I Think I Met Someone...

If you look at my last post you'll see that I was about to go out with three more people through the dating site. I went out with Steve and I also went out with Frank... but just once.

Because Steve was taking up all my time, was free very soon after our first date, emailed or texted me every day and seemed very interested, I decided to cancel my second date with Frank as I'd been out with Steve three times at that point and I felt quite uncomfortable dating two people. I could foresee complications if I ended up liking Frank too. Frank was good about it and said he appreciated my honesty and not messing him about.

Three weeks and loads of dates later Steve admitted to not being entirely sure what the hell he wanted. Because I'd felt this I hadn't invested any emotion into him so decided to be cheeky and contact Frank. I'd wondered what he'd been up to and thought what the hell, he can just tell me to fuck off.

He didn't. 

I asked if he'd like to go out for a drink with me and so last Sunday we met up again. We had a brilliant time and, at the end what I guess was our second date, he told me I was "proper beautiful" and asked to see me again. We've been out to see films and dinner (quick work!) and last night he asked if we can "do this thing properly?" which turned out to mean "will you be my girlfriend?". I happily agreed.

Despite not being my usual type (he's like Ray Winstone) Frank is fucking amazing. He's big and blokey and lovely and sweary and honest and he seems to adore me (he doesn't know that I'm really annoying yet!). He tells me how beautiful and lovely I am all the time and just says what he wants, plans ahead, gives me attention (and is attentive) and has made it very clear how much he likes me. 

I've only been seeing him for a week but it feels like forever. I've been around long enough to know not to count my chickens yet, but I also know what someone being honest and not messing you around looks like. It feels like the real thing and I would be truly surprised, gutted and would have egg all over my face if he turned out to be playing me.

He's a playwright for a living but speaks like a right geezer. He's really easy company, funny, intelligent, open, warm and makes me feel like a princess. I think I've finally met someone who is going to make me very happy. I already kinda adore him and am really looking forward to seeing what happens.

Man, I hope this works out... 

Internet Dating - The Story So Far

As you know, I've been dipping my toe back into the world of Internet dating. I know a few people who met their partners this way and a ton of people seem to have friends who've done the same. 

It's a really nice way to see if you've got similar interests before you meet too - chemistry is great but if you're into different things or have different values or goals then it'll never work. But you have to actually meet to see if there's any chemistry of course.

I've found it a really good way to 'get back out there' and re-learn how to flirt and talk to men. I'm a pretty chatty person, but dating is a whole different ball game so the practice is useful!

So, here are the scores on the doors so far:

Date 1: Ian - (41 with no kids) Christmas hadn't been kind to Ian and, although lovely in character, he was carrying way more timber and chins than I was led to believe and I did not fancy him at all. He came to Brighton, we had lunch on the pier, wandered around the shops, had coffee, then I sent him on his merry way.

Date 2: Geoff - (44 with no kids) I went on 2 dates with Geoff. Date one was bowling (this is a brilliant first date as it's fun, you can flirt, you're focused on a shared goal, and you get to check out each others behinds) where there was a lot of chemistry. He was tall which I really like as I do like a nice heel and the date went well. Date 2 was to a country pub where I discovered he seemed to have no passion or drive for anything and I wondered if this extended to people. 

When he dropped me off he told me he'd been on another second date 2 days before and they'd decide to start seeing each other - he'd wanted to keep his date with me as we'd already arranged it. I personally wished he hadn't as I could've done something else more interesting that day.

Date 3: Terry - (43 with no kids)  I went on 2 dates with Terry as well as I don't think you can

always tell from 2 or 3 hours in someone's company whether there might be something there. He was absolutely lovely but we didn't feel any chemistry and decided to stay friends. He's since found a new girlfriend from the site which is proof that it does work.

Date 4: Russ - (38, divorced with a 5 year old daughter) this is a hard one to discuss as it was quite a mental experience. We went bowling and hit it off immediately. We got on so well that (at his request) we saw each other 4 times in a week... and then he just went weird and bowed out. 

He said his feelings were all over the place and he needed time to sort them out (bla-bla usual bollocks). I was pretty cut up actually as, although I'd only known him for a week, he was good company and I was having fun. I was very confused as to what had happened but am now sure that I had a narrow escape from a dickhead. Anyone who freaks out after 4 dates is pretty pathetic - but I was very surprised at how bad I felt after he did this.

Dates lined up:

These are dates I have yet to go on but that have been scheduled.

