatable. I pointed out that I amnot his ex either, and that she may have called....well she would have called five times.......but that's not me.

He said he had the best intentions of calling. I said he could have sent me daisies through the phone because its the same thing. Crak knows what that means. But, to explain it, it goes something like this: A coworker was involved with a guy. It was her birthday. Her favorite flower is the daisy. He could have sent her a birthday card with a daisy on it. He could have sent her real daisies. But because he was cheap, thoughtless, and spending the money on pot, he called & said "This is me sending you daisies through the phone". She thought it was sweet. I thought it was the cheapskate's way out. Loser. And Cowboy knew this.

Bottom line is when you say you are going to call, don't have 'good intentions', don't say you wish you had. Just call. And if you are not well enough to call, text me that you can't talk & I will call you the next day to see how you are feeling.

Keep your friggin' daisies.

Going 'Public'

Friday night found KDP, Crak, and me in the city. We were headed to Public House, to see what all of the fuss was about. After 1 & 1/2 hrs of transit, we entered the dark establishment. It was pretty empty at 9pm when we arrived, yet filled in quick with many men. All looked as if it held for a promising evening.

We ordered from their specialty menu. I ended up having a Cherry Margarita. I am not a margarita fan (its the lime tang that I don't like) and it was strong! It took me forever to finish it. Crak had called the Werewolf Hair-like guy, Karate Hottie, and Joemayo to come out & join us. I don't see the werewolf hair reference at all. Karate Hottie was cute, in his own stressed-from-studying way, and Mayo was Mayo. All nice, all cramping our style from meeting new men, and all with hands stamped with a blue star that gave them access to open bar for an hour. Huh? We didn't get our hands stamped. Why? Why didn't they stamp our hands?

I made Mayo get me a free drink, which he was reluctant to do. I'm not sure why, since he wasn't paying for it. He bailed around 11ish.

KDP & I braved the crowd twice to get to the ladies' room. It was the largest, cleanest, and nicest one I've ever seen in a bar/restaurant. Extra stars for that, Crak!

We left Public House at 12:10 to try & make a 1:04. Crak was staying in the city to 'mack it' with the Karate Hottie and KDP & I began the 'beat-the-clock' trek home. The shuttle was no longer running, so we had to grab the 7 train. Which, ofcourse, just pulled out of the station as we got to the bottom of the escalator. Drat! Would we make it to Times Square in time for the 1 or 2 train to get to Penn? Just barely. The same thing happened in TS. We ran down the steps & missed the fast-moving 1 train. We paced, watched a woman take a picture of a rat on the tracks, and paced some more. The 2 came in and we got on. And it literally crawled to the 34th St. station. We ran off of that one and into Penn to find our train was on the track and doing a 'last call' thing. We made it on with 2 minutes to spare. Yup. Fifty minutes of subway time to get to Penn. This is insane.

We rode to Jamaica together & KDP got off to catch the Long Beach line. I called Cowboy to keep me company because there were quite a few loud, drunk men working their way up & down the car.

I was about two minutes from Hicksville when I got up to wait in the open section by the doors. I was standing there, by myself in the open area, when a drunk couple came up to wait as well. The stupid man lost his balance and took a HUGE step back. And onto my leg. He was trying to put his foot down again for balance & missed and ripped open my skin along the way. He glances over & says "Um. Sorry" and the girl looks and says "Whatever". OMG!

Needless to say, I have a BIG bruise on my leg & its been throbbing ever since. My train let me off at 2:15 & by the time I walked to my car and drove home, it was 2:30 when the keys entered the lock. Four hours of commuting. It wore me out. I think I am going to stay out of the city for a bit & do more of my partying out here where I can make my own schedule & commuting 45 minutes will always be better than trains & subways.

Craving A Celebrity Status...............or...........All Of The Little Things To Make One Feel Special

KDP & I met up for a bit of bill paying and dinner tonight. We needed to recap the escapades of a weekend filled with laughter, elixers, and men. Well.....I had the first two while she enjoyed all three on that list.

Anyway, we were at the mall and I saw that I had been 'spotted' by a former student who was looking at me with that 'Hm. Don't I know her?' look on his face. Why didn't he recognize me immediately? Probably the spaghetti strap tank, jeans & sneakers I was sporting for my casual night out. I saw the confused look and waved. He smiled, waved back, pointed me out to someone and we moved on. KDP asked me who I was waving to & I replied 'a student' and she sighed, heavily, and said "Ofcourse". This happened three times at the mall. Yup. Three. It makes it hard to go out -- sometimes -- and I feel awkward going into stores like VS for the fact that people now know I bought something. I just always hope that when they see me next they don't wonder if what I bought is 'under there somewhere'. Its just weird.

