God, Sushi and a whole lot of fun

"People go to casinos for the same reason they go on blind dates - hoping to hit the jackpot. But mostly, you just wind up broke or alone in a bar."- Sarah Jessica Parker, Sex in the City

So in a previous blog I mentioned that I had been set up by an old friend from high school on a blind date. As hesitant as I was...I somehow agreed to go through with meeting the mystery man. Well.....much to my surprise, turns out mystery man wasn't so bad. He made the first move (bonus in my book) by emailing me a nice little introduction of himself. Now for those of you who are a little old school, emailing has replaced the initial phone call in the world of dating in 2009. It's far less nerve-wracking and it allows the individual to open up a little more.

So I received the first email....and in my true fashion I wrote back. A novel. Yes, as you could imagine I found that as a free way to say just about everything I would want to say....but without any inhibitions and cute little smiley faces. Cheesy I know...but hey...what did I have to lose at that point right? I had not met him yet. Needless to say....he enjoyed the writing too and I felt as if we were swept back to years ago when letters were exchanged as a means of affection and communication. The emails continued for a few days until we decided to brave the first phone conversation.

It did not surprise me in the least that after seeing how long our emails had become that our first phone conversation was 2 1/2 hours long! The second phone conversation lasted 2 hours. Needless to say we never lacked a topic to discuss. Everything from religion to politics to college experiences (yes, he went to NC State....but I have not held that against him yet) to family and friends. This was the first time that I had actually gotten to "know" someone before I actually "met" them.

As you could imagine...the intensity continued to build. So last week...we decided to meet. He drove to my house and we watched the Duke vs. Carolina game (brave man). After a victorious win for the heels....we decided to do a little Mexican (can it get any better??). Now top all of this off with Winston (the pug) interviewing him as well. Tough crowd. But as you might have guessed.....Winston is a push over...and as soon as saw it was OK to jump up on his lap.....he was approved. Too easy.

The week was great with another dinner date in Chapel Hill (Foster's....yeah!) and we topped off the week with meeting in Raleigh (his home turf) for a wonderful evening. We actually went to mass together (and as I told Kerry....never hurts to have God on your side to start a date:)) had a drink with our matchmakers (Jason and Laurie)...and dined on some fabulous Sushi (check it out if you are ever in Raleigh....www.sonoraleigh.com). Overall....one of the best dates EVER.

I would have to say that mystery man has made quite the impression. Still trying to process it all and figure where am I in this dating thing. But if I had to give one piece of advice....don't question those that know you well and if they suggest a blind date ....give it a shot!