The Elusive Second Date...

This past January, I went on a second date for the first time in nearly a decade. This was an individual I was interested in and it was nice to give it a second shot.

Overall, however, I have found it difficult, if not painfully brutal, to find a second date. Granted, I am no Casanova. My dates have been sparsely scattered over the years. But there have been more than enough opportunities to have a second date more than once every 10 years.

For the record, there have been women that I was not interested in having a second date with. The most recent example took place last fall. I was set up on a blind date with someone I was told shared a number of similar interests. And we did! But...there was an age difference.

The lady at my church who set us up was, and is, very well-meaning, but I don't think she realized the age difference. When the subject of a second date came up, I explained that although I enjoyed the meeting, the difference in age was more than I was comfortable with at present. She then asked my age. I told her. And she shrieked.

Thankfully, this expression of surprise was loud enough not only for everyone to hear, but also disturbing enough for everyone present that they felt compelled to stare for several minutes afterwards just to make sure everything was ok.

This was the exception (at present, I can't think of any others who screamed in terror at the thought of spending time with me again). Why not more second dates? Is it because I am overly selective? Maybe.

Those who read this blog know I have a bit of a reputation for being, shall we say, selective when it comes to dating. Over the years, I have created a list of qualities I value and look for in women. I won't review the list here, but it may surprise many of you to know that it contains only a handful of items. Point being, the list does exist and I do hold strongly to it.

I went on a date this past Monday with a young lady in her early 30s. She actually asked me out (which is flattering) and we really had a great time! She is very attractive and intelligent (holding two Master's degrees--one of which being a terminal degree). She is also a divorcee with a 12 year daughter.

The quality I value the most in a woman: faith

Believe it or not, I think I'm able to overlook the fact that she's experienced a divorce and is a single parent. But I'm struggling with the issue of her faith...or lack there of.

The question is now whether or not to go for the all elusive second date.

Exploring Beautiful Places...

Wednesday night, I went over to Brent and Jenni's. After exchanging pleasantries and getting caught up on personal happenings, we decided to watch an episode of From the Earth to the Moon. It's a terrific series detailing the Apollo program expeditions to the moon; one I'd like to watch much more of.

The episode we watched revisited Apollo 15. This particular mission set out to determine the make-up and age of the earth's lone satellite. At one telling moment, those involved were debating the pros and cons of various landing sites. When the captain of the mission was asked, he stated his preference and explained that if for no other reason, exploring beautiful places inspires.

My mom recently commented that this site has become 'boring'. As much as I would like to beg to differ, I agree. Since January, I have lacked inspiration (and you can read into that as much as you like). I hope, however, that things are about to change.

A couple of weeks ago, I ventured out to Wyoming to see my future surroundings. I spent a couple of days in Colorado with Ryan the Deer Slayer on my way there. On one day in particular, we went to one of my favorite places anywhere--Indian Peaks Wilderness Area.


I could not help but comment time-and-again how much I missed the mountains, snow, weather, and weekend festivities on Pearl Street (where we went out to eat afterwards).

Am I inspired? I'm not sure. But if I'm not, I soon will be.

You know it's time to buy a new car when...(Take #3)

In the past, I have noted that it is time to buy a new car when local officials are concerned about the well-being of your car and random pieces of scrap metal fall off your car as you pass through your local community. Both of these should be taken as signs that a new car should be considered. However, I now have 3 new reasons to take into consideration.

You know it's time to buy a new car when...

...you spend the better half of a Sunday afternoon in a convenience store parking lot waiting for your car engine to cool down.

...you take your car in to offer as a trade-in and the car salesmen have a good laugh.

...your mother, after giving her a ride in your car, begs you to never drive your car again (and offers you money not to!).