We then went to Houlihans for dinner & were seated WAY in the back of the restaurant. Our waitress comes over & takes our beverage order. A few minutes later a waiter comes over & says "Are you Grotter?" I smiled & said "Yes. That's me". He smiles & hands me a rose made from a napkin....and it really looked like an origami rose and said "This is from an admirer". I said "No. Really. Whose it from?" And he said "A former student". But the way he said it was questioning the notion....like...there's no way this guy was your student type of a sound. I said "You'll have to help me out here. I've had nearly 1000 students in the past two years." He said "Dave would kill me if i told you it was him." And he winks. I said "Dave who?" He told me & we chatted for a bit. The waitress comes back over & says "Why are you taking my table? Where'd the rose come from?" So we tell her & she commented that she couldn't figure out why a table of guys kept pointing & staring in our direction. That solved it for her.

I was so smitten with the gesture. It was sweet! It made me feel special. And it made other people in the restaurant curious to know what was going on. I kind of liked it. I want more. Crak & I have partied like rockstars but now I want celebrity status!

Why The Lies?

I have not been doing very well with my 'dating scene' lately. I decided to scout out some new men on Match & see what's available. When you show an interest in one guy, and send some form of contact, three more pictures of men 'pop up' to say "Hey. Here are some others with similar profiles you may be interested in". With the first one.......one of the guys I have already been out with 'popped up'. So I figured I'd read his profile again & see if he's updated. Yup. And there were some new comments on there that contradict what he had originally said to me. Hmmmmmmm. Whatever.

I searched a bit more & found another guy to contact & when I did, another guy I went out with 'popped up' on the list again. So I figured I'd check him out, too. His profile has changed & his has contradictions too! What the......? Did I not like these guys because they weren't really who they said they were/are or have they now started lying because things didn't work out with....not just me but....others?

So I looked up a couple more. Those who had no degrees now have graduate degrees....in three months? WOW! Inmpressive! Those who weren't married are now separated. What?

So why the lies? Why the games? This is a service for which you are paying to find 'the one' and you start with a lie? It discourages me in more ways than one. Sorting through the lies/liars sux.

Dave, Buster, Jim, Matt, Fred, Crak & An Altered Evening

The second rooftop party was held last night at the Sky Terrace on the Hudson. Crak, KDP, and myself all looked for tickets in the most insane manner any gal could. Somehow we missed out on it. So I sent the company an email saying how we psychotically stalked this event & they sent back an email saying that a limited amount of tickets would be available at the door. So Crak & I headed on in to be there early to buy these elusive tickets. The hotel was gorgeous! Crak & I both said we want to go in & stay there. We should! I saw a woman who seemed to be connected to the event, told her our tale, and she said she'd go find out for us if we could buy tickets or not.

In the meantime, Crak was on the phone with Fred, who said if we can't get in, we should meet her somewhere to hang out for a bit. The event woman came back and said "Here's the good news: if your name is on the list & you bought tickets in advance, you can go in at 6pm". She said this in such a proud manner and yet it totally accomplished NOTHING. We knew that, but what about the door tickets? UGH! So Crak said its not worth it & let's go meet Fred at Dave & Busters in Times Square. We did. However, we walked down there. Now, while my oh-so-cute red Steve Madden heels are great for strutting it in Long Beach or Huntington, they were not meant for massive city blocks and lot-n-lots of stairs.

Just as we hit the TS area, some comedy club promoter told us to 'watch out for the pile' on the sidewalk. We smiled. He said "I'm a comedian." I said "You are so funny". He responded with "I love you" to which I mimicked it back & then he yelled into the crowd for me to make out with him. I spun around and said "Right now" with a bunch of people looking surprised to hear such a resposne. Then, about 30 steps later I hear "Hey. She's wearing Sevens". Those were the jeans I had on. Now why anyone would say this I have no clue. I found it odd but whatever. I had just responded to a man that I'd make out with him (sarcastically) in TS.

We got to Dave & Busters & met Fred. The three of us went inside & found that it was happy hour on all but two of their drinks. Sweet! Fred bought the game card & it was now on Crak & me to supply the refreshments. Isn't it nice when you can go to the city & buy three drinks for $13.50? So loving it.

