Good people come to those who suffer through the idiots

Met a great guy last night, let's call him Deep (the best way I can think to describe him). 

We'd been conversing online for a while and when he suggested a meet, I was apprehensive. With the messages between us and getting to know about each other going really well, I didn't want meeting in person to feel strained. But I agreed and choose Barkly's Hotel in Heidelberg as it's in the middle of where we both are, it had a great little area at the front, perfect for people watching (although it was 8:30pm then, not many people walking by). I really shouldn't have been concerned though, I'm pleased to say that I have no regrets. Deep is a great guy, very much a deep thinker which I like and an interesting view on things, I can see some good chats happening even if we disagree. He was also the one that told me about MeetUp. Our conversations flowed well and no awkward moments except for when Deep called our meet a 'date', awkward on my part as I didn't see it as a date. I certainly wasn't prepared or dressed for a date anyway.
With the staff at Barkly's beginning to pack for the night, it was time to say goodnight after talking for 2 hours. Slight distraction, one staff member was letting down a shade umbrella outside as we left the venue and I was sure it was going to hit him in the head, he looked so awkward. Back to Deep, after walking me to my car, he asked for a cuddle and I was happy to oblige. I didn't realise how tall he was until he hugged me but it felt good, he's a great hugger, nice and firm, and he smelt really nice too.
About an hour later, I texted Deep to thank him for meeting me and the cuddle, he replied back really positively. So I will see him again, he recommended a movie to me, would be a good second meet/date but will play it by ear.


What I've learnt... Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.

It ain't easy being Green, not this day anyway.

Went on another meet today! Let's call this guy Green. He was working at a location nearby, so we organised to grab a coffee and a bite to eat, at a cafe near Blackburn Station I'd been to before (yes I don't drink coffee, but it's not about the coffee!). Simple introductions and it was obvious 'Green' was shy and uneasy and not that I mind that, believe it or not I'm shy, difference is I see shyness is a self imposed barrier we can all break through. As usual (only because silence is a meet-killer) I take the lead and start asking questions, usually about what they did last weekend and a bit about work, general stuff to get to know them a bit. 'Green' was very forthcoming with his answers and soon appeared to relax and settle, it doesn't take long. So I get around to asking about if he's met others from the site and how they've resulted, 'Green' says he's met a few and it's going well, he's not found the right woman yet but has made some female friends along the way. Great, good for him! Some more talking and I'm thinking this is the sort of guy I want to be socialising with. All of a sudden with a mouthful of food he gets this odd look on his face, I instantly think he's going to start choking. 'Green, how ya doing' gets said from somewhere and there's suddenly this man standing next to me, 'Green' starts coughing and this new guy introduces himself, and asks if I'm Green's new assistant. Of course as I don't know what this new guy knows about the 'Greens' online stuff so I casually say no, just a friend. So this new guy starts talking about how the kids went during the birthday on the weekend. I sit there thinking, maybe he has a kid or it's a Nephew, whatever... I don't mind. More talking, this new guy would talk the ears off a wooden buddha, he gets up casually states to 'Green' he should bring his Wife and kids over for a BBQ before the rain sets in for the year. Looking at me the new guy says "Greens' Wife makes the best meatballs'. Now you might be thinking OMG! What did she do! Did she turn him into meatballs!?!

Well... I waited until his friend grabbed his coffee and left. 'Green' started to say 'Sorry, I' and I cut him off. Now I'm not a prude and not judgemental, I'm not against what he wants, just the way he's going about it. I could have been a real Bitch to this guy but really, what would that have achieved? So I told him that I didn't care of his reasons for being on the site, the issue was he lied about it on the site, to me in messages and to my face. I swear, everyone would have a better chance at finding what they wanted if they were just honest to themselves and others from the start. 

What I've learnt... Even the best liars get caught in the end, as you cannot control the unexpected.

The only way is up..... right?

Ok, I think I've gotten my head around the weekend so here goes.

Wrong number guy
So this guy called me and he's dialled the wrong number but a quick chat and we decided to meet for breakfast. It may sound like a strange way to meet people but imagine the romance of the story if someone asks how we met?
So sitting at the Cafe and this guy approaches, (we organised to spot each other by wearing green tops) and I'm surprised how attractive he is, he really pulls off the green. After simple introductions, we order breakfast as I'm starving, scrambled eggs and bacon on toast, YUM! He seems quite shy at first not giving any eye contact and it's kinda cute. I start asking him about what he likes to do for fun and if he's travelled, 'the usuals' and I keep getting one word answers. Running... weights... Bali... Brothers... I don't believe I've ever had a more boring, one-sided conversation. So I pay for what I've ordered and thank him for meeting me and get up to leave, he states and I quote 'your nice, wanna breakfast next week?' So I was short, sweet and to the point... 'No!'

What I've learnt... Pretty, shiny boxes can still just be cardboard.

W/J
So I POF message this younger guy W that I've had a short back and forth convo with and I'm surprised to see he's at my local venue (he lives close to city). So I organise to meet him after the original meet. After waiting 15 mins and not seeing him, my phone battery dying, I decided to leave. Heading out of the venue, I stop myself and pull up at the exit. He comes over shortly after.
So I start chatting and then he says that his mate set this all up. I ask him name and he says J. Apparently, his mate W set up the profile with J's permission and gets in contact with people, gives them J's number and then texts back and forth. I'm the first person  J has met from online as I'm local (J is from Doncaster, W is the distant one).
I ask questions to try and get him talking but it's just not working, 20/30mins later we say goodbye and leave.
Heading off, I decided to head to Kmart to buy a car charger and when I plug my phone in, he's texted saying he's read the online messages between W and I, haha.
I don't want to say he's boring, as I don't know if he is, he didn't ask questions about me or open up much at all. I'd have to see this guy again and see, but mates possibly.

What I've learnt... You can led a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.

Bring on the next ones.

The only place to start is at the beginning

Wanting to completely separated myself from my old life, I gave up just about everything. Work, home, friends, social life, my much loved blog. I moved with the possessions I could fit in my car, although it's only a hatchback Corolla, I got most of my good stuff. The reason I did this is quite personal and will maybe delve into it a little here another time, but respect my wish not too right now.
It's been a huge action I've taken, life changing, and I'm only just starting to deal with it's consequences.

Good consequences I should say.
Firstly the blog, I missed chatting about stuff and a new one should be very empowering, especially since I'll be going through a life overhaul.
Work will end soon and I've decided not to get another job for a while, it's time for me.
And my great little place in St Kilda, I turned it into my home but I have more space in my new house now. I'm back in the area I grew up in and it's so long since I was here, it's all changed.
Unsettled about leaving my friends, although it would be great to stay in contact with some, I don't see it as a positive option. I'm looking forward to meeting new people and forming friendships, with people I have a genuine interest in spending time with.
I've wiped my debts, cancelled all my local area memberships, soon to be quitting smoking, looking at personal trainers and exercise groups, I've cut my hair short and a new phone number is in progress.
I'm also going to start dating again, ergo the name of the blog. Online dating seems to be the way these days, so the profile is up in a few places and we'll see what happens.

So that's it, a couple of pieces into the jigsaw of reasons why this blog is now here. Cheers!