Sunday, 28 February 2021

Thinking Of Getting Back On Dating Apps, Don't Bother



Hi friends, it's been a long while between posts. I've really missed writing but inspiration has been severely lacking the past couple of years. Time has been consumed with work and not much of anything else to "spark joy" so to speak. I was hoping to revive the blog last year whilst exploring my new home of Edinburgh, but COVID put a swift end to those plans. I had visions of becoming one of those travel blogging wankers and making you all jealous of my fabulous new life but jokes on me!

2021, despite it not being what I planned, is a year of new possibilities, goals and the year I thought of dipping the toe back into the dating pool.  With COVID vaccines on the horizon it seems more of a possibility, plus it's comforting if they turn out to be a weirdo because you can use the safe distance of 1.5m recommendation. It's now two months in and I've downloaded Tinder, Hinge and Bumble. I say downloaded, but what I mean is downloaded, discounted most options, deleted them all, been bored and re-downloaded them. I have completed the cycle about four times now.  Each time being more disappointing that the previous. I've discounted most of Toowoomba, Brisbane and don't even get me started on the Gold Coast. I've felt judged by Tinder, it actually lowered my age group and widened my search area because of the amount of options I discounted. I'm not picky, I just want normal, interesting, attractive (I am far from the Mona Lisa but we know what we are attracted to physically so lets not act like it's not important) and someone who likes to do the same stuff in their spare time. I don't think I'm asking for too much?

I'm going to sound really old here, but I miss the days when leaving the house was the only way you would meet someone of the opposite sex, and you actually had to speak to them, like in person (remember that?).  You'd go out for a drink with your mates, your phone stayed out of your hands, and people actually took notice of those around them. You'd be at the bar, strike up a conversation, and do that thing that we used to do - talk. There was banter, humour, and connection (or no connection). In my opinion we have done ourselves an injustice with the creation of dating apps. You literally don't have to put in any effort anymore. You can craft whoever you want to be whilst not having to put pants on, nothing good can come of that.  You can even be super lazy and not write a bio, just put up six selfies (shirtless ones if you're most guys) and wait.  Based on what I have seen of the majority of men's profiles, it actually terrifies me to think what some women must have on theirs.  

I am generalising a lot here, I know, not all have been bad. A couple have been quite good - good enough to swipe right. Witty bio's, similar interests, physically attractive but no swipe back so I see no point in continuing the disappointment. This futile exercise has reinforced what I've always thought, that my significant other is not living in this country, or possibly married to someone else at the moment. Basically I'm at the point where if anyone has an interesting lamppost that's free one night for dinner and a wine give it my number. I can't bear to look at another shirtless selfie, a man holding either a caught fish or a pig that's had its throat cut. If you have forgotten some of my previous Tinder experiences, read through the last couple of posts - the material is good, especially the farmer dude, who is still on Tinder by the way. I want to get to know someone organically to find out if we have the same interests and values. I want coffee dates, dinner dates or just home time cooking a meal together in sweat pants (glamorous I am not). I want companionable silence over brunch so I can read a book. I want to travel with someone, experience different cultures and see all the things. I want ambition, passion and I want to argue with them when they don't hang up their bath towel.  I'm a romantic but I am also a realist. I am optimistic he exists, but the one thing I know for sure is I don't think he is on an app. I'm done for good with online dating attempts. Finito. Arriverderci. Ciao.

Stay tuned, I'll let you know how the date with the lamppost goes.  Hope he doesn't stand me up (pun intended).

Ciao ciao,
Ange x

Saturday, 29 June 2019

Date Night with Bae!

It's Saturday night, the night for romance. The scene is set by An Elegant Affair playlist on Spotify amplifying sounds of sweet nothings, a bottle of the finest $8.99 Italian Merlot has been opened and the perfume of dinner cooking in the oven fills my apartment. The silhouette of something tall, dark and handsome appears in the mirror. I'm wearing black lace, dressed up for a change. It's Saturday night, the night for romance....

Ok, I have a confession.  The tall, dark and handsome silhouette is the bottle of wine.  I call it Lover, same same, right?  And the black lace is my nightie but the lace now has large holes in because I've worn it to death plus I've blow dried my hair, that's dressed up compared to usual.  To all you lovebirds, old and new, this is the reality of yet another Saturday night with yours truly!