We played a trivia game and some skeeball and finished off our drinks. It was time to get the second round, before happy hour ended, and we tried to squeeze up to the bar.

A quasi-california type of guy saw me standing there & graciously scooted me up to the bar. I tried to order, but it was taking forever. He told me not to order the large beer because it wasn't good. The beer was not that big & I told him that once you've had a beer in Munich, nothing phases you. He said he went to Oktoberfest & the chatting began. His friend put our drinks on their tab & I introduced them to Fred & Crak. Jim wanted me to go play some video game with him, so off we went to find the 'right' game. Somehow we played a military/shooting game that we went head-to-head on. I had never played & he kept saying how good he was. Then why did I have 20,000 points to his 14,000? Why did he die first? He said he 'let' me win. Dummy. I took the semi-inals in Gaming back in '89 at the Javitz Center.

We joined the group & chatted more. Jim was a bit too 'touchy-feely' for me, but whatever. We ween't staying the night there, so another hour or two wouldn't kill me. We moved to a table and Matt said "Why is Jim fighting with that guy?" We turn to see him being 'friendly' while the other guy was being a loser. I have to point out that a little while earlier, Fred, Crak & Matt left us to go to the restrooms. The men had umbrellas with them & Jim was trying to wrap them up & snap them shut. The guy (who we'd argue with later) said "What's the matter? Can't find the hole?" Jim said "I can find that without a problem. But this is an umbrella" The other guy sid "A hole's a hole, dude. Can't find it, can you." I said "Umm......this is not a hole. Its a snap. Snaps are different." He said to me "A hole's a hole to a guy". Jim & I looked at eachother and were like--whatever.

Back to the fight--I stepped between them, told Jim to go to the table we had and said to the other guy "He's a bit drunk. We'll take him to the table. Just let it go." This new guy yells over my head to Jim "You wanna take this outside?" I pushed Jim away and said "Are you serious? I just told him to go away & said to you its done. You now want to do that? How sad are you?" He then challenges me and asks if I want to go outside. I said "Buddy, you just challneged a woman. That is so pathetic. Just drop it." He told me to mind my business since he'd been listening to Jim for 3 hours. I pointed out that I don't think that was possible since we had been at that bar an hour and a half earlier and didn't see either of the men. He said "I've been here since 11:30 and I know who has been here" I said to him that the fact that he is willing to tell people he's been there since 11:30 is pretty sad. It went on for maybe another minute & I walked away.

Fred was ready to go. Crak was not. I didn't care. Fred left without us. After twenty minutes more of chatting with the men....well....Crak was texting her many men.....I was chatting caually for that time, she hits the table and say "I'm ready". Thanks for the warning! We said our goodbyes and began a painful trek back to Penn. We hopped our trains & I was home by 10:15 pm. Pretty good, I guess but I figured I'd be home around midnight so I was unhappy with myself for being 'old' and home early.

I will say I can't walk today. Those shoes, although adorable & make me cute, destroyed my feet & legs. I have until Friday to recover. Being cute definitely comes with a price. I dare any of you to pull it off as well as me! (lol)

13 Is A Lucky Number

I have been counting down the days for the release of 'Ocean's 13' for so long now. And this weekend it was finally released. I am such a fan of the first one of the three and can do the entire movie by heart. Sad, but true. The second one bombed (or should I say sank). I did not like it at all. It just bored me. So I was thrilled with the notion that there'd be a third one in the set. This was a chance that all of the crappy things in '12' would be erased & '13' would be fantastic, leaving off the trilogy on a good note.

It did. The dry/sahara sense of wit from Pitt & Clooney is right up my alley. The glitz & glamour of Vegas is what I crave. And the revenge tactics blow my mind and make me want to really 'get someone', ya know?

I especially loved Don Cheadle's character in this one. Between his accent & his sensitivity while trying to simulate an earth-quake, it just makes me giggle.

In my opinion, "Ocean's 13' kept the series afloat.

4 out of 4 & 'he doesn't have wings'.............

Last night found KDP & me on Rte. 110. I know it well by day & am learning it quickly by night. Cameron had left me that message two days ago that he'd be working & I should 'stop by' to hang out for a bit. I wanted KDP's opinion, so being the good sport that she is, she agreed to haul it out to Huntington.

