Forgive, dear readers, forgive. Sometimes I feel as though there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to put a dent in the list of things I need to accomplish. But I’ve learned not to be so hard on myself. It does, however, mean that sometimes my blog falls by the wayside. But enough about that. I had a date last week and I want to discuss!
If you’ve been following my blog, you’ll remember the 26-year-old I met while dancing on the lawn in Hartford at a Phish concert. We’ve had a text relationship for the past few months and we’ve really only spoken on the phone about two times since we met that cool evening in June. I’m not sure if this is the norm, as I clearly have no idea how to get my swerve on in the 21st century, but I kind of hate it. Why can’t guys pick up the damn phone to call anymore? I realize that texting is easier, but when we’re getting into conversations, I just feel like a phone call would do the trick much more effectively. Does that make me sound like a dinosaur?
We made a date to meet for drinks at the Frying Pan, a great boat bar docked on the West Side Highway. We lucked out with the weather and I was happy to dig out one of my hippie dresses from my closet earlier that morning (though it probably wasn’t the most appropriate thing to wear in the office). He was running a few minutes late so I enjoyed the sunshine, tried to relax my heart rate, and reapplied my Burt’s Bees lip balm about 20 times.
I straightened when I saw him approach and we gave each other a long hug. I thanked the lord I was wearing flats as we walked to the boat and took our seats overlooking the Hudson River. I happen to think this is a wonderful “first date” kind of place, provided you don’t go on a Friday or Saturday night when the line to get drinks or go to the bathroom is exponentially longer.
It was a perfect evening. I was able to engage in a normal conversation with someone I am attracted to, we opened up to each other slowly as the drinks went down smoothly, and we made each other laugh. I wouldn’t say I’m head-over-heels but I feel this is good practice for when I meet someone I have a better connection with. I’ve learned to move beyond the age difference, but it still feels like there’s something missing. On the other hand, I think there’s definitely a mutual attraction there, and if nothing romantic comes from it, I hope to have gained a friend in the process.
We have yet to set up a second date but there have been talks of a possible sleepover. And by “sleepover” I mean “good-old-fashioned-romp-in-the-sack.” Hey, a woman’s got needs, too, ya know.
Yesterday was the one-year anniversary of my split from Jackson, and it was a day that came and went without much fanfare. I am happy. A year ago I struggled to fight back tears and now I can’t remember the last time I shed any. This past week I spent a lot of time thinking about the many friends who have vanished and reappeared in my life over the years. I am grateful for the friendships that were salvaged and saddened by those that didn’t make the cut. But the friends I have surrounding me remind me of how blessed I truly am. With or without a boyfriend, my soul is satisfied.
Charlotte! I pop in here from time to time and I just want to say this entry made me so happy. I’m so glad you’re healing and moving on. ALSO! I do not think the age difference means a thing. Do not give it a second thought. Live your life, enjoy the fall, and have fun.
-Erin (former FOF-er)
This is a feel good post 🙂 It’s always such a liberating feeling when you allow yourself to look back and see that you feel so much better than you did. I’m glad your date went well, and there’s nothing wrong with a sleep over 😉
Hi Charlotte, thank you for stopping by my blog today via SITS and leaving a lovely comment. You have a cute blog! First, I have to say that the Passover 2010 story of the ‘set up’ was so typical jewish-mom. It took me back to grad school and the synagogue ladies trying to set me up All. The. Time. Never mind I was engaged!
As for this post, it’s beautiful. You deserve to be happy. Other people, nor things, can make us happy. Then can bring out our inner happiness but ultimately happiness does live inside us — and how wonderful that you know this.
Enjoy being single! Experience YOUR life. If your prince finds you, it will be fabulous. But as my grandma is fond of saying “you can’t experience life at home alone on your couch”.
.-= Sara at Saving For Someday´s last blog ..Happy 90th Birthday- Grandma! =-.
That sounded like a fun date and a mature man. When I met Excy it was through a work interview on the phone (I wrote up one of his architecture projects for the magazine I wrote for). We had a phone relationship for three months until he insisted we meet in person – I put it off as long as I could…I was happily divorced and dating an architect in NY (I lived in DC). When he walked in the lobby my first thought was ‘Damn! I don’t want to get married again!” We have been married 19 yrs now — together for 20…
.-= Amy Gray Light´s last blog ..Viva la Barbie =-.
Such a nice first date!
I rather talk on the phone. I feel a beter connection then becuase I know their tone.