However, all jokes aside for the first time in a really long time I'm ok with it.  I am not ashamed to admit that I have spent many a Saturday night feeling sorry for myself for not letting loose on the town, after all every coupled up person you run into when single tells you 'you have to put yourself out there, you're not going to meet anyone whilst sitting on your couch'.  Well I beg to differ, I meet plenty of Dominos and UberEATS drivers and they seem lovely.  Besides, how loose can you really get though when you have a 10pm work curfew? If Cinderella is G rated then I'm A rated, at least she had until midnight to get her freak on!

Instead of hitting the town I've had a bloody ripper of a night in.  I cooked a banger of a dinner (when the other half eventually makes an appearance he'll be well fed that's for sure), I've enjoyed a cheeky beverage (had to stop at one because it gave me a headache, these are the facts of life after 30, one can't indulge too much due to adverse affects on ones body) and I've been surfing the net for travel inspo for me and my besties BIG WOG ADVENTURE in 2.5 months and for other travel related options next year.

I have done all my washing, made banana bread, shaved my legs (ooo la la, I'm going to enjoy sleeping with myself tonight!) and tidied my apartment.  Ladies and gentlemen, this is what turns me on at 35, no wonder the men are lining up outside my door hey!

What's next? I hear you ask fervently. Thank you for asking, I appreciate your interest. Well I've exhausted all social media scanning for one night so no point wearing out the right thumb further, I may take in a movie from the comfort of my two seater couch. There's room for one more, but alas Sam Mac is busy preparing his speech for his Gold Logie win tomorrow night so I guess I'll be going it alone.  I'd even let him pick the movie because I'm nice like that.

So kids, enjoy your Saturday night what ever you may be up to and don't feel sorry for me, I'm completely happy with my own company I'm a hoot to be around, didn't you know? 

Saturday, 27 April 2019

Arrivederci Swipe Apps!

Guys and girls, it's been bloody forever since my last date, hence the no posting. I have had no inspiration (more like ammunition) to write about. If I had been in AA so much time has passed that I would have gone through the 12 steps and received my 1 year pin for it being 12 months since my last drink.  Dating is much like AA, you want a stiff drink to get through it, your palms are sweaty, you have to reveal information about yourself you would rather keep buried and you enter it prepared for the judgement that will ensue.  From that description you have gathered by now I'm well over the 'putting myself out there' and have been a recluse for the past 12 months. I actually have no idea what AA is like and apologise if I have offended anyone - it's the only analogy I could come up with. If you have your pin, I commend you for being brave. 

Anyway, I'm done with it all.  I have been around the board (missed the $200 by the way) and am now in jail. I'm not leaving my apartment.  It's a futile experience and it requires putting on pants. I've deleted Tinder (again), Bumble (again), Plenty of Fish (again) and E-Harmony (again). The admin required is alone a valid excuse to delete all exposure to the swipe culture which we are now relying on to make deep shallow connections with the opposite sex.  I am now holding out high hopes that my other half will be my UberEATS or Domino's driver, at least I know they have a car and a job.

I have become disillusioned by the whole process.  No meaningful connection can be made via these channels. They are based on initial attraction only and I too am guilty of that judgement.  Then why not throw in the diplomatic nightmare of when an acquaintance or friend pops up in your feed - what do you do?  Swipe right for a pity 'like' or actually swipe left because you have no attraction to them? I swipe left because I have a death wish, then I wait for the inevitable message that follows 'why are you on Tinder' because now they know you have seen them too and they didn't get the 'It's a Match' notification but they'll try their luck anyway because hey you're single and they're single so let's all just settle.  Wow did you pick up on the drawn out breath that took to get out? Can you actually hear the gasping for air?

I have had a couple of friends ask me when my next post would be and I am so very chuffed you enjoy reading my blog, so I apologise for not having the fortitude to go on another date where the same questions are asked.  I promise I am not closing off all hope, just the internet dating and app related ones.  I am holding out for a meeting that offers actual potential, a man who piques my interest - it'll be great blog material I promise!  I've met about five potential husbands through work but I'd get fired for going out for a drink with any of them and I like my job.  For now I will admire from afar and make up images of our wedding in my head (completely normal...).  One is back this week so bring on Wednesday and hello Mr Tall Dark And Handsome Cattle Man aka Husband Number 2!


Thursday, 16 August 2018

I think I know who my future husband is....

It's time I was honest and acknowledge something, or someone, I've been lusting over.  I'm hesitant to declare this for fear of judgement and backlash on my taste in men. He's semi well known, he's seen every weekday morning by most of Australia. It's not Karl Stefanovic so take that breath you've been holding in - I detest that man.

