Trying new things

So this year has been somewhat uneventful and eventful at the same time. What does that mean? Well, since I moved to Texas I have made it a point to go on at least one vacation during the Spring or Summer. I love the beach so it is usually involves someplace with a beach. This year I couldn't do that since I set my sights on buying a house finally. So that meant do vacation, no money, no time.

I started my house hunt in March hoping to find something by the end of the school year. My thought was if I could get into something before the end of the school year, I might still have time to do a small vacation to the beach. That didn't work out. It took a lot longer to find a house than I thought it would. I had to change my search a few times to find the right place. My first pick was Coppell, TX which was just a couple of blocks from my apartment and the schools are very good. Nothing worked out. After bidding on 3 homes it was clear that the market there was too competitive.

I moved my search to Carrollton, TX, still very close but a much bigger city with varying school districts. Carrollton is spread out enough that you will either end up in Lewisville Independent School District, Dallas Independent School District or the Carrollton-Farmer's Branch Independent School District. I know it sounds really silly considering Carrollton has its own school district. These distinctions also meant the quality of homes was all over the board. But I found something I really liked and I was excited. I submitted an offer May 19th and was accepted. Then came the catch, he couldn't close until July 29th so there was a lot of back and forth negotiations to work out. We came to agreements and I actually ended getting a great deal on the house in the end. But it also meant that the entire summer was put on hold due to the house contract. No excess spending or the underwriters for the loan could reject it. So I was stuck.

I am now in the house with a broken foot. Stupid mishap while moving. I am trying to get the painting done with the help of some friends from work. It has been a slow process. I am also on the hunt for new furniture since I didn't have much at the apartment. So there goes the money!! LOL But I am happy and excited to buy things that I really like and reflect my taste.

August 11th two of my very good friends (you know who you are) talked me into creating a real match.com profile. To be silly I created what I thought was an absolutely hilarious profile in January but they were convinced that my pure smart ass attitude would not be very inviting. So one evening the girls gathered to critique it and rewrite it. It was quite funny. Now it is a longer story of who I am without my in your face this is who I am attitude! Next step, I had to actually join and pay for the service otherwise I couldn't read messages that people sent me. I waited a few weeks because it was a tough decision. I swore i would never do it. It was just too weird to me to put myself out there like that but I finally relented and went for it.

What a huge step for me. I am a pretty open person and tell most everyone how it is and exactly what I think. But that is in person which I am comfortable with doing. I don't fully embrace putting myself out there for viewing and scrutiny, it is not the most fun experience. The mixture of curiosity, anticipation and fear don't mix very well. It is very confusing and hard to reign in and stay under control.

So far I have emailed with 3 guys. One in California which only lasted a day. Then 2 more came along that were interesting and funny to banter with via email. I met the first one Tim right away. He was super nice and we had many similar interests and tons to talk about. I taught him to play darts which was a little slow. By the end I knew it was a not a striking connection. He politely emailed his conclusion and we agreed that we would be friends so we are still emailing. Mostly short notes here and there and sharing our love of the beach and dolphins.

Number 2 is a very straightforward and funny character as well. He was very eager to meet after some IM sessions but my schedule just wasn't meshing. Seems like I am in hot demand the last couple weeks and my weekends and some week nights are full! I am loving the activity. So after a couple discussions it became quite clear that I am socially inept at dating! Once I realized it, I had to evaluate the last time I dated unknown guys. The answer 1991! LOL Sure I have had boyfriends and even a husband since 1991 but I always seem to "date" guys that I am already friends with such as my ex husband or my most recent boyfriend who was my best friends brother. We knew each other since we were 13. This is obviously a pattern I have been in since I was very young. My first real boyfriend that I had all my FIRSTS with was a different best friends brother and that started in the 6th grade! Bascially, I don't know how to meet guys and date without having formed a friendship. What does that mean, it explains why I date so many people through friends and work, I don't know any other way. But I am learning.

I am corresponding with number 2 and we have set up another time to get together. What does this mean? It means Sharon is learning to date. To meet people she doesn't know through friends or work. Forging a new way of thinking and hopefully learning to accept requests for dates and feeling comfortable putting myself out there and feeling a little vulnerable. Time will tell!