I had heard that the chamber of commerce (of which I am a member of for another week or so, unless I renew), was having one of thier "business after hours" parties at Stonebridge, up the street. The event was from 5-7, and I close the shop at 7, so I figured I would head over and see if I recognized any fellow chamber members that were lingering on, get a beer and some dinner.
Prelude:
Boat builder walked up to the store at 6:00. I waved and he stopped in. He could see that the store was "busy" (my beading club friends were in attendance). He asked what I was doing for dinner? I told him I was thinking about crashing a chamber of commerce party which ended at 7. He said he'd stop by on his way out. He showed up just before 7, and waited outside until my beading friends left :) I asked him what his plans were, and he said he was going to Archie's for a salad...and that I could join him there after the chamber of commerce thing. I didn't make a commitment though.
I headed over to Stonebridge, the event was finishing up, but the secretary/director of activities recognized me and said hi and we talked about membership dues. The place was mobbed with lingering chamber members, in their suit jackets and and name tags. I found the ONE seat at the bar. I wasn't going to try to mingle as I didn't have a name tag (since I didn't register for the event). Ordered my beer and salad with cranberries, apples, walnuts and chicken (YUM). I ended up conversing breifly with one chamber business woman, and then it was the lonely young man next to me.
Poor guy was befuddled by the mob of business people. So I informed him. We talked in dribs abd drabs about my business. Turns out he just moved here in October for a job, and was having a hard time starting anew, finding friends. We both said that we missed the Daniel Street Tavern, for their fun bands (it closed this winter). He said he was really into "jam bands". And while he looked presentable, he talked like a stoner. Or maybe it was his Michigan accent. I didn't want to talk to him that much. After I was finished with my beer and salad, getting ready to leave, we exchanged names.
Perhaps I should have gone to Archie's to find the boat builder, but I came home instead. LAME.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
The Martini and the Boat Builder
Just got home from my second 2012 solo night out. It was great! I had another early night off from the store, so I walked over to a place that I haven't been to since my last solo night there a couple years ago. AJ and I never made it there for dinner, I don't think. I was craving a martini, and this place has GREAT martinis.
The bar/restaurant had an entirely new layout since I was there last. The bar area was twice the size it used to be. Good thing too, because when I got there, the bar was nearly full. I found a seat next to a couple fellows who seemed to be there solo as well. Turns out the one next to me is a somewhat regular, he knew the staff by name. I ordered a pomegranate martini and a chicken wrap. The fellow next to me strikes up some friendly, polite, non intrusive conversation. He had kind eyes and I felt comfortable conversing with him. He asked me what I do for work, I said "I own a shop here in town". And he said, The Bead Store!!!! I asked him "How the heck did you know that?!?" Turns out he has an apartment down the street, and walks past my store every evening on his way home from the train station at 6:00. So he's looked through the window and has seen me. He'd thought I'd looked familiar when I sat down and couldn't place it. His job sounded pretty interesting: he builds extremely specialized shell fishing boats, a very specialized type that can fish the clam beds faster and without disturbing the ocean floor as much as the other boats do. There are very few that they've made, and business is good.
We talked quite a bit in between eating our dinners. Truly a nice guy. I allowed him to walk me to my car. GASP. I know. At my car he asked if I would like to go out sometime. I told him to stop by and visit me at the shop. We shook hands. Not that I wouldn't go out with him, I'm just not looking for any dates right now, or should I?
It was a very enjoyable evening. I quite liked talking to the boat builder (don't worry, I got his name, just not sharing it). I'm not sure what I should do if he asks me out again. I mean, he was great company, and not at all unattractive (he had a grrrreat body, from what I could tell from my discreet sideways glances). He's older than me, 43, mostly grey haired, not a bad thing, And he's not married. Lives alone. I don't know anything else about him (besides his work, and he doesn't watch hockey games).
I wonder, if I keep going to a different place every week...what will happen. And should I get together with the boat builder?