Back to it people - stay with me here.  Who is this man who has captured my heart I hear you ask eagerly.  Let me tell you a bit about him. He is funny, talented, unafraid of making a goose of himself in public.  He's dashing in an old fashioned way, self-depricating (but not self-loathing), well travelled, sociable, does his bit (and shows his bits - hint hint) for worthy causes.  He owns a cat - I read that as too lazy to walk a dog (I hear ya buddy!) and also a gentle natured soul who is content with his own company because we all know cats are aloof and have a couldn't give two effs personality. Just look at a cat next time, they have the best resting bitch face you've ever seen.

He is handsome (well I think so), the right age older than me (yes I have Googled him to  try and figure this out - I am not a stalker in real life, just on the internet) and did I mention has a great sense of humour.  Basically he's my perfect match in many ways, yes I can make these grand statements without ever having a conversation with him.  I am that confident we are well matched.

The big reveal...sit back from the edge of your seats people....drum roll please......it's Sam Mac from Sunrise. I know I know, I hear what you're saying but how can you not adore him!  Yes there is a problem, he lives in Sydney, he has no idea who I am and the deep seeded affection I hold for him from 7am - 9am Monday to Friday, and if he did he'd probably have me reported to the Police and slap me with an AVO.  FYI I'm not violent - just committed to the cause...seriously, not violent at all.  Unless you count my whit, that  can cut you deep like a knife to the jugular....yep not violent, I've just been watching too many true crime shows lately.  Honestly, trust me *eek eek that's the knife stabby stabby sound like Fatal Attractionesque*. You guys know me, I talk big but I'm tame - I hold doors open for Grannies and shit.

So what should I do?  I've made comments via Instagram on things he's posted - he's written back - I take this as a sign he loves me too.  People meet via social media these days so there is hope there.  Maybe this is how I'll meet my guy, also handy since I don't like to leave my apartment. There are no negatives here, only positives.  He's single, I'm single. He's funny, I like to think I'm funny.  He'd be about 36ish I think, I'm 34 - practically the perfect age gap.  He's of Irish decent, I'm of Italian - they both start with I. He works in TV, I love watching TV.  He has Instagram, I have Instagram.  Do you see how similar we are! It's mind blowing huh?

Sam Mac, I think we should meet.  You'll never read this, and if you do you'll see how right this is, also understand this post is completely in jest, but regardless, call me.




Monday, 28 May 2018

Where did you come from where did you go, where did you come from Cotton Eye Joe aka Bachelor No. 7

Cotton Eye Joe, or more accurately Cotton Eye Rob. Farmer Rob, Robert, The Dude from Laidley, Mr Lettuce, Bachelor Number 7...whatever you want to call him, I have discovered I am not country compatible. Farmer Wants A Wife has a lot of explaining to do. I blame them for selling the dream of a nice, wholesome country lad being the ideal partner. I blame them for broadcasting the lie that city meets country can work. Well let me tell you, they don't. Full stop. Exclamation mark. Sorry to kill your buzz ladies. I hold no remorse towards the producers of said show but you need to know that when the two worlds collide it's not in a hot passionate way. We are not compatible. It's best you know this now so you don't fall into the trap of also believing it could work.

After the disappointment dating in Brisbane brought, because after 6 dates I can now call myself a connoisseur of the dating world and can base the total dating talent of Brisbane on the sample I met. Well that's how the law of averages works doesn't it? I slept through most of high school math class and wow that was a bit of a detour there, sorry back to the  story. Needless to say I held little hope for the foray back into Toowoomba's single men. However, one night I was bored (and to be honest passing time on the loo, don't go ewww and start judging because I know you do it too, some of you weirdos even take phone calls on the crapper and that is a genuine reason to let the ewwwws flow - you're gross FYI) so I started my Tinder account back up. Swiping left left left x 50 more (and if you remember left is the fugly/weirdo/probably still breastfed side) Rob came up. He looked normal, he didn't have a bio which should be sign number one that he didn't have any interests however after 50 lefts the standards drop significantly.  

He had a kind face and honest eyes, he looked cuddly and pretty tame.  And from what we all know from my previous posts, I have excellent skills in judging people *cough lie*. It was clear he was from the land as his one and only profile picture was him in a tractor - one picture, Jesus Ange you know that one picture is a bad sign have you learnt nothing?!

