Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Funny stuff from earlier date + last night's date

I was talking to my dad last night, and I remembered some date details that had eluded me...

On a recent date, a couple of interesting things happened - first, the date told me something huge and horrible had happened to him.  He was quiet for a minute, and I said, "tell me."  He said it wasn't first date conversation, so I didn't press it.  But, I think I make people feel comfortable in conversation - must be the social work training - maybe too comfortable!!  The date progressed nicely.  He was interesting and thoughtful.  At the end of the date, he told me he is nostalgic, and he started to cry.  It was amazing.  I've realized that men can be just as sensitive as women are.  But I was pretty surprised that he cried.  I guess I brought tears to his eyes :)  I was pretty shocked....and I forgot it had happened until I talked to my dad about the recent dating updates.  Incidentally, my dad is dating right now, too, and his stories are hilarious!!!

Perhaps Project Wife will be next.....!!!

Also, last night, I had a second date planned, but he had to cancel.  He said he had been working late and had only had a few hours of sleep over the last couple of nights.  He asked to reschedule, and we made plans for Wednesday.  We'll see.....I was annoyed, since my time is valuable.  But I did enjoy the quiet evening at home.  Zoe, my pup, was happy, too. 

Monday, March 8, 2010

Yesterday's dates...one stands out

I had two dates yesterday....both interesting...both fun....but one stands out....

The first date was meant to be at a coffee shop, but the shop had closed, so we ventured to a nearby restaurant.  We ended up having some wine and a late lunch/snack.  The conversation was excellent - clearly he was a thoughtful and intelligent guy.  However, I did not feel attracted to him.  I know he is attractive, but I didn't feel he was my type.  As we talked and spent more time together, I grew to like him as a person.  But I still didn't feel the urge to be near him.  I feel he is more of a friendship candidate, and since that's not what I'm looking for, I don't know that a second date would be fair.  But is it too hasty to cut someone off after one date?  What if he had an off day?  What if I am too picky?  What if I have an image/profile in my mind that doesn't exist?  Will I be alone forever if I keep my standards too high?  Or will I find my match by sticking to my guns and trusting my instincts?  How many chances are we supposed to give a date?  If I know how I feel in my heart right now, is it unfair to string him along?  He was such a good sport about Project Husband - he was cool with the camera and genuinely interested in my process....but still, I didn't feel a tug at my heart or a rush of blood.

On the other hand, the second date yesterday was a first date with a physician.  He arrived early, and I was sitting with a girlfriend whom I had met earlier to have girl time before date time.  Also, this girlfriend is my first confirmed bridesmaid.  Since my date was early, he sat with both of us.  And, he was a great sport from the beginning.  I told him he'd have two dates for a little while, and it was nice to see how he interacted with my friend, Monica.  His background is Spanish, and he has a slight accent and great looks to prove it....Now, he is my type.  I knew from the beginning of the date that I liked him, and he was totally on board with Project Husband.  Monica got 30 minutes of video footage from our date, but it was too long to upload on YouTube.  So, my video expert friend, Casey, is working on some edits.

My dinner date, Fernando, was wonderful - warm, fun, outgoing, friendly, interesting and very nice looking.....professional, looking for relationship.  He is a keeper - I'm looking forward to a second date.  But I'm going to give him some time and space to reach out to me...he did send a text after dinner saying that it was a lovely date.  I told him he was wonderful....seems the feeling is mutual.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Unveiled at the Dallas Convention Center + anonymous date

Yesterday's Unveiled bridal event got me in the mood!!  I met with various vendors and got to see ideas for everything wedding-related.  From cakes (thank you Opulent Cakes for the samples - YUM!) to dresses to flowers, Unveiled covered everything a girl could need for a wedding.  The most inspiring part of the event was the fashion show.  Seeing the models in wedding gowns made me feel something big...something emotional, important, significant and exciting.  I felt happy and hopeful, and I was dreaming of love....dreaming of my day to wear a fabulous dress and celebrate with my friends and family.  Casey Romanski, guitar player and videographer extraordinaire, came to the event with me and documented my conversations, my photo shoot with Premiere Photography and the fashion show.  I can't wait to see the footage - it is downloading as I write this!

