At Last! Another Rate-A-Date! in Open Diary 2001-2018 (Pre-Prosebox)

Name: Paul

Age: Not sure yet. My best guess is early 40s.

Relationship Status: I started to write never married, but that’s only because I’m just assuming. I never asked the question, but I did ask him again about Renee, and he told me that they dated on then off then on again. When they started to move in the more serious direction, he decided to cut it off because he just wasn’t quite there with her. They are still very good friends. He did tell me that she was just a little uncomfortable about us going out, but we both agreed that we wouldn’t say anything to her