Chit chat was back and forth for about a week before we caught up for a drink to see if we got along in person. He'd started with the 'hello beautiful' shit that I hate. Dude you haven't seen me in person yet, it's not cute or attractive to come out with the compliments that soon, it's creepy. He was happy to come up to the 'big smoke' because let's face it there aren't many options in Laidley, however because I felt bad for him to drive up to me I suggested what I though was half way the Plainlands Hotel. Probably should have consulted a map before the suggestion as it was much closer for him to go there than I. 

Before I set off to meet Farmer Rob he asked me to send a picture so he knew who he was meeting - must have had his eyes closed when swiping, or he was hoping for a nudie pick because that's the calibre of men out there these days. I declined to fulfil his request and said he had one already, I also told him to bring a bunch of carrots so I'd recognise him - I don't think he appreciated my suggestion. I thought it was hilarious.

We both arrived at the same time, he got out of his ute and I expected to see a big burly guy...he was not. He was slightly shorter than me. It was yet another confirmation that pictures, or more like picture, are deceiving. Funny how you can form an image on height from a picture, it makes sense now why so many men have their height on the profiles, it must be a common question.  Anyway, we had a beer and a chat and whilst conversation was easy we really didn't have a lot in common. He didn't enjoy experiencing new foods, didn't own a tv (mic drop I know - who doesn't have a tv!!! ludicrous) and not a fan of leaving the farm. Three of my most favourite things to do is eat, binge watch tv and explore new places...mainly with the intention of eating all the food.

We talked about our families and covered off on our occupations and that was really all that we had to talk about. After our interests didn't align there wasn't a whole lot left to keep the conversation going for much longer so I made an excuse to have to head home. He walked me to my car and we hugged goodbye but he hung around awkwardly for what I anticipated was an after beer smooch. It was well awkward because firstly dear men read the situation and the body language before it becomes awkward. If there was no flirting, or closeness and the girl is standing more than a metre away from you at the time of goodbye it's not going to happen. Don't force it because you want a bit of lip action. He went in for the pash, I offered a sympathy closed lip peck. Akward AF.

I drove the 45 minutes home (why the eff did I suggest that pub) and Farmer Rob had messaged to see if I got home safely and if I wanted to see him again. Thanks for the check up Rob and cutting straight to the point there champ. Because I'm not very good at saying no I agreed to one more date just incase I missed something the first time - he wasn't an axe murderer after all. We scheduled dinner later in the week - he'd come up the hill this time, thank god.

Que Friday evening, 7pm, dinner. We went to the pub next door to my home, given the outing to a venue better than the first one, to be honest I expected a little effort other than dirty old farm jeans, faded polo and sweat stained cap. I sound like a bitch with that but am wrong? A date implies effort, at least ditch the cap and wear a collared shirt. I even washed my hair mate, come on. Anyway, we ordered and I paid for both of us, which for me I insist on if my lack of attraction is confirmed then I don't feel bad for not seeing him again - fucked up I know.

We chatted whilst we waited for dinner and conversation always went back to his work, either his crop growing or the weather and how that affects his crop. I guess the lack of common interests was even more evident right about now, well I thought so anyway. Anyway the night came to an end and he walked me back to mine, pretty much invited himself in and then tried to get it on again. Me declining his advances apparently makes me weird (his words) - go figure - dude I've just met you, we have zero in common apart from the fact we both breathe the same air and you expect my pants come flying off?? 

To shut this down really quickly I explained I had stomach pains from eating garlic bread - gluten intolerance - so he'd leave. IBS I figured would be a real mood killer and send the lad back down the hill. It worked. No message when he got home so the next morning I sent a polite lovely meeting you text but I feel we don't have a lot in common and wished him all the best in his search for a lady. No acknowledgment of received text but I thought I'd been an adult about it all, somewhat anyway.

So that's me done with the country thing. I love the music, don't so much care for the clothes to be honest, and I'm not really keen on farm life so Farmer Wants A Wife has come to its season close. Final episode done and dusted, the Farmer is still single and the city slicking Lass is also. Onwards and upwards. Hello to the old delete account section of Tinder. Sayonara Tinder, it's been fun (not), I'll miss you (not), see you in the future (not).  Maybe next time I should try and meet someone the old fashioned way aka getting drunk at a pub, it used to have a better strike rate and many of my friends have met their husbands that way!


Friday, 13 April 2018

Catch up time! Bachelor No.6 Deano

Hello friends, sorry it's been a while between drinks. I've been busy, sorry I lie, I've been a bit lacklustre of late and the writing mood has not struck me to be honest.  However, onwards and upwards!  I have a little bit to fill you in on and as we are such old friends it won't feel awkward catching up, it'll be as if no time has passed at all.