We went in to Lawful Fish and sat down at the bar. He took a minute to catch the fact that I was sitting there waiting to be waited on. He came over, big grin, and asked what I was doing. So I told him that I felt bad that I had not called or texted him back & figured I'd stop by on my way to Blue Honu. KDP liked him instantly. She thinks he's cute. She, like Crak, thought he was funny, too.

He told us their specialty drinks and KDP settled on a Lemon Drop martini while I had the White Wine Sangria. He had raved about it Tuesday night & I am always up for a sweet drink that the bartender chats up.

We stayed there for about an hour, talking & laughing. When it was time to leave, I asked for the check & he shook his head like I was speaking a foreign language. I explained what a bill is and he shook his head in confusion. KDP excused herself at this point to 'wash her hands' and as she so gracefully put it 'to let the two of you argue this for a bit in private'. Yeah. Thanks.

He refused money so I left him a very big tip while he wasn't looking. I know I'll get the ticked off call later. I just won't answer. He insisted on walking us out....which I tried so hard to avoid (truly no sarcasm there)....and he said goodbye to KDP with a peck on the cheek & I got the kiss on the lips & a "I'll call you tomorrow". See? That's how I know the ticked off call will be coming.

KDP thought he was great & said if I don't want him, she'll be more than happy to help herself. Crak had said the same thing. I just feel bad. No spark. Not even a little static electricity.

We left there and headed to BH. When we did our 'walk through', we saw that the crowd had already 'coupled up' and it was an older and not so good-looking crowd. I passed by Mr. Finance's brother,who looked at me again like I am crazy for being there. There was no chatting this time. Finance was not there and neither was Crak's aggressive Tarzan. This suited me just fine, although I wuoldn't mind Finance seeing me talking to someone else, like Tarzan did Crak. Just to get things riled up a bit.

We found our way to the bar & ordered drinks. There was an empty bar stool so I slid it over & sat down. This greasy guy, who reminded me of the character Joe Jr. from "While You Were Sleeping" said 'Hey--that's my stool". Meanwhile, he was standing next to it with his back to it and it was pushed away from him. He had just walked over & there didn't seem to be a claim on it. So I said "I didn't see you sitting on it nor a jacket or anything holding it, so I figured it was free". "Yeah, well I am saving it for a girl". I said "Well, what am I? I am a girl." So I stayed seated.

While seated, a guy started talking, quite familiarly, with the bartender. KDP kept nodding in his direction that he was on the cute side (too short but cute) & I should get off the stool and talk to him. So I did. I leaned in and said that I was sorry for eavesdropping, but he had said BH will be closed the next 3 weeks and I wanted to know more. We ended up chatting awhile. He works in Public Relations & moved from Manhattan to Hunt. a year ago. He sounds interesting, but seems too shy for PR.

I had sent a text to Mayo since he yelled at me the other night for not inviting him out with us. He showed up 15 minutes later. He & KDP chatted while I kept the new PR guy company. Mayo wanted to to go Finleys & thats where PR's female friends (he's in the Mayo position apparently) were still dancing & drinking. So the 4 of us hauled it over to Finleys where we had to pay some dumb cover. I am not into going to places where I have to pay a cover. But it was only $5 so I guess I shouldn't gripe.

We went outside & chatted a bit more. PR was just sitting there, looking a bit out-of-place so I tried getting him to tell me more about himself. I even told him he could go back to hanging out with his female friends & he said he was fine with us. Ummm.....okay. That was not the vibe I got at all. But what do I know seeing as I have picked real winners each time.

Mayo bailed on us close to 1am & KDP & I decided it'd be good to get going, too. PR followed us inside & waited outside of the ladies' room with me for KDP. He then --(painfully) FINALLY -- said "So would you want to hang out sometime?" I said that would be nice & gave him my number. I'm not counting on a call, seeing as I felt like a desireable sweater that will be forgotten in a day or two. Oh well. Still--4 out of 4 at BH is pretty good!

On the way home, KDP & I hashed the guys I have been talking with over the last 3 months. I told her I am not attracted to any of them. I said the only one I really had looked forward to going out with was Mr. Finance. She said that part of it is because I still think of Cowboy was a fall-back plan. Not to mention that these other guys don't have the 'wings'.................to which I almost hit a tree because my head jerked in her direciton so fast because I had no idea what she was talking about & was now wondering just how sober she was. Ah--she was sober.....but beyond tired. She meant 'arms' because I drool every time I mention Finance's arms. These other guys don't have them. Well, they all have two arms....but not the hang upside down from your biceps kind that I love love love so much. And she pointed out that I also like the Mechanic because he's safe in the idea that he is hot and has 'wings' but it will never be anything other than him as a piece of eye candy for me to enjoy.