But texting seems to be the thing to do nowadays. lol
Well since I am just a new follower, Idk the story about Jackson but I’m glad to hear your soul is satisfied. You can only be happy with someone if you’re happy with yourself first. Then come the good things;dating.
I am a single mommy but haven’t jump into the dating scene. I’m scared .
Looking forward to reading you stories girly!
.-= Mayra´s last blog ..My biggest blessing =-.
I totally agree about the texting – it has killed dating! But I digress…so glad you had a lovely first date and only a few thoughts about the past. Congrats on moving forward! And have fun on your sleepover!! 🙂
.-= prettylittletangents´s last blog ..Heartache Inspires Productivity =-.
It’s always great to look back on something like that and realize that you made the right decision. I know those things are hard…but sometimes the right thing to do is the hardest. I’m glad things are looking up for you now.
.-= kat´s last blog ..how alcohol is good for me =-.
It’s a true testament to how much of a strong and independent woman you have become that you passed this anniversary so gracefully! I’m so happy and proud for you. 🙂
.-= Salt´s last blog ..I’m featured on Fantabulously Frugal! =-.
As you said, if not anything else- you gained a friend in the process.
… it may also mean that you are ‘moving on’.
I think it was also a way to make you realize who your ‘real’ friends are.
And by all means, good luck! 🙂
.-= Reenie´s last blog ..That Silver Thing! =-.
not to sound cliche – but is appears you are in a “good place” – and if you get that “romp” – you’ll be in an even better place 😀
.-= carma´s last blog ..In Defense of Not Purchasing Popcorn =-.
This is all lovely news!! I voted for you to forget the age difference, so I’m glad you took the plunge. I’m a dinosaur too — texting is great for snippets, but horrible for discussions. Tired thumbs ensue.
I’m all about the phone calls, too…but then again, I haven’t dated anyone other than my husband in about 8 years! Guessing things have changed in the dating world a bit since then. I’m a first time visitor so I don’t know what the age difference is but, whatever it is, I still say go for it if there is a connection! My really good married friends are 15 years apart, the wife being older! They are so in sync that you would never even think twice about it.
By the way, good choice in live music – from one Phish phan to another. =)
-Aimee
.-= Aimee @ Ain’t Yo Mama’s Blog´s last blog ..It’s a special day at AYMB! =-.
i’m glad you feel good on the inside, settled and at peace. it sounds like it was a long process, but one that came full-circle.
.-= liz´s last blog ..Daily Kate-isms- 10410 =-.
Beautiful, mature thoughts.
Truly.
What is age? Nothing.
What is sexual preference? Nothing.
People are people, born at different times in life. People are sexual. Period and end of it. Doesn’t matter when born, or to whom attracted to.
I love how you see yourself unfolding into your true being.
It really is beautiful to see…
.-= Alexandra´s last blog ..SuperModel On My Days Off =-.
Thanks for stopping by….yep, I’m back and I’m bad. lol.
Happy Anniversary….it’s amazing what time can heal, right? Glad you are officially “over it.”
Regarding the “texter”…demand that he call you. I’m so tired of all the “texters” out there… I have found they are usually trying to hide something.
Happy blogging! (and dating)
.-= leazaindenver´s last blog ..I’ve Been a Bad- Bad- Bad Bloggy Girl =-.
As I was reading this post the Prologue from the Broadway show Into The Woods popped into my head. Especially the lyrics…
STEPMOTHER
Happy now,
Happy hence,
Happy ever after-
FLORINDA, LUCINDA, STEPMOTHER
We’re so happy you’re so happy!
Just as long as you stay happy,
We’ll stay happy!…
All that to say…I am happy to see that you are in such a great space.
Peace out and I am so glad that you found peace within,
Tex
You have such a beautiful soul sweetie! I am so happy that you are happy! I hope to hear more about your dating adventures!
No, you’d sound like a dinosaur if you said “ROAR!!”
That, or a lion.
Keep on keepin’ on.
.-= KLZ´s last blog ..Muhammad Ali Goes to Bed =-.
Hiiii! 🙂 Thank you for coming to see me and for making me feel sexy! 😛
I wanted to let you know that my doctor told me that I should take the belly ring (or, rather, that I’ll “have to”) take the belly ring out at 20 weeks. I’m a little bummed about that but it will totally be worth it when the baby is here. It took me YEARS to get up the courage to get it pierced (which is stupid because I have three tattoos and I was fine getting those). I’m hoping it doesn’t close up but I suppose I’ll just have to deal with whatever happens!
🙂
.-= Amber´s last blog ..14 Weeks or is it 15 =-.