The bar/restaurant had an entirely new layout since I was there last. The bar area was twice the size it used to be. Good thing too, because when I got there, the bar was nearly full. I found a seat next to a couple fellows who seemed to be there solo as well. Turns out the one next to me is a somewhat regular, he knew the staff by name. I ordered a pomegranate martini and a chicken wrap. The fellow next to me strikes up some friendly, polite, non intrusive conversation. He had kind eyes and I felt comfortable conversing with him. He asked me what I do for work, I said "I own a shop here in town". And he said, The Bead Store!!!! I asked him "How the heck did you know that?!?" Turns out he has an apartment down the street, and walks past my store every evening on his way home from the train station at 6:00. So he's looked through the window and has seen me. He'd thought I'd looked familiar when I sat down and couldn't place it. His job sounded pretty interesting: he builds extremely specialized shell fishing boats, a very specialized type that can fish the clam beds faster and without disturbing the ocean floor as much as the other boats do. There are very few that they've made, and business is good.
We talked quite a bit in between eating our dinners. Truly a nice guy. I allowed him to walk me to my car. GASP. I know. At my car he asked if I would like to go out sometime. I told him to stop by and visit me at the shop. We shook hands. Not that I wouldn't go out with him, I'm just not looking for any dates right now, or should I?
It was a very enjoyable evening. I quite liked talking to the boat builder (don't worry, I got his name, just not sharing it). I'm not sure what I should do if he asks me out again. I mean, he was great company, and not at all unattractive (he had a grrrreat body, from what I could tell from my discreet sideways glances). He's older than me, 43, mostly grey haired, not a bad thing, And he's not married. Lives alone. I don't know anything else about him (besides his work, and he doesn't watch hockey games).
I wonder, if I keep going to a different place every week...what will happen. And should I get together with the boat builder?
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
I wish I could go out every night!
I took myself out solo for the first time in a couple years. I was feeling particularly grumpy today, too many worries and stresses. The last thing I wanted was to head home, grumpy. I needed to cheer myself up! I was able to get out early from the store (no students tonight). So I headed over to my favorite french/spanish place up the street.
Got a seat at the fancy/cozy bar, ordered a glass of spanish red wine.....and asked for a dessert menu! I thought I'd treat myself to a rich chocolate dessert for dinner, but ended up going with a salad with smoked duck, walnuts and figs instead. The bartender was pleasant. My plate was brought to me by a waiter I have seen there many times before, I mentioned him in this blogpost a couple years ago: http://solodatenight.blogspot.com/2010/02/bistro-basque-solo-date-night-2.html ...the young hispanic guy with the really long hair. I can tell long haired boy recognizes me, he smiles coyly as he places my plate. A few minutes later he comes back and asks if I would like more bread? Yes please, just one piece. He comes back later: "More bread?" No, thank you two pieces was enough. Soon I've finished my meal, he's collected my plate, and I have just a few sips of wine left. Long haired boy comes BACK (at this point I'm very obviously done with my food, as my plates have been taken by him). He asks, "more bread?", then laughs because he's making a joke with me, and touches me on the shoulder very lightly and quickly. The light touch of his fingers catches my hair, he says "sorry, sorry!" and rushes off. The bartender practically giggles at this.
I finish my wine, pay up, and am halfway out the door when long haired boy stops me, I forget what he says first, but I thank him (for dinner). He asks me my name, and I tell him. Oh boy. He is DEFINATELY flirting with me, leaning on the doorjam, smiling ear to ear. I don't ask him his name...which wasn't very polite of me, but I didn't want to give him any ideas. He says, "You used to come here more often." ACTUALLY I HAD been there quite often, recently in fact, with AJ, I don't think long haired boy ever noticed me when I was there with AJ though (good boy). He is remembering me from when I used to go there by myself a couple years ago!!!!! I say thank you again and book it out the door.
So, tonight was fun. It was fun to be flirted with too. I'm not looking to flirt or be flirted with when I go out necessarily, but it's an added plus. Unfortunately, I am about 6 inches taller than long haired boy and probably 10 years older. So I'm not going to flirt back at him, but I'll smile and be nice for sure :)
It would be great if I could take myself out every night, I just can't afford it!!!