1) Joe: (44, divorced, no kids) I was supposed to see him last night but he cancelled as he had to work late. I'm not sure either of us are feeling this.
2) Steve: (44 with a 3 year old daughter) He's a writer who I'm meeting on Monday. He seems pretty interesting so we'll see.
3) Frank: (44 with an 11 year old daughter) He works in the Arts and I'm meeting him on Tuesday night. I'm looking forward to this one the most as his messages have been really interesting and he's a geek like me. 

Divorced men and/or men with kids are actually quite good to date. They've messed it up once so are now hopefully wiser as to what they want and what makes a good relationship. If they have kids (and they're a GOOD Dad) they know how to budget and plan and put someone else first (if they're a bad Dad then you just avoid them) and, because they have their kids a day or 2 a week, you get a nice amount of time to yourself as well. Also, meeting a guy in his late 30's or 40's without kids is quite rare nowadays!

So that's the state of things as they stand. I'm not desperate to find a boyfriend, but I'm putting myself out there in the hope of meeting someone to have fun with and connect with I guess. I'm not into conventional relationships where you spend all your waking hours with someone then move in together, have kids, take all your holidays together and check with them before you do anything though. 

I don't want an open relationship but I'd like to create something modern based on what we both individually want - I like my own space and like living by myself for example. I like most of the things that come with a relationship such as intimacy, sex, closeness and having someone you love and can do romantic things with, but I don't like being told what to do and I really hate it when you feel strongly for a person so things they do or say unsettle your emotional stability and bring out less-than-pleasant emotions.

It seems that you can't have one without the other though...

Well Hello There - It's Been AGES!

Blimey, I haven't posted for ages. On one hand there's been nothing to tell you and on the other there's been loads. Now it's all build up so I'll  bring you up to speed by doing a round-up kinda post then I can get back on track and you might actually know what the fuck I'm talking about!

Love life - my love life is rubbish. There's no two ways about this one. I've started doing some Internet dating again... I'm sure a few of you may recall how THAT one turned out but if you weren't a reader, it was both funny and a shambles at the same time. These are my dates so far:

Two dates with Terry who was lovely despite the awful name but there was no chemistry. We are going to be friends though because he's interesting and local.

Two dates with Geoff who told me after our second date that he'd been on another second date with someone a few days before and they'd decided to start seeing each other. I was pretty annoyed that he didn't cancel his date with me thus wasting my Sunday and his. I may have had a lucky swerve though as he told me on the date that he felt no passion or drive for anything which made me wonder if that extended to people. Also he couldn't see a face in the grass I was trying to point out in a field (we were up on a hill) which possibly meant he had no imagination. Plus his name is truly dreadful.

One date with Shailen who, despite saying he had a great time and asking to see me the next week, never contacted me again. Pretty fucking rude.

Even though I'm good at being single and love most aspects of it, this doesn't mean that I want to be single forever and spend the next 40 years by myself. It's really hard to meet people though - especially someone who is interested in me in return it seems.

Social Life - excellent. I've joined a few Meet-up groups and can go out every night of the week if I like. I love the gaming group I go to and really like a guy there but he's 9 years younger than me. We get on really well and it's a shame about the age as I'd ask him out otherwise. I also have some amazing friends who have been brilliant recently as I've been feeling a bit down this week. One even came round with cake and took me out for coffee to cheer me up.

Emotional Status - rubbish. This week has been utter pants and I've been feeling quite sorry for myself. There's a few reasons for this:

1. I've hurt my back and can't get comfy
2. My business has been quiet (which never happens) which has made me start to worry a bit about money
3. My ex has a new girlfriend which he met because she lives in his road and just went and knocked on his fucking door. I'm annoyed about this one as, although I don't want him back, I feel that he was responsible for the breakdown of our relationship, my resulting unhappiness, and that he doesn't deserve the ease at which he's found someone new when I'm much more deserving and nobody wants me. It's hard to admit that I'm bitter and angry about it but that is the truth of the matter. I don't want him to be unhappy but I'm annoyed that he met someone so easily when I can't.
4. Feeling rejected emotionally. Even though I don't care what strangers think about me, I guess it's only natural to feel rejected and confused and all sorts of other horribly damaging emotions when someone rejects you (Geoff & Shailen). Even though they were clearly dicks, it's still quite hurtful and has knocked my self-esteem more than I expected.
5. I fell off my new way of eating when my best friend came to visit. Thisnot only made me physically sick (my body actually immediately rejected what I'd just eaten) and ropey, it made me feel weak for going off track so easily once I had company.

Work - mixed. My main line of work has been really quiet (but looks like it might be picking up from today) and I'm in the process of setting up a new online business which I'm pretty excited about. I'd shelved it for a year as I'd been too busy so, whilst it was quiet, I took the opportunity to finish writing the new website and get the logo designed etc. 