Could she be right? Is that my issue? Deep down do I really just want to stay single? I hope not. Is it that Cowboy is who I want but am willing to fill the void with whatever yahoo comes along for now? Oh how sad!

Pity for Paris?

The latest headlines about the hotel heiress say taht she cried heavily as the judge ordered her back to jail to finish out her 45-day sentence for a DUI that originally suspended her license. She was then caught driving under the suspension twice. Does such an offense deserve jail time?

Definitely. Why should she get treated any differently after commiting a crime? And, this so-called 'medical condition'......did they not know about this beforehand so that it could be dealt with while in jail? The rest of us would serve time, and so should she. She is a regular person, who happens to have been born into a family that made its way. She has yet to do that.

Why is it that we 'look down upon' those who are theives, robbers, and muggers but do not look at drunk driving, or being a scofflaw, with any sort of disdain. A student of mine provided his Ethics class with the statistic that 16,885 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in 2005. That avergaes out to be one person every 30 minutes. That number is crazy. And yet, we see people leaving bars, restaurants, and parties every day, having even had one drink, and then driving their 2000lb vehicle on the road. Some are driving alone. Others with friends, family, or children in the car. But what about all of the people around who are driving safely, riding their bikes, or walking? Don't they deserve consideration too?

She's an heiress. She has numerous friends and family members. They could have driven her when she had too much to drink. Guaranteed the famly has a car service that would have picked her up when she had that alcohol. And, even better, once her license was suspended, I am sure that one of the staff in her spacious home would have made that 'hamburger run' for her. Or, they would have even delivered it to her, seeing as she is Paris.

So, with all of the options afforded this heiress, she deserves no pity & this gal is happy she has been escorted back to prison.

No Good?

Cameron called last night & left a message: "Hey. Just calling to say hi & see how your day went. It was nuts at school all day so taht's why I am calling you so late. I am bartending ALL weekend. But, if you & Crak want to, come on down & hang for a bit. Call me tomorrow. Talk to you soon."



Aw. How nice.



But, I didn't plan on hearing from him so soon. And I didn't want standing plans to go see him at work. I think I am being picky........I don't know. But I said I am not looking for the 'instant history' or a serious relationship just yet. If I was really really into him, I'd be thrilled that he called so soon. But I'm not. No good.

The Mechanic made an appearance yesterday. This is not good. He called. Was all charming. Demanded I hang out withhim last night. Became angry that I had to work until 11pm. Said he'd call today. Never did. No good.

Mr. Italy read my email describing a date & the stipulations under which I will go out with him on one and did not respond. Surprise surprise. Why stipulations? Because he is the type to set something up and then blow you off. He is the type to email--rather than call--you after the fact to say he couldn't make it even though you were there waiting. Yeah--he's a real catch. No good.

CrazyJoe & I had coffee last night. We kabitzed about dates that we've had recently. We ended the evening nicely until he said "So call me if youa re in the mood to make out one day. I know I'm good & you are pretty good yourself." Ummm......he isn't good. Who told him he was good? I know I didn't No good.

The Detective has not called since Monday. I am happy about this and hope he loses my number. That would be good.

Mr. Italy Just Won't Give Up......Or Grow Up

I came home late last night to find an email from Mr. Italy. Huh? I have not heard from him in two weeks. He wants to know if I want to get together. So I sent it back saying that if he wants to get together, he has my number and can call. I pointed out that I don't believe he really wants to get together because if he did, he would not play these sad games of his. He emailed me back that he wants to cook dinner for me & then we can go walk on the beach. I sent it back saying I want to go out...like on a real date or like two friends getting together to catch up.

He ims me today "What do you mean 'real date'?" Are you serious? I told him I am not doing this. That if he wants this to actually go through, he has to call me. He wanted to know why I won't go to his place for a nice meal. I pointed out that evenings like that are for people who have gone out on a few dates & I have not seen him in 5 years and do not feel comfortable doing that. He pressures why. Didn't I just say why? Moron.

He may call. I won't hold my breathe. Why? Because he can't follow through with anything. Ever.

And now my blood pressure is up. UGH!

Why Don't They Call When They Say They Will?