Got a seat at the fancy/cozy bar, ordered a glass of spanish red wine.....and asked for a dessert menu! I thought I'd treat myself to a rich chocolate dessert for dinner, but ended up going with a salad with smoked duck, walnuts and figs instead. The bartender was pleasant. My plate was brought to me by a waiter I have seen there many times before, I mentioned him in this blogpost a couple years ago: http://solodatenight.blogspot.com/2010/02/bistro-basque-solo-date-night-2.html ...the young hispanic guy with the really long hair. I can tell long haired boy recognizes me, he smiles coyly as he places my plate. A few minutes later he comes back and asks if I would like more bread? Yes please, just one piece. He comes back later: "More bread?" No, thank you two pieces was enough. Soon I've finished my meal, he's collected my plate, and I have just a few sips of wine left. Long haired boy comes BACK (at this point I'm very obviously done with my food, as my plates have been taken by him). He asks, "more bread?", then laughs because he's making a joke with me, and touches me on the shoulder very lightly and quickly. The light touch of his fingers catches my hair, he says "sorry, sorry!" and rushes off. The bartender practically giggles at this.
I finish my wine, pay up, and am halfway out the door when long haired boy stops me, I forget what he says first, but I thank him (for dinner). He asks me my name, and I tell him. Oh boy. He is DEFINATELY flirting with me, leaning on the doorjam, smiling ear to ear. I don't ask him his name...which wasn't very polite of me, but I didn't want to give him any ideas. He says, "You used to come here more often." ACTUALLY I HAD been there quite often, recently in fact, with AJ, I don't think long haired boy ever noticed me when I was there with AJ though (good boy). He is remembering me from when I used to go there by myself a couple years ago!!!!! I say thank you again and book it out the door.
So, tonight was fun. It was fun to be flirted with too. I'm not looking to flirt or be flirted with when I go out necessarily, but it's an added plus. Unfortunately, I am about 6 inches taller than long haired boy and probably 10 years older. So I'm not going to flirt back at him, but I'll smile and be nice for sure :)
It would be great if I could take myself out every night, I just can't afford it!!!
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Solo Night Happily crashed by Family
Whew! I'm glad I didn't have to go out solo tonight. I'd probably be home by now if I was out solo (unless something crazy and fun happened). But here I am, home at 7:30 after a fun night out.
One of the main points of going out solo for me is not neccessarily to meet someone (too soon right now), but to get out and do something. To not have to eat dinner home alone with a lonely glass of wine. Maybe I'd end up talking to someone, maybe I wouldn't. Tonight was really fun.
Sometimes my sister in law works nights, and when she does, my brother tries to find fun things to do with the kids. This afternoon he decided he wanted to bring the kids down here to go to the beach, then dinner in town before they headed home. My parents decided to join in. They met up with me when I was closing up shop, and by 5:30 we had walked around the corner to one of the big restaurants here in town. During the day, this is a great family restaurant. During the summer, on weekend nights, this place becomes a hot spot for young people. They have a large outdoor bar and have DJ's and bands on summer weekends. I've gone to this place before with family, and on solo adventures, and date nights for dinner with AJ.
We got a large table outside (beautful weather!). The kids were restless so we went out to the open area outside where they were playing dance music. I sipped my glass of wine, watching my niece and nephew dance and run around. I smiled at all the young men who walked by and they chuckled at the cute kids. My niece has some really awesome dance moves.
My niece would probably be an excellent wing woman for me! LOL. I was probably seen as the young (and attractive?) mother out with her family. Hilarious. After dinner my family asked what I would be doing, stay or go home? I was going home!!!! I'd had two glasses of wine, which is my maximum for when I'm out by myself and need to drive home. Besides, if I had stayed? People who had seen me there would have been wondering why I ditched my hubby and kids and was putting down some more glasses of wine by myself. hahahah.
One of the main points of going out solo for me is not neccessarily to meet someone (too soon right now), but to get out and do something. To not have to eat dinner home alone with a lonely glass of wine. Maybe I'd end up talking to someone, maybe I wouldn't. Tonight was really fun.