Health - I leant over to readjust the sofa cushions last Saturday and twinged my back. It often just sorts itself out in a day or two but hasn't this time - so I feel about 80. I've also started a new way of eating which seems to agree with me. I've been eating a paleo diet for a couple of months and have never felt healthier. It's stopped my sugar cravings and apparently I even look leaner which is a bonus. 

I've never craved pasta and bread (although I like them) but when I fell off the wagon and ate bread and cake recently, I felt like I'd been poisoned and felt shaky and just dreadful really. It's also made me start cooking, which is something I've never been a big fan of. 

Summary - actually overall things are fine but this week has definitely knocked me sideways and I've been surprised at how being rejected by a couple of men has made me feel. I'm not getting any younger and it would be nice to have someone to share things with and I would like to be in love again one day soon. I have my friends but I mean romantically of course. Being rejected makes you question your personality and your appearance - I know you shouldn't feel that way but you can't help it. Your brain just doesn't play ball sometimes!

I've still been reading your blog updates of course and I so hope you haven't all forgotten me just because I dropped off the radar for a bit. x

A First Time For Everything

Today I went fishing for the first time ever. Well when I say "I" what I mean is someone else went fishing and I watched.

Adrian (the guy I have now been on 6 dates with) likes going fishing, so today I decided to go along and see what went on. I've been down The Marina loads of times because that's where the cinema is, but I didn't know that if you kept going then there was an area where people (men) go to fish.

I'd taken a few magazines in preparation for a long afternoon, but it was actually quite interesting and I only read one and a half of them. I wasn't so keen on the fish guts side of things or seeing people smack fishes heads on the steps to kill them, but they take them home and eat them so at least there's a point to the whole thing. Like crocheting, there's more paraphernalia than you'd imagine...

There was a whole fishing culture going on down there with entire families getting involved. On one side of us was a man with over half his arse showing, and he and his kids were having a great time; on the other side was a Japanese fella who had a small pop-up tent that his wife and baby spent most of the afternoon in. She had a go a bit later and did quite well.

Amazingly I actually quite enjoyed myself; there was a place nearby where I bought a coffee and a toffee crumble ice lolly, and the only thing I wasn't so keen on apart from the fish guts, was getting a bad case of windswept hair. Although I told one of my friends later and she nearly wet herself laughing - she couldn't picture it apparently.

Internet Dating Round-up

Well, my 3 month internet dating extravaganza has now reached it's conclusion and the final scores on the doors are: 8 x first dates, 7 x second dates, 1 x third date and 0 x snogs. Numerically speaking, something is surely wrong with this picture?

Breakdown:

Date 1 - Steve was aesthetically pleasing and sexy as fuck; I managed to choose a pub he takes all his dates to which must have been interesting for the bar staff. We proceeded to get rather drunk and he told me that his ex-girlfriend cheated on him because he was rubbish in bed and how he wants people to like him all the time. I was unfamiliar with both concepts.

At the end of the date we both said we should meet up again but neither of us called the other. Steve had been on 35 dates in 2 months and was clearly a Brighton serial dater.

Date 2 - Richard was a little portly but was wearing a really nice jacket. He did a bit of stand up but wasn't funny as far as I could tell. He had a kid from a previous relationship, but otherwise there wasn't particularly anything memorable about him to report. We went on a second date anyway - a friend saw me out with him and later mentioned that he thought I could do much better.

Date 3 - Matt looked a bit more haggard than his photo; we went for a walk along the pier and talked about nothing in particular. He worked in TV and was considering moving to Manchester with his work. We didn't make arrangements to meet up again and neither of us called the other - he was the only person I met who I didn't have a second date with. He was perfectly nice but a bit meh.

Date 4 - Martin was a vegan and somewhat of a Brighton DM-wearing crusty type. I don't think he was militant but he looked a bit weak through lack of protein and I imagine putting up my shelves would have exhausted him. He was very easy to talk to however and we had a laugh on both of our dates. He told me he was going to be spending a year in Mexico from August for his course so I saw no reason for him to be on a dating site - he agreed.

Date 5 - Paul was quite clever as he had actually worked out who I was through what I said I did for a living. I'd originally refused to meet him as he is only 5'8" and has 2 kids - although I do love to wear heels, the height is negotiable but the kids weren't. We met for a drink anyway; he was very easy on the eye and pretty sexy despite his height. I also bumped into him a few weeks later at a networking event where a modicum of flirting took place.