Before we start, coffee or wine? What's your poison? I'm going to pour a red, go on, have one too and we can begin.  Where to start? I suppose the obvious topic would be Pug Boy.   Well, what a drain that was in the end!  All was going quite well for a couple of weeks as we discovered how much we had in common and kept UberEATS in business all over Brisbane.  However there was one topic which we could not agree on and frustration on my part grew on how one side and short sighted he could be. His stubborn almost chauvinistic attitude was aggravating me more and more.  I like a confident man but when confidence becomes arrogance I am hugely turned off.  It became evident that he preferred a woman that didn't have an opinion and wouldn't challenge him on anything, and that is not me anymore.   

After things fizzled out with Pug Boy I resigned myself to the fact I am a terrible judge of character - when it comes to men anyway, and that actively searching for a partner was not getting me anywhere positive so I deleted all the dating apps.  Well almost....I did catch up with one more man before kissing Brisbane goodbye.  

His name was Dean, 38 (bit older thought he'd be wiser - I forever live in hope), cute profile pics and he had a funny bio to match.  We settled on a Saturday afternoon beverage at my local fave, The Defiant Duck. First impression - he didn't look much like his profile pics at all - superficial I know but online dating is, let's face it the first attraction is appearance.  If someone has a face like a foot combined with a dropped apple pie you wouldn't want to be seen in public with them so what's the point.  He 100% nailed the angles he took his pictures with as in the photo he looked like the Hulk, in reality more like the Hobbit - insert sad face.  Because I'm a nice person (although from the previous comment it appears I need to work more on that), I persisted with the date.  With the assistance of jugs of sangria and good tv viewing in the pub five hours later we said good night.  Bless the guy, despite the fickle conversation and the heavy reliance on alcohol the guy still tried to get one away but I was as closed to the advances as a pub on Good Friday.  

Some reflection Sunday morning when I surprisingly woke up hangover free, I decided to give up this online dating thing.  It was way too difficult and I didn't have the budget to keep myself in sangria if I had to go on another bad date.  I lied to myself saying what everyone else in a loved up relationship has said to me since I was in my late 20's - "it'll happen when it happens Ange and when you least expect it" *cough bullshit*.

My last few weeks in Brisbane were spent dateless but they were fantastic.  I had quickly succumbed to riverside life - it agreed with me in more ways than one.  I had found contentment that I had not found before.  I realised for the first time that there is more to life than working, I had found that illusive work/life balance I'd read articles about. I discovered I am truly at my most happiest beside water and it reinforced yet again I have an obsession with all things food.  

With the move back to Toowoomba to recommence my previous role, my next challenge is to find a way to integrate these realisations back into my life when normality and old routines become the centre of life again.  A huge challenge which I'm not sure I will succeed at.  I have a tendency to become reclusive when I am in my comfortable environment, but I have written goals for this year and fingers crossed I have the balls to get comfortable with the uncomfortable, whether that be new experiences or checking out what's changed in the local Toowoomba male talent (I suspect not much!).  Sorry if this post isn't filled with such hilarity as previous ones but I'm a big believer in honesty, not every day is sunshine and rainbows as some blogs or Instagram posts make out.  My blog will show all aspects of my life - most of the time it's upbeat and quirky like my sense of humour but sometimes it's also going to be a little low key. I wouldn't want to lie to you, it wouldn't be fair.  Until next time my friends, ciao!


Friday, 5 January 2018

Is It A Bird, Is It A Plane? No, It's Pug Boy! (aka Bachelor Number 5)

Let me preface this by stating that Pug Boy and I are still talking, so whilst I will let you all be privy to information on what happened with Bachelor Number 5, I can't be too harsh on the kid for fear he may read this at some stage and then we would not be talking. Should that happen, I can tell you a lot more and it would make for fantastic reading.  For now, I still like this guy so you only get the basics, sorry kids!

It is very rare that I meet a man with whom I actually have a connection with.  My job has trained me to be able to hold a conversation with a fence post if required, therefore finding out I have genuine interests in common is not a regular occurence - well unless it's about food, that happens on a daily basis and with complete strangers, usually in supermarkets, cafes, at the Post Office, you get the picture.