Sometimes my sister in law works nights, and when she does, my brother tries to find fun things to do with the kids. This afternoon he decided he wanted to bring the kids down here to go to the beach, then dinner in town before they headed home. My parents decided to join in. They met up with me when I was closing up shop, and by 5:30 we had walked around the corner to one of the big restaurants here in town. During the day, this is a great family restaurant. During the summer, on weekend nights, this place becomes a hot spot for young people. They have a large outdoor bar and have DJ's and bands on summer weekends. I've gone to this place before with family, and on solo adventures, and date nights for dinner with AJ.
We got a large table outside (beautful weather!). The kids were restless so we went out to the open area outside where they were playing dance music. I sipped my glass of wine, watching my niece and nephew dance and run around. I smiled at all the young men who walked by and they chuckled at the cute kids. My niece has some really awesome dance moves.
My niece would probably be an excellent wing woman for me! LOL. I was probably seen as the young (and attractive?) mother out with her family. Hilarious. After dinner my family asked what I would be doing, stay or go home? I was going home!!!! I'd had two glasses of wine, which is my maximum for when I'm out by myself and need to drive home. Besides, if I had stayed? People who had seen me there would have been wondering why I ditched my hubby and kids and was putting down some more glasses of wine by myself. hahahah.
Friday, April 13, 2012
The Once Upon a Time Cycle of Dinner
Any single, working person will know the trials of dinner. If it's not a trial for you, coming up with great homemade meals for yourself every night, I envy you.
For a year and a half, I had always counted on saturday night for a great dinner. Either AJ I and would go out, or we'd cook a big dinner together at my house. Sundays usually brought me to my parents house for dinner. Then Monday and Tuesday I'd have leftovers from Saturday, or I'd cook something big on Monday as it was my only true day off. Come Wednesday, with my work schedule, I'd be getting home at 9:00 pm, hungry, and lucky if I still had leftovers. Thursday either I'd have a cheese quesadilla or be needing to go to the grocery store at 7:30 after leaving work. Friday I'd arrrive at AJ's house after work, around 7:30-7:45, hungry for dinner. It used to be that we'd have a "late" dinner together. That changed to him having leftovers for me to heat up, or he'd make me an egg sandwich. That turned into me asking (after being there for 1/2 hour), "I'm hungry....is there something in your refridgerator that I could eat?" And I'd have to cook it myself. Saturday would come and the cycle would begin again.
I was solo during the week. Now I'm solo all the time except for dinner with Mom and Dad on Sundays.
I had a rare and special treat this week! A friend whom I know from my store, married and with two small children, graciously asked if she could cook a dinner for me sometime. She and her family are Indian, so she asked how I liked spicey Indian food? I LOVE Indian food! And spicey food! She must be so busy, since her youngest is only 11 weeks old, yet she asked if she could do this for me. She called me yesterday, asking what time I'd be leaving the store. 7:00. She told me to stop by her family's home and pick up some homemade Indian food! This was so kind and generous of her....I couldn't believe it. She was a gracious host. Inviting me into her home, it must have been late at that time for the children. She had a meal packed and ready for me. I visited for a little while, she gave me a packet of masala spices along with the food, and I got to hold her tiny and beautiful baby boy. This kind of generosity has me speechless. She told me that she wanted to do this for me because it must be difficult being alone.
Yes, it is difficult. But having friends out there that that want to do kind things for you makes the world amazing.
Tomorrow night I'm hoping to be strong enough to take myself out to dinner. There's a place with a cozy and classy bar. I'll get an expensive glass of wine and an inexpensive large salad for dinner. I'm hoping not to burst into tears while I'm eating.
For a year and a half, I had always counted on saturday night for a great dinner. Either AJ I and would go out, or we'd cook a big dinner together at my house. Sundays usually brought me to my parents house for dinner. Then Monday and Tuesday I'd have leftovers from Saturday, or I'd cook something big on Monday as it was my only true day off. Come Wednesday, with my work schedule, I'd be getting home at 9:00 pm, hungry, and lucky if I still had leftovers. Thursday either I'd have a cheese quesadilla or be needing to go to the grocery store at 7:30 after leaving work. Friday I'd arrrive at AJ's house after work, around 7:30-7:45, hungry for dinner. It used to be that we'd have a "late" dinner together. That changed to him having leftovers for me to heat up, or he'd make me an egg sandwich. That turned into me asking (after being there for 1/2 hour), "I'm hungry....is there something in your refridgerator that I could eat?" And I'd have to cook it myself. Saturday would come and the cycle would begin again.