We then met again recently for a film as I thought he could be handy to know, plus I would run into him at businessy events. Turns out I was canny to do so, as he may need me to do a bit of work for him. (not a euphemism)

Date 6 - Neill worked for a National charity deciding how to spend a 3 million pound overseas aid budget. He was very interesting despite having feeble social skills. We went on a second date the evening before he left for Burma and got on well. Upon his return 2 weeks later, he decided he wasn't really that fussed. Neill doesn't own a TV and was the person that I'd initially dismissed as a grinning retard...

Date 7 - Colin was the wealthy Tory-voting older man from Eastbourne that I wrote about quite recently. I'd originally told him to cock off because of his abhorrent voting habits, his age, his location, his hair colour (I go for dark-haired men) his cheesy one-liners and the fact he had a dick of a first name (my brother has the same name so I know what I'm talking about) He eventually convinced me to meet him for coffee to insult him to his face, and to our astonishment we hit it off.

We went on a second date despite him owning a Land Rover ("oh no, this just gets worse and worse" was my reaction upon seeing his car) He took me to Jamie Oliver's restaurant and asked to see me again when I returned from my 4-day trip to Cornwall... by the time I got back he had met someone else, so he's clearly a man with no staying-power and I therefore had a lucky escape.

Date 8 - Adrian is the only person I've been on 3 dates with so far. He is 6'3" so I'm a happy heel-wearer, and he is also the ONLY man I met who wears trainers (I like a man in trainers and had mentioned it on my profile) He is away until Sunday on a camping stag-do thing but we're meeting up again Monday evening unless he meets someone in the meantime I suppose.

We had a chat about what happens after a third date and he said he wasn't looking for another female friend as he had enough already, but that he didn't think there was any need to rush things. So we'll see and I'll keep you informed!

So there you have it my friends; I had 16 dates in total and have yet to see if it was money well spent. This isn't the first time I've dabbled in internet dating (lazy you see) but I'll tell you another time about the date who was wearing Pampers in the pub.

Sand, Sea And St Ives

Well although I got back from Cornwall on Sunday, 2 busy days later it feels like it was a week ago! The visit was perfect and it was great to see my friend again; we hardly ever see each other but she's very easy company and we get on very well. The 12 hour coach journeys also went much quicker than I thought, but I'm guessing the Valium helped!

Although I was only there for a total of 3 days and I checked my emails while I was away, I did feel like I got a proper break. We had breakfast on the Harbour front, drank wine every evening and spend all day on the beach (may I say now that I'm glad Brighton beach is stony cos that sand gets EVERYWHERE!) amazing how easy it is to spend 3 days doing sod-all in the sun.

Cornish Girl did keep muttering about OCD because I was obsessed about not getting sand stuck to myself; which is a futile task on a beach covered in it! It kept sticking to my suntan lotion and I was constantly trying to brush it off. I am now exfoliated within an inch of my life and have a pebble-dash tan. I also fell in love with their dog Buzz - when I left me and Buzzy Boy were LIKE THAT (crosses fingers)

The St Ives seagulls are totally psychotic though; Brighton gulls are noisier but those West Coast bad boys outviolenced our Sussex lads wings down. They literally dive-bomb your snack treats nearly taking your eye out; it was like being under siege in the Battle of Britain. One small boy was running after them on the beach waving his dirty grundies shouting "eat my pants! go on, eat my pants!" which was inventive...

Some Americans took over the beach near us and managed to quickly clear the area; they were about as welcome as an STD. They were drinking warm Fosters (a child's beer) had a radio playing cheesy music and they spread themselves over a large area to play a game of bat and ball. They marked out a court and loudly debated the rules and 'the zones'. I have never seen anyone take the fun out of a game so rapidly or at such volume. They were the only people on the beach engaging in competitive sporting activity and we left before they were Cornish pastied to death by the locals.

Typically, Tory man couldn't wait until I returned and got together with someone else - this was a bit of a shame as I would have liked the chance to have gotten to know him better then rejected him. I doubt it would've worked out as he had far more money than I do (I hate a huge imbalance, it makes you feel poor or indebted) lived outside of Brighton, was 11 years older than me... and he voted Conservative! He also would never have been allowed across the threshold of some of my friends homes which could've been inconvenient.

So my record of never getting past the 2nd date still stands - I wonder if I'm just unlikeable or unfanciable? Who can say; I read about (or know) some people who haven't had a boyfriend or sex for years and I can't imagine such a thing. I do sometimes think what I'm looking for is so rare that most people are lucky to ever find it. I have another 2 dates lined up for later this week though so no hanging around for me! One has to get ones money's worth I feel.