The ever-popular "Greg Behrendt Show" was on this morning & I caught it. Why? Because they were talking about his book with real people who still don't get it. The one truly ineresting scenario that a guest provided, since it happened to her recently, was why does a guy act so interested in you, ask for your number, maybe even kiss your hand, call a couple of days later to say "Let's set something up" and then disappear?

The answer:

He's not that into you. Shocker! It was explained through a metaphor. It's like going to the store and seeing a sweater that you really really like. But, you don't have the money at that moment to get it. So you write down the information with the plan to go back for it. But, as the days role on, you may forget what the sweater looked like. Or you may decide that you don't want a sweater. Or you may forget that there was a sweater at all.
So, make that the meet-n-greet scenario when you find a guy while out with the girls. You start talking to some random guy. The two of you ge along great. He can't take you on a date that night because you are out with friends & so is he. So he writes down the information. He plans to call & maybe he does. But, again, as the time rolls on, he forgets that he even met you or forgets what it was about you that made him take your number in the first place. And so on.

Makes sense to me. I don't like it, but it definitely clarifires things from the last few weeks.

Mackin' In The Stacks

Cameron & I went out last night for drinks. He suggested that we meet at the Library Cafe. I have been dying to go there for ages now & was so happy to get the chance to go. It's a tiny place and a bit unpolished, but a cute theme. They have a martini menu in which each drink is named for a writer and a novel.....DeMille's Gold Coast, which has a golden glow to it & golden/yellow-ey alcohols, Dickinson's something, another by Poe.....all yummy-sounding & I was so hooked.

I arrived just before 8 and walked inside. He was sitting at the far end of the bar with a beer in hand. Now, Cameron had said to Crak & me on Friday night that, since he tends bar, he sees a lot of dates where the bickering over who is going to pay is so frustrating. He said what a guy should do to avoid that whole deal is go and either give the barender a couple of bills or a credit card BEFORE the woman arrives & he can just debit it as they go so that there is no bill at the end. Smart! Isn't that what he did? I thought it was nice but I offered a couple of times anyway.

We talked for 3 1/2 hours. He was so nice & sweet & funny..........wait........didn't I write this about the Detective a couple of nights ago? Drat. And, yes, he was all of these things last night, but I felt a 'friendship' thing going on and was not attracted to him at all. I feel so bad about this since he is a nice guy & truly a gentleman.

Well, when the laughing & banter & convo. had run its course, we decided to get going. It was 11:30 on a Tuesday night & probably a good time to get home, since he had to be at work at 8 this morning & ready to teach 4th graders....all handfuls from his description. He walked me to my car & was all set to walk like 6 blocks to his. I told him to get in because he took me so far on the opposite direction of where he had to be. He didn't want to get in but did since I said it was the least I could do. He even asked if it was okay to open my car door for me, seeing as I protested him walking me back in the first place. I'm telling you, a gentleman all the way.

Well, it was once again time for that awkward "do I have to kiss him or can I shake his hand" deal & he leaned in. It was nice. But, again, no sparks. I tried. I really really tried. Nothing. What is going on here? Why am I not even remotely interested in these guys? They are....ugh here I go again..........nice, sweet, funny, have good jobs, have good manners. But I am just not into them. In. The. Least.

I need help.

An Honest-to-Goodness Follow-Up

Cameron said Friday night that he'd call to set something up for Tuesday night. I am not into buying into these lines so I put very little stock in to it. Well, 8:45 pm tonight my phone rang. It was Cameron! Color me shocked. Really. No sarcasm or disdain in that last comment. I was actually wowed that a man followed up on what he said he'd do.

We chatted for a bit. I thanked him for saving us Friday night. He said it was nothing. Aw! I asked him about his friends & where else they go & a bit about work & stuff. He did the same with me. We didn't talk too long, but we finished with planning to meet for dinner on Tuesday at 7:30. I told him to pick the place & I'll meet him there. He said he had not figured out that last detail but will call me tomorrow and let me know. I said that would be fine.

So, Tuesday I will be dining with a very entertaining gentleman. I'm looking forward to this!

The Detective Needs to Get a Clue

The Detective & I had met a week and a half ago at Stout for what was a very nice hour-long conversation. Crak was there. I felt no sparks. She didn't pick up on 'spark' vibes. Yet, the detective must have.

We met at Cozymels for dinner. We were seated immediately & the waitress came back three times before she was able to take our order. We talked nonstop. It was nice. The converstaion flowed the entire time. The food was good. The atmosphere was great. The date itself was wonderful. The actual 'date' person? Not so much. He's really nice guy but again.......no 'sparks'. I can't help it. We sat there for three hours talking & laughing. He found out I like coconut & ordered two coconut margaritas for us in lieu of dessert. He offered me dessert, as well, but I was stuffed from the appetizers, dinner, and drinks. A gal can only eat so much before bursting.