I was solo during the week. Now I'm solo all the time except for dinner with Mom and Dad on Sundays.
I had a rare and special treat this week! A friend whom I know from my store, married and with two small children, graciously asked if she could cook a dinner for me sometime. She and her family are Indian, so she asked how I liked spicey Indian food? I LOVE Indian food! And spicey food! She must be so busy, since her youngest is only 11 weeks old, yet she asked if she could do this for me. She called me yesterday, asking what time I'd be leaving the store. 7:00. She told me to stop by her family's home and pick up some homemade Indian food! This was so kind and generous of her....I couldn't believe it. She was a gracious host. Inviting me into her home, it must have been late at that time for the children. She had a meal packed and ready for me. I visited for a little while, she gave me a packet of masala spices along with the food, and I got to hold her tiny and beautiful baby boy. This kind of generosity has me speechless. She told me that she wanted to do this for me because it must be difficult being alone.
Yes, it is difficult. But having friends out there that that want to do kind things for you makes the world amazing.
Tomorrow night I'm hoping to be strong enough to take myself out to dinner. There's a place with a cozy and classy bar. I'll get an expensive glass of wine and an inexpensive large salad for dinner. I'm hoping not to burst into tears while I'm eating.
Friday, April 6, 2012
The Solo Date Night Chronicles will begin anew
A new chapter in my life my solo life.
In my last post, I mentioned that I had a coffee date, set up by a friend. Well, that coffee date turned into a 1.5 year relationship. Turns out that that guy and I hit it off. We took it slow, took nearly two months getting to know each other before entering into a "relationship". It was fabulous, and I was so so happy...but then he started becoming distant, and then it blew up. Turns out he finally realized that he had no feelings for me. It was a shock...a stab I had not been anticipating.
Solo again.
It's been a tough 13 days.
I'm not going to let it defeat me. I'm going to get out there again to prove to myself that I AM WORTH IT.
I got really sick a couple days after the break up, I'm still sick. Had a flu, then maybe bronchitis or walking pneumonia. I had a fever for three days. I still don't feel right. I should be in bed right now but my head is....not tired.
Both my brother and my best friend suggested I join an online dating site. Perhaps I'll try that, eventually. But first I just need to take myself out. Prove to myself again that I am strong enough, brave enough. Before I can do that, I must be strong enough to mail my exboyfriend's house key to him. I think I'll be ready for that soon. But I'm keeping his book. It's the only thing of his (besides the key) that I have.
I contemplated going out this weekend, but I'm not sure I have it in me. I will soon.
In my last post, I mentioned that I had a coffee date, set up by a friend. Well, that coffee date turned into a 1.5 year relationship. Turns out that that guy and I hit it off. We took it slow, took nearly two months getting to know each other before entering into a "relationship". It was fabulous, and I was so so happy...but then he started becoming distant, and then it blew up. Turns out he finally realized that he had no feelings for me. It was a shock...a stab I had not been anticipating.
Solo again.
It's been a tough 13 days.
I'm not going to let it defeat me. I'm going to get out there again to prove to myself that I AM WORTH IT.
I got really sick a couple days after the break up, I'm still sick. Had a flu, then maybe bronchitis or walking pneumonia. I had a fever for three days. I still don't feel right. I should be in bed right now but my head is....not tired.
Both my brother and my best friend suggested I join an online dating site. Perhaps I'll try that, eventually. But first I just need to take myself out. Prove to myself again that I am strong enough, brave enough. Before I can do that, I must be strong enough to mail my exboyfriend's house key to him. I think I'll be ready for that soon. But I'm keeping his book. It's the only thing of his (besides the key) that I have.
I contemplated going out this weekend, but I'm not sure I have it in me. I will soon.
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