As I met with the various vendors and told them about my story, smiles emerged, lights went on, people laughed and some people seemed a little shocked at first.  By and large, everyone was supportive, excited and thoughtful....everyone had some ideas to lend.  People were thinking of potential bachelors, and some people were excited to attend the singles mixers that I have planned.  People want love!

Mostly, I was thankful to Kathy and the staff at Premiere Photography for arranging a special photo shoot for me and for graciously watching Casey's camera bag...Premiere has an amazing team, and I can't wait to see the photos from our first shoot.  They also will be at the singles mixer at the House of Blues Foundation Room Thursday, March 18th to document the evening.

I can't wait to try on dresses with my mom this coming week in Florida.....I can't wait to feel the dress on my skin and see myself in the shoes of a bride.

Incidentally, after the bridal show, I had an afternoon date over wine and cheese at a Spanish restaurant.  My date was gorgeous....totally dark and handsome......and although we met online, we realized we had met before....and we were connecting, and it was sort of intense.  So I told him I had a confession, and he was scared....and he thought Project Husband was brilliant.  But he preferred to remain anonymous.  Thus, I will not tell you his name or show you his picture....but I had a great time with him.  Unfortunately, his choice to remain anonymous means that he's not interested in being a groom....but that's life, right?!  And I need to know the truth.  The truth is that he's been married and recently divorced, and I feel he is still healing.  I am healed - I am ready for a lasting connection and a committed relationship.  projecthusband@gmail.com is finally getting some action....and some interesting emails from very interesting men....!!!!!  I have a coffee date after church today and a dinner date - both first dates, so I will keep you posted and will pray that they do not want to be anonymous!

Friday, March 5, 2010

CW 33 and last night

Yesterday was an action packed day....

In the afternoon, I met with a fantastic team at the CW 33 TV station in Dallas.  My neighbor and friend, Anna, works for the station and set up the meeting.  The station wants to help me tell my story, which is awesome.  I met with a full team at the CW 33, from creative services director to producer.  The station is as excited as I am!  I purchased the domain projecthusband.com, and Anna is helping me administer the content.  There will be pics, video, blogging, interactive discussions, polls and all kinds of fun stuff!

Last night, I had a double date with my good friend, Joanie, and her boyfriend and a date from match.com.  My date and I first met months ago - probably around November.  And we had a nice first date back then.  For our second date, he was running late from a business meeting and couldn't make it in time to meet me.  So, we missed our chance there, and I was annoyed at his poor time management skills.  He sort of redeemed himself by taking me to the airport in December for my holiday trip.  We stayed in touch after that point, but we did not see each other until last night.  He is sweet and young - 26 to my 35.  But he is mature and sensitive and loyal to his family.  I like him.  It's a slow connection for me, however.  It's not an immediate get over here and touch me connection.  But it's a nice, comfortable vibe with him.  As the night progressed, I wanted to get closer to him, and we did move closer at our table.  Joanie and her date were adorable and totally into each other.  My date and I took a while longer to gain physical proximity, but it did happen.  And it was nice.  I'd say he's in the running.....I've got at least a few nice bachelors in the line up....and it's all good!!

One of the best parts about Project Husband is hearing other people's love stories.  Yesterday at the TV station, I heard about two romantic unions.  Both were very inspiring.  One woman didn't find her man until her late 40's, but she is totally in love and content with her companion.  She said it happened for her as soon as she fully accepted and loved herself.  Interesting...The other woman I spoke with said that she and her husband took their time at first, but he remained persistent, and over time, she fell completely in love with him.  She had beautiful flowers and truffles on her desk - sent from her hubby for her birthday.  I just love how people light up and smile when they talk about love.  I want that!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Dating update

Well, I had a date last night and another today at lunch.  Last night's date was a meeting over drinks.  We met at the Living Room in the W Hotel....it's a great lounge just off the lobby, and it offers comfy seating with a lively atmosphere.  I arrived at 7:30pm, our set meeting time.  I noticed a cute guy sitting alone and thought he looked different from the match.com profile, but he was cute and alone....so, we made eye contact, and I said hi.  He said hi.  I said, "are you Brian?"  He said, "Am I buying?"  I laughed and said, I am looking for Brian.  He said, "Oh.  I'll buy the second round."  It was hilarious!!!  At 7:32, I sent a text to my date letting him know that I was sitting in the lounge.  He called to tell me he was lost.  I gave him directions and sat by myself as I waited.  The cute guy then had a friend arrive, so he was occupied, and I was preoccupied.  I was thinking about the potential date, and as the minutes ticked by, I sent text messages, played Words With Friends and had an incessant inner monologue.

