Playing With Matches

What started as a means of chronicling the online dating experiences of two picky yet adventurous almost thirty somethings has turned into a chronicle of all that is, was and has made up their collective dating histories. Our two original daters are now joined by several other fun, breezy, sassy gals, and Playing With Matches is now a missive on dating misadventures, a cacophony of ups and downs, turmoil and bliss. With a bit of snark mixed in here and there.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Called Out.

So, Starboard Tack called us out in his blog from today...said we girls have been silent.

Crickets.

We have. And, hopefully, the rest of my blogettes will get back on the bandwagon. Or else.

In the meantime, I can fill you in on the life and times of RD and RCB. Our trip north was better than I could have ever imagined. I was greeted with hugs and a birthday cake with my name on it. The entire family was welcoming and sweet and I never, for one second, felt the least bit uncomfortable or insecure. The whole four days I was with them.

I was, admittedly, a tad bit "worried" that RCB would be a bit reserved around his family; in other words, my usual feeling of putting out a "hands to yourself" rule would not be in effect. It turns out he was just as, if not more so, affectionate than usual. There was no lacking in the hand holding, random hugs, kiss on the top of the head moments. Does this show comfort?

Though it was a family weekend, we were able to get in some alone time, which was nice. All in all, the whole experience was better than I could have imagined and, scarily enough, I could see many such similar weekends in my future.

He has been beyond wonderful lately and I'm not even scared by it. He says what he's feeling when he's feeling it and I like that. We have definitely reached a new level these past few weeks, with all the family stuff we've been doing. We are now really a we. He said it best the other night: "RD, it's not just you and me any more. Now it's us."

We are an us.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

ho hum.

I saw a movie a couple of months ago. I can't remember the name but the main character was a woman who worked long hours, came home made dinner for herself, poured herself a glass of wine, read or watched tv and then went to bed.

This is my life lately.

And while it is not such a bad thing especially given where I am in my life and the things I want to accomplish in the next couple of years...it certainly doesn't give me much blog material.

I'm still playing team sports. Kickball is almost over and Flag Football is just getting started...but there doesn't seem any matches to strike at these events and I'm not so sure I would want to interrupt team dynamics with a crush or flirtation.

I'm also moving downtown to an area which while yuppie infested there is an overabundance of men who like other men...which is unfortunate for me.

So my fellow bloggers...its your time to step up to the plate. I literally have nothing...no drama...no fantastic dates...nothing but work and a solitary meal to blog about..i'm sure your lives must be more exciting than mine.

Monday, April 09, 2007

White is the New Brown.

I never thought I'd say this, but thank God for golf. If it were not for The Masters and four and a half hours of languid play, I don't know if RCB would have made it through (or, at least made it through as unscathed) the brown heavy Easter extravaganza.

Yes, folks, he made it through. I guess I don't give him enough credit--or I think too discriminately about and critically of my family. But, lbh, they've never been rude or unwelcoming to a stranger.

He sat on the couch and watched golf with the men folk, talking about it and commenting as necessary. He introduced himself to all newcomers (and, true to stereotype, many family members were late, so this was an ongoing activity) and did not act surprised when some pulled out the double kiss/hug combo as opposed to the handshake. He impressed the grandmother by "knowing" (ha) how to properly dip his pita bread into his hummus. He ate all that was offered to him, whether it was the first time or hundredth.

Good thing there were other white kids there to quell the obvious cultural differences. LC showed up post dinner and gave two of the best quotes of the day:
  1. While walking around and doing the traditional double kiss/hug (it was a special occasion), she got to RCB and said "eh, you're white."
  2. After being labeled the "other white girl in the family," she said, "White is the new brown."

So now, friends, I just hope to be able to acclimate into the RCB family this weekend. I'm a bit nervous, and I've relayed my slight apprehension to RCB. He said they'll love me. Hopefully, he is right...

Thursday, April 05, 2007

A weekend of milestones.

If we even have any readers left...

So this weekend I am set to enter into my fourth decade of life. Fourth. Effing. Decade. My how time has flown.

This weekend also marks RCB's indoctrination into all that is RD's family. Bringing my cute little blue-eyed boyfriend into a sea of all things brown (and I mean that in a totally non-stereotypical way) is going to be interesting. While I grew up in what was essentially a very American household, my upbringing was not without cultural and ethnic touches that I am still learning to appreciate. It's funny, because those who are brought into the inner circle are much more open to these traditions and tastes and smells and ideas than I am. But, alas, this is not the point.

The point is that RCB will be spending Easter with me and 35 of my closest relatives. At the home of an uncle he has never met. And it is I, not he, who is nervous. Why, I am not entirely certain.

Perhaps we can start with the fact that walking into a room with 35 strangers is slightly overwhelming, even to the most seasoned socialite. Add the inevitability of foreign tongues being spoken, the assured interest in "OhLookRDHasABoyfriend" and the constant shoving of food and drink into RCB's hands and face and you've got quite an interesting afternoon ahead of you.

I have no doubt that everyone will be welcoming. We are a tight knit bunch, so I am not going to deny that there will be some judgment and appraisal going on simultaneous to the good cheer and welcoming hugs.

But, it is also the beginning of my fourth decade and, lbh, the first time an RCB type has made his way over the threshold for an official RD family holiday. Maybe they'll cut me some slack.