We walked outside & he wanted to show me his car. He has a BMW that he had built at the factory in Germany. I have seen this on news channels & would love to do this. He did it. I was so jealous. He wanted to see my car. Uh oh. Here's the 'move'. While I checked out his car from outside with the door open, he got into mine on the passenger side. He continued to talk, even thought I got three calls from people in five minutes. I told him they were 'are you alive' calls, but he didnt get the hint.

I told him I'd drive him back to his car, since he was already seated & I thought maybe another call would come through that I could say I have to take............to avoid the inevitable kiss. But no. My friends have sucky timing.

We talked more. He asked me about next weekend. I said I'm busy. He said how about Thursday & I wasn't quick enough to come up with something so I may have to go to a movie. Drat. I mean, he's nice & sweet & a gentleman, but he isn't for me. Which is sad.

He leaned in and just as I tried to turn my cheek he caught me for a real kiss. It was nice. But no sparking. He backed away when he realized I was done & said "Wow. That was great. I'm telling my friends I had an amazing time." Then he waited for a response from me & I said "I'm telling mine that I'm still alive." He chuckled. He said he'll call me to set up something for Thursday.

I conveyed all of my signals that this wasn't for me, but his radar must have been jammed. Or maybe the clues weren't obvious enough. I thought they screamed "I'm not into you", but I guess I'm wrong.

That or I'm just oh so totally irresistable. I'll go with the latter.

Altercations & Astonishments

Friday night found Crak, Scojen & myself at Blue Honu. Scojen is getting married in one week & she needed "out". We met up & got drinks & stood by one of the tall tables so we had some sort of territory. Across from us, at the same table, stood these two 40-something yr. old guys. They started talking to Scojen. She indulged them in conversation. Crak & I mumbled to eachother about not wanting to talk to these guys since she & I are out to maybe find men & these two were not it. But, out of politeness, I chimed in a bit. They ordered food. Scojen said she was hungry & wanted some food, too. I was sucked in by the crab cakes & decided I could go for a bite. The food came. Crak disappeared. Scojen & I ate & talked with the two men. Then, Scojen finished & disappeared. She went by Crak. Leaving me with the two men & the yet-to-arrive check. I said to the two men, "If the waitress comes, please ask for my check. I am going to find my friend so she can pay, too." They said fine. I didn't want them to think we were sticking them with the bill, nor were we skipping out completely.

I found Scojen with Crak & said "Hey. Let's pay this." She said "Why? If the waitress wants to be paid, she can find me. It's no big deal." I said "It is a big deal. I like coming here & am not going to skip out on the bill. I am also not leaving it for those two guys to get stuck." She said "Oh, Grotter. What's the difference. So if we don't pay we don't pay". To which I went back & waited with the two men & so did not want to be with from the very start of the evening.

The bill came & Crak came over with Scojen's money. What? A messenger? Get your own friggin' butt over here & take care of this like an adult. I took care of the bill & said goodbye to the men, who were leaving anyway.

I found Scojen & Crak & said "I can't hang back here (ugly people) and want to go to the front where there's space, air, and people watching to do." So, Crak, who had found a cop to chat with , brought him up front & the four of us stood around and they talked. She gave him her number. Okay Crak! That's two out of three visits that a man has asked for your number. Not bad! See? I told you we need to go to this place every week!

With that, Scojen began talking to some drunk guy. Who was there with a friend. The friend had three other friends with him. Who he introduced us to. Until the one said to me "You need no introducitons" and then told me he was a student of mine at FTC when I did the poetry online class. This guy met me all of three times and this was 4 years ago! Wow! Do I leave an impression or what? He told his friends who I was and they started doing the whole "You're a professor? You gave him a "D"? You are both (Crak & me) professors?" Then my student, Cameron, said because of the grade, he owed me a beer. We talked. He flirted. He entertained Crak & me with his antics. He asked for my number (three for three for me). And then things began to take turns for the worse.

Mr. Finance's group came in minus one Finance. His brothers were there, Ralph, two other guys who had not been there, and Crak's Tarzan. They came in, looked at us, and kept going. Tarzan saw Crak and acted as if he didn't know her at all. Then he disappeared. We told Cameron about the situation & he said guys are dumb.....but he used expletives that I will not put on here.