It was a great holiday and the weather was amazing, but it's also lovely to be back home as well. I picked up 2 new clients last week and another one today so I've got lots of work on. I also really miss Brighton when I go away - I actually think I love this town more than I've loved any man.

Cornwall and Conservatives

I've been struggling to find time to post this week as I've been busier than a one-armed bricklayer in Baghdad. I'm organising 2 London events before I spend 12 hours intimately getting to know National Express on Wednesday morning for my journey to Cornwall.

Also this week, I have landed 2 new clients, been working on my CV-writing website and have been on a date with a blond Tory. He messaged me some while ago and I briskly rebuffed his advances. I told him in no uncertain terms that he had some confidence coming onto a Guardian-reading dating site, that his opening "hello lovely lady" line was shockingly cheesy and that he was also outside the upper limits of my age spec (he's 49) I was pretty curt...

He asked what the chances were of me going for a coffee with him - I said a generous 3 out of 10 but that we should perhaps take our cue from Nick and Dave's coalition and take it from there. So, a few weeks after he contacted me I finally met him for a drink thinking that at least I could get a good argument out of it; but surprisingly we got on pretty well. (One of my friends is worried that I'll marry Tory boy; that he'll be my overlord and I'll be in serfdom toiling the fields in chains, but I have an unbeaten record of not getting beyond a second date so I think her fears are unfounded) I'll let you know how this unlikely scenario pans out.

Star Trek Girl is on the mend and is now in France recuperating from the hideous leg snappage incident before she goes back to Jordan. This means I can now resume my STG posts to her. The amazing woman has bought me a ticket to come and see her for my birthday in November so I'll be travelling beyond Europe for the first time! 

I am so incredibly fortunate to have such a generous friend - although it could be a reward for not tipping her out of her wheelchair... I must admit to missing her already.

I'm getting a bit more into The World Cup; I'm not watching any actual games obviously, because highlights mean I can keep my 90 minutes for something useful and still see if anything happened. The England team gave a dreadful performance from what I hear, but we've always been fooling ourselves that we have any good players. I know he's not English, but I've never forgiven Ronaldo for that wink although everyone else seems to have forgotten it - slimy, metrosexual, gaylord.

So that's about it really; I thought I should check in as I'm not too sure when I'll be able to write properly. I've still been reading your posts though... I always manage to find time for that.

Crocheting - Nicer Than Kids

Yup getting shit loads of crocheting done! I have also been to see 3 films - 4 Lions, Robin Hood and Sex and The City. One was brilliant, one was pretty good and the other was abysmal. I will be writing thorough reviews tomorrow for you all.

I've been perfecting a crochet cupcake frosting technique (I can't believe I just wrote that) as a very popular cupcake shop in town has said they'll sell my stuff so I want to make some to reflect their own cakes; plus I'm working on some squares to make a throw which may be for myself or given as a present - I'm not sure yet. Each square takes ages but I do them whilst watching TV in the evening. To be honest, I'm just effing love crocheting now!

The dating thing is going kind of ok; the charity fella is abroad until the middle of the week but I had a drink with someone else in the meantime. I figured that unless you've snogged someone then no commitment gesture has been made thus I am still very much single.

I met up with Paul on Friday and could tell he was disinterested before I'd even sat down; I wasn't fussed though as I'd already emailed him to say I wasn't sure if there was any point in us meeting as he is only 5'8" and has 2 kids. (Well, I mentioned the kid bit) what's the point in getting involved with someone who has kids when you've actively chosen not to have any and don't even really like them? None that's what. He'd said there was no harm in meeting though, so against my better judgement I'd agreed.

He had contacted me on the site although I had specified in the tick boxes both a height limit (5'9") and that he either had to not have any kids or have some that were not living with him. I didn't mind giving a bit of leeway on the height as, although I like to wear heels, nobody is perfect, but the kid thing is a big sticking point. Being someone's Mum is bad enough, being someone's stepmum is worse and being Dad's girlfriend makes you at the bottom of the pecking order entirely. This is not a life I have chosen for myself and thought I was being too generous with the kid criteria anyway.

And that is about as far as the dating thing is going really; the vegan and I never bothered to contact each other again despite having got on ok, but I could see issue with both him going to live in Mexico for a year from August and the fact he was a vegan. The best thing about it was that he never wanted a piece of my cake but I imagine it would be hard to live with someone who you couldn't eat with!

I will obviously keep you posted on how all that turns out.

Dating And Cupcake Armageddon

I've been on 3 dates since I last posted about the time-waster second-dater; I've been on 2 of those dates with one guy and then I went on the third one with someone else last night.