My date arrived at 8pm, exactly 30 minutes late.  He apologized, and he looked really cute, so I forgave him.  He looked exactly like his online profile, which was awesome.  That does not always happen....He said that I looked great...and he liked what he saw.  He got up to get us drinks, and he asked what I wanted.  I said Pinot Noir.  He said he had to go to the bathroom, so he went to the men's room, went to the bar and came back with a beer and a glass of white wine.  I said Pinot Noir is red, isn't it?!  He said did I get you the wrong drink?  I said I had asked for Pinot Noir.  He apologized and said he ordered Pinot Grigio.  I was thinking - hmmmm.....doesn't pay attention!  He did say it was his fault for not paying attention, and he offered to take it back.  He said Pinot Grigio is his favorite wine, and I agree that it's an awesome white.  But it was a cold night, and I was in the mood for red.  But I drank the white, and he redeemed himself by getting me a Pinot Noir when I finished the Grigio....it was funny, though!!

We definitely had a physical connection.  He kept brushing my arm or touching my leg as he talked, so I thought - hey, the attraction is there!  We talked about movies - neither of us love horror movies, and we talked about work and a little about past relationships, where we grew up, our families....but mainly the wine tasted great, and he looked great!  It was a good connection....and there was a kiss or two...so we shall see!  He texted me today to say he'd like to get together again, so that's a good sign.

Today, I had a lunch date with another guy from match.com.  He also looked like his profile and even better.  He was adorable and had a great energy about him as well as a lime green sweater, which made him look really cute.  Honestly, it was the best lunch date I've ever had.  We really connected on an emotional and intellectual level.  We talked about his work - information technology.  We talked about travel (a passion for both of us).  We talked about immersing ourselves in culture, and we shared travel stories about Japan, Spain, Germany, England, France....and more.  He told me about his family and especially talked about his sister.  It was a balanced conversation, and I have to say that my listening skills have really improved....I love to talk, and sometimes I have to make myself shut up!  But it was easy with him - I loved hearing him talk.  I loved his expressions and excitement and passion for life.  It was like sitting across from a male version of myself in some ways.

We finished eating and just sat and talked.  We were at lunch for nearly an hour and 45 minutes, which was great.  We had a really nice hug at the end of lunch outside near my car.  The sun was shining, and it was the most beautiful day in Dallas....felt like L.A. weather!  He said he would call me on Monday to make plans for next week.  And then he texted me after we left each other.  It was so sweet and sincere, and the connection was palpable.  Plus it was in the middle of the day with full sunlight and no wine.....and I felt giddy!  This guy is a keeper.....

Both dates were good - I was attracted to both of them - and I think they'd both make great boyfriends....we'll see what happens....perhaps they are marriage material, but it is too soon to be sure....    

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Wedding photographer booked - Premiere Photography

I met with an amazing team a Premiere Photography today - and we will be working together for my wedding!!  http://weddingsbypremiere.com/

The first step is a photo shoot this Saturday during the Unveiled bridal event at the Dallas Convention Center.  I love the creativity and personalization that the studio offers....and it is located across the street from the wedding venue.

The wedding planning process is coming right along...this weekend's bridal event should inspire some great ideas.  Also, I have four dates planned through the weekend, so we'll see how the groom hunting unfolds...!!

During my meeting at Premiere, two potential grooms emerged in conversation....one loves dogs (which is good for my Zoe), and the other sounds like a sweet, professional guy looking for a good woman.

So, bring on the grooms!!!  Thank you to everyone for your support and encouragement.  This just feels right for me...it may not be for everyone, but I believe that the boldness of Project Husband will help me attract someone who not only tolerates my assertiveness but also really likes it!!!

xoxo
Lisa

Monday, March 1, 2010

Will You Marry Me video is here....

Here is a link to my video for Project Husband, which includes the song that I wrote......"I Wanna Get Married - Will You Marry Me?"  Project Husband video

Casey Romanski helped me put it together - thank you, Casey!!  This is my first Project Husband video....with more to come.

I'm putting it out there!!
projecthusband@gmail.com