Crak went outside to take a call & while in midcall, Tarzan walked up to her & kissed her. No hello. No greeting. Just kissed her. Reminiscent of two weeks ago. She pushed him away and said how that was messed up. He said she was talking to her boyfriend (the cop?) inside when he arrived so........................................ and then he was gone.

I went over to Finance's brother & said "Is he coming?" He said "Maybe later." I said "Oh. Good. Did he tell you about the call yesterday?" He just nodded yes & smiled uncomfortably. Good.

I went back to Cameron and he had us laughing so hard. Finance's brother kept watching and even tried to wave at one poiont. Why? I don't know. Then Scojen came & sat on the stool. To which her drunk man started touching her. She would shrink back & try to avoid it. He reached between Scojen & me, for the bar, three unnecessary times. I finally took his hand & guided it back away. He tried touching Scojen's shoulder & Crak intervened on that one. Cameron said "Hey, buddy. How's it going?" And the drunk guy said "What? Are you trying to tell me to get the 'f' out?" Cameron said "No. Dude, if I wanted to say that, I would have said it". Then I tried to tell the guy that Scojen didn't want to be touched & he could stop.

He turns to me and says "If you three don't want to f'n be touched then you can all f'n leave." Cameron said "Dude. You tried. She rejected you. Its good. Just respect the lady and move on." Then the guy wanted to take it outside. I said to him "Again, she didn't want to be touched. Leave it alone." He said "Get the f out then. What are you, her mother? Take it home to your boyfriend." Huh? I got lost on that one. I tried going back at him but Cameron stood between us & told the bartender to get security.

Security took him outside & he was out there pacing around............waiting. Maybe. I don't know.

While Cameron entertained us more, Scojen was spotted with a group of three or four other men. She went over there as soon as the altercation began & told them, "I got into a bit of trouble over there with a guy. Can I hide out here?" And they kept her company while we almost got into it with the loser she had begun talking to in the first place. Keeping track? This is the second time she bailed & left me with a guy she didn't want to deal with. Its the third time in the evening of leaving me with anything she didn't feel like taking care of herself.

At the end of the evening, Cameron walked the three of us outside. He wanted to walk us to our cars, but we (especially me) insisted that we'd be fine. I'd go with Crak, who drove herself & Scojen, and she'd drive me to my car. We'd be fine. Cameron gave us all a kiss on the cheek goodbye & went back inside. Scojen said "Ew! You hung out with him? You'd go out with him? He's not goodlooking. And he's fat." I said "That guy saved your butt, and our's. tonight while you bailed and hid on us. And that's all you have to say?" She continued on "But he's not goodlooking." I became angry and said, again, "You would have had your butt kicked by that drunk guy and Cameron took care of it. That's all you have? I'll kick your butt right now for acting like that. Don't tick me off right now." Crak just looked and said "Scojen, she'll do it". And Scojen said "More importantly, look at that dresser. How cute is it?" I wanted to knock her to the ground at that point. I was so happy when Crak, so nicely, dropped me off at my car & I could go home.

Mr. Finance's Calls Have Been Disconnected

Mr. Finance (MF) was the guy who two weeks ago said he wanted to take me to Four. He wanted to go wine tasting in the Hamptons & to some fancy restaurant out there. He said, like oh so many, that he'd call. Well, in two weeks, he called twice. Once was at 1:24 am & the other at 11:30pm. That's calling? I don't think so.

I called him on my way to work at 12:00. Here's how it went:

MF: Hey! What's going on? How ya doin'? (as if we talk everyday for six months)
Me: Hi. I am good. Can I ask you a big favor?
MF: Sure. What is it?
Me: Would you please delete my number from your phone? I'd really appreciate it.
MF: What?
Me: Yeah, well, you said you'd call. You said you'd set up one of the many great-sounding
dates. You didn't. You finally called me at 1:24 am & 11:30 pm? That's a booty call.
That's a two-bit hooker call. Of which I am neither.
MF: I am so sorry. I didn't mean it that way. I should have called.
Me: Well, whether you meant it that way or not, that's what it said. When you are interested in
a woman, you call her at normal times & set up dates. You know you intended it to let me
know that it was going to be for one purpose only.
MF: I am so sorry. I am so sorry. Yes. I should have called. I'll delete your number. I am so
sorry.
Me: Okay. Great. Thanks so much! Have a good one!


And, that's about the size of it.