The first guy (Martin) is a vegan so he's a bit weedy; we get on very well but he's kind of a Brighton crusty sort and I think he may turn out to be a friend. Interestingly, one of my friends kind of knows him (I showed her the profiles) and she once met his ex-girlfriend and remembers her as being a vegan Nazi who was rude to another friend who dished up some food she wouldn't eat. I haven't mentioned this as I would hate to be judged by any of my ex-boyfriends! Also, he is about to spend a year in Mexico from August so not much point him being on a dating site really. Coincidentally he lives in the next street from me.

The guy last night (Neill) is actually the person that I previously mentioned as the potentially grinning retard. We stayed in touch and although he may be slightly autistic as he certainly has an interesting turn of phrase, it turn out he works for an International charity deciding where a 3 million pound aid budget is best spent, so clearly isn't retarded at all. 

He was a bit socially inept however, and I could tell he wasn't massively comfortable with the whole meeting strangers concept, but when I got him talking about his job (he was initially reluctant) I think I got to see the real him. He became much more animated where he was previously reserved, and wasn't so 'best behaviourally'. I basically think he's simply not good at small-talk, which is fine.

So I'm going to meet him again on Tuesday - I'm not sure about him yet, but I don't think you get to see peoples true personalities until you've met them a few times. He was OK looking but I was shocked to discover that he doesn't own a TV. I was also disappointed to see that not ONE of my 5 dates so far has worn trainers even though I specifically stated that I like trainer-wearers on my profile - I do like a nice pair of trainers.

I went to see the film Hot Tub Time Machine the other day as well, and ended up being stranded miles from home without any money or a coat and had to walk back in the dark and cold. I won't go into details now but lets just say it was a lesson learned in never again leaving the house without my purse.

Star Trek girl arrived in Brighton last night and will be here for 2 weeks resting up her snappity snap broken leg. I am really happy to see her and can hopefully spend loads of time with her during her stay; I'm going over in a bit as another friend with a kid is there now so I'm waiting until they've gone.

I guess that's about it for me - obviously you've seen my amazing craft progress and I intend to make a ninja and the grim reaper next. Star Trek Girl says she is worried that the cupcakes look too innocent so may be plotting to take over the World and destroy humanity; she thinks they're sinister and I may wake up to find them looming over me with a sharp object. They have no opposable thumbs or indeed arms, so I personally think this is unlikely.

Schoolgirl Error

I've just had the awful realisation that I might have blown my cover. Although I'm not generally known as a stupid person, I accidentally emailed the dating guy from the wrong email account and if he decides to Google the name he will immediately find this blog which then goes on to mention him and is clearly written by the person he just met. Bollocks. 

He was pretty intelligent as well so I think he might well at some point. I wasn't thinking and just emailed him from my personal account - my friends wouldn't bother to look the name up plus most of them don't know I write a blog anyway. 

It's not that I've written anything personal about him and I don't talk in detail about people I know anyway, but if you read back you can see I'm a ranty misanthrope with a puppy/kitten obsession which I was hoping to conceal until later! 

Well, I guess the best I can hope for is that he's not as clever as he looks and doesn't spend too much time on the internet. 

Fuuuuck! what. a. dunce.

Mixed Bag Bank Holiday

Well I had a very good Bank Holiday weekend; as you know, my oldest friend came down for the weekend and we went to The Brighton Pavilion, which disgracefully I'd never visited since I moved here 15 years ago! It was actually pretty good, although it would have been interesting to see more of it, such as where the staff hung out. It was laughingly evident that this building had first been designed by a 21 year old - it was somewhat extreme and he'd gone a bit mental with the gold dragon theme. 

The Dining room was incredible though and you could imagine what it must have been like by candlelight with the fires blazing. Apparently The Prince Regent would often call on you really late and even if you were halfway through your own dinner you had to go over to his. Pretty inconvenient, but then there were more than a few perks to being King - like fawning, mistresses and ham. We also had these large hand-held audio players that made you look like you were wandering around gormlessly with a TV remote stuck to the side of your head.

I also went on another date on Monday afternoon, which I think went pretty well. I have an awful feeling that I just rambled on incessantly (kinda like I do on here) but I think he failed to notice as we spent 7 hours together and have decided to meet up again this weekend. You never know with these things, but I liked him very much and he was both interesting and aesthetically pleasing! We had quite a bit in common and he was very good company. That's all you're getting on that one! He may turn out to be as mad as a badger but let's hope not.

On Friday, I'd gone out on a second date with Richard from last weekend, but although he was a really nice guy and we had a pleasant evening, I didn't feel any chemistry at all so have decided not to have any more dates with him. There's nothing wrong with him but if I'm honest, I couldn't imagine kissing him. Compatibility is important but if you're not sure you would ever like to snog their face off then there's just no future in it!

The thing that's started worrying me slightly about dating at the moment is that I can't spend much money. My business is still in its first year and I need to save to move out in the Summer; I'm trying not to spend much money anyway (shoes, dvd's and fabric are a big enough weakness as it is) but when you date someone, you naturally like to go out and do things. I guess people understand but the timing is a bit poor to tell you the truth. It's a bugger that being single is both more expensive yet cheaper at the same time!

I've been doing some more leafleting for the Lib Dems and have volunteered to help count the ballots on polling night; I also wrote an article for them on why I'm a first time Lib Dem voter but I'm not sure where and if they'll use it. It's the first time I've volunteered for anything political, although I did a lot of hunt-sabbing in my twenties. It's a pretty exciting election this time but if the Tories win I'll be gutted. It just doesn't bear thinking about actually...

Star Trek Girl has come back from Jordan having broken her leg in 2 places whilst stepping off a rock on Jordan's highest mountain (like you do) it sounded horrendous and the poor woman has been both in agony yet also off her face on the NHS's finest drugs which have only taken the edge off slightly. 

I've been Skyping her and sending her links to all sorts of crap in a rubbish attempt to cheer her up, but I need to go up to The Big Smoke soon if I can face it. (not a huge fan of London) I'll bring cake and shallow magazines to try and distract her from the agony.

So all in all a good weekend for me, but sadly not for my friend.

Something For The Weekend

Hello people! I thought I'd better get a blog post in before the weekend as I have a friend down tomorrow for the Bank Holiday so I'll be too busy eating cake in town after today.

All is well with me; I have a second date with Richard tonight and I'll let you know how I get on - my main concern though is Brighton on a Friday night! Friday and Saturday nights in most major UK towns are usually full of drunken wankers and I try to stay as far away as possible. Still, might be entertaining; last time I went to watch the monkeys, I saw a handcuffed topless man get thrown head first into a police van - it was most undignified... he'd lost his shoe.

I've just gotten back from doing some leafleting for the Lib Dems, and I have a lot more respect for postmen now; there are so many steps up to peoples houses that I'm shattered! I did see an interesting mat that said 'welcome in' which I though could give the wrong impression to burglars and be disastrous in a vampire-apocalypse situation. There was a lot of Green posters, but as long as people aren't voting Tory then that's something.

Interestingly, Brighton also has the highest number of Jedi Knights in the UK (2.6%) When the last census took place, it was said that if enough people stated their religion as Jedi, then it would officially become a recognised religion - The Brighton population took this very much to their optimistic little hearts bless 'em.

I think my main client is messing me around and might drop me shortly which is a bit of a worry, so I need to do some more marketing. It doesn't help that I've become somewhat unmotivated in the last week and, given the chance, would rather sit and crochet and make things all day. I love what I do but this working for a living business is most inconvenient sometimes!
To round off, if you've ever wondered why cycling shorts are always black then here's why (warning: do not click this link if you have a mouth full of coffee) I think Kerrie might like this one.

Internet Dating - Boring Already

Well the dating thing is becoming both interesting yet decidedly boring at the same time. I have now been on 3 dates and this is how they went:

Tuesday night (Steve) - We met, he was pretty sexy, we flirted a lot and got very drunk together. Whilst drunk he said I was 'fit and opinionated' which was actually intended as a compliment at the time. I suspect he is a common garden 'Brighton Serial Dater'.

Brighton is one of those places where you could just continually have very short-term relationships or 'scenes' with someone and never take it anywhere. Basically, if you're not sure if you have a boyfriend or are just 'seeing someone', then you don't and you are. I think he just likes meeting with people and flirting with them, whereas I'm just too old and tired of that shit now.

Interestingly, he said at one point "don't think about it; why are you still single?" and I replied that I'm not always tolerant to other peoples ways, I don't like compromising and I'm wary of someone else having a say in my happiness - so that was worth the price of the drinks alone!

Saturday afternoon (Richard) He was funny, he seemed genuine and he also liked Star Trek. Not sure if I could see myself with him, but would be happy to know him as he was interesting. He did prefer DS9 to Voyager though but this is always a matter of contention.

Saturday afternoon (Matt) because I'm a skilled multi-tasker and I want some time to myself this weekend, I scheduled 2 meetings in the same afternoon. Matt was very nice and we got on well - He also seemed very genuine and likeable. We met in the Pavilion Gardens and, after eavesdropping on some pensioners discussing the Lady Boys of Bangkok who are here for the festival (I've seen them; they're very good and not a bollock in sight) we went for a walk along the pier. Although he was very agreeable, there wasn't anything that made me want to spend more time with him though.