I mentioned in my previous post that I begrudgingly went on a date with Pug Boy.  I had earlier in the week met Brad for a drink and in an effort to try and not keep all my eggs in the one basket, when Pug Boy asked me out for a drink I said yes. Well actually I bailed on the first date due to "work"  (I told a white lie, I just couldn't be arsed putting pants on that evening after a long day, as you can tell I have become quite lazy in my old age), anyway I got sidetracked for a minute there sorry, so we rescheduled for the end of the week.

After a few cheeky texts during the week, mostly about if I was sitting on my couch in my underwear watching Netflix, I was a little more keen to meet this funny chap. Before you go thinking that's a bit forward to be asking about my underwear considering we hadn't met yet, it was entirely my fault.  I made the fatal error of giving an honest answer to what I was doing one night - I should have anticipated the conversation would not shift much passed my underwear after that. Rookie error number 5002, well done Ange!  From first impressions I did like his sense of humour, it was on par with my own so I knew the banter in person would be there.

His suggestion for a sneaky Friday evening beverage was Byblos at Portside Wharf - classy, great choice Pug Boy, I approve, this is right up my alley.  His reasoning for the location choice was because it was closer to my side of town and therefore easier for me - this shows thoughtfulness and consideration, a rarity for me compared to the selfish wankers I've dated before (are you sensing a common trait of my past boyfriends?).

By the time Friday rolled around I'd had a hectic day at the office, was running late due to staying over my shift end time and only left myself enough time for a quick shower, trowel on more make up over the top of the work make up, spray dry shampoo in the old mop of a hair do and catch an UBER to the bar. I made it with only being a couple of minutes late. 

I sent him a text to let him know that I didn't have my glasses on so the likelihood of me recognising him, even if squinting, was slim to none. Therefore, should he see a blonde girl in a green dress looking lost and with the chance she may have special needs from the squinting it's probably me and to come help a sister out. He replied that he'd just arrived  also and was waiting for a waitress to seat him because he reserved a table inside as it looked like it was going to rain and he didn't want me to get wet if they were full and we had to brave outside *sigh* bless you Pug Boy, now I'm well impressed! I approached the entrance to the bar and there was a pretty fit looking guy with his back to me talking to a staff member, then he turned around.  

I shit you not (sorry about the swear word but it has stronger dramatic effect than substituting it for kid), in my head it was like a scene from a movie when the picture goes all slow motion and mood setting music starts playing. I could feel the look of pure terror and nerves bordering on a potential small vomit disappear from my face.  A smile crossed over his, I hoped he thought "thank eff she doesn't look too much different to her profile pictures", it was either that or he'd let out a small satisfying fart. The little devil on the left side of my brain said "damn this guy is fiiiinnnnnnnneeeeee and way out of your league sweetheart, turn around and go home".  He had a very well ironed crisp white shirt on (my Mum would be extremely impressed by his use of Napisan and skills with an iron), nice blue dress pants and brown shoes.  Polite cheek kiss/hug for a hello and his cologne made me want to lick his face - bit forward for a first date so I restrained myself, I'm not a weirdo after all.

Seats were taken and drinks ordered. I was contemplating how to sit comfortably in a squishy lounge with a stupid dress on which prevents you from crossing your legs at the knee because it makes your slightly voluptuous thighs look like sausages bursting out of their casing. It's freaking impossible to sit comfortably and give the impression of being nonchalant and well kept, a task which is impossible for me at the best of times. 

For the next two and a bit hours, whilst more wine was consumed on my part, the conversation between us was very easy and not at all forced.  I was very surprised we had so much in common. Whist this guy was very city looking, well spoken, and smelt like the cologne counter at Myer, I was convinced I was punching above my weight and this honest country girl wouldn't make it in the big smoke with guys like this.

What followed were random conversational topics and some people watching combined with making up our own version of what was happening with groups and other couples - first date, second date, married and obviously haven't spoken to each other for years and the like - both our stomachs required food. With a shared love of UberEats, Netflix and not leaving the couch, he paid for drinks and we went back to mine to do exactly that.  And get your minds out of the gutter, there was no chill in that "Netflix and Chill" - I am a lady. There wasn't much Netflix either, between talking and stuffing our face on the pizza and chips the movie was just background noise.

1am came around and Pug Boy went back into the world and home to his beloved Pug.  After a long day, superb evening and wayyyyyy to much Pinot Gris, I was happy and hopeful for the first time in years. Finally I'd met someone with common interests who appeared to not be a freak. I looked forward to a potential date number two with this lad, my fingers and toes were crossed. Cue drooling into my pillow and much needed z's.  Until next time Pug Boy, it had been surreal and nice.