Others - I was emailing an architect but I think I caught him out when he mentioned a step-daughter; when I asked if this was the same daughter he'd previously mentioned, he never wrote back so I'm guessing he was just a lying twat. Plus he is only 5'7" and I like to wear heels - shallow yet true.

Another guy has also asked if I fancy a coffee - his message was very brief, his profile was fine, and his picture was OK - but after I replied, another picture became available and he wrote back with a longer message. I then became to suspect that he was a special needs person who had been hiding it well. The second picture looked like a grinning retard so I'm not going to be pursuing this one further.

I've signed up for 3 months so we'll see; however it's noon and I'm still lounging in bed eating some fizzy Haribo, and if I had a boyfriend I'd probably have to share them. I also suspect I'm happier than most people I know.

Fake Tans And Freaks

Coupla funny things for you:

When I was looking for online dating photos to accompany STG's post I stumbled across this fella. My friend and I have analysed the image in minute detail and we're still baffled by what THE FUCK is going on here:

Yellow stain on inside leg? Check.

Assorted weaponry neatly laid out? Check.

Single bed? Check.

Guitars? Check.

Tight black pants? Check.

Balding mullet? Check.

Gun pointed at crotch? Check.

It's hard to believe that this picture is even in existence...

Interestingly, when I went to my friends house she asked to look at the assorted 'fans' that I had, and when I showed her she knew one of them! Well she knew this persons ex-girlfriend. Apparently he is unemployed and has a single bed; on a date he asked to see the woman's bosom and when she refused, he complained to his ex - which is how my friend recognised him.

So, what is the protocol for this kind of thing? I'm not sure it's fair to explain that I now know him to be a pervy sex-pest and that I'd rather not talk to him any more; so I'm going to just ignore him I think. 

Also, I saw the profile of someone I network with - who I thought was gay but turns out isn't. So do I mention this when I next see him? I'm not going to unless he brings it up. I'm not embarrassed about being on the site but he might be. I bet you're all glad you're not me this week!

Actually I went on my first date last night and it went well. He was very snoggable but I suspect he's a bit of a 'Brighton-type' though, where he just likes meeting women and isn't particularly looking for a girlfriend. I'll keep you updated on my suspicions.

Another thing to (literally) brighten up your day is this sorry-looking lady; she knows she's done wrong and If you click here you can see the rest of the orange spectrum. I would advise that you go to the loo before you visit the site however, as you might actually wet yourself laughing. Enjoy.

STG Post - Acts of God, Lunatics, Churchill And Dating

Hello stranger; sorry it's been a while! Here is a quick round-up of Brighton and Urban Cynic news for you:

Today is the first Brighton Marathon; I haven't stepped foot out of the house yet, but I understand there are hundreds of lunatics running around the place disrupting the traffic. I'm going out for a coffee in a bit, but will be trying to avoid them rather than look at them. Eva says that according to the official booklet, they have a road sweeper bringing up the rear, and if you're too slow you get the chance to ride on it; if you refuse then you're disqualified. Bit harsh.

As you may have seen on the news; the UK is on day 4 of a no-fly situation due to the Icelandic volcano eruption. It's making the news every 10 minutes even though nothing has changed. I feel quite sorry for the people stranded abroad - it's an unusual situation and strange to see no planes overhead. The last time it erupted, it lasted for 2 years!

Coverage of our first televised political debate of the 3 main parties is also on the news a lot - mostly because Nick Clegg did so well and the others are now undertaking damage-limitation by trying to discredit him. Before he wasn't much of a threat but now he's 'as popular as Churchill' apparently.

I have also been collecting lots of nice fabric for my quilt as John Lewis and Cath Kidston do some free samples. Although most of her stuff is pretty hideous and looks like a child exploded in a florist, I'm going to use it sparingly in one of my quilts as people like that sorta thing. I've also been doing some crocheting and sewing like a proper woman and everything!

I've also joined a dating site on a whim - I was browsing out of interest then before you know it, I'd signed up for 3 months (like you do) well it's something to do, plus it's Summer so a good reason to get me out of the house! I've been in contact with some interesting people plus one guy who contacted me who was 58 - I pointed out that my Mum was 54 and I had specified 45 as an upper age limit. He was understanding.

So that's about it; I'm off into town now but will keep you updated on the dating thing (could make for some amusing posts) I hope all is well in Jordan and that you are having a great time with your house guests. Love ya girlie! x

PS - I wrote this before you emailed me to say you'd broken your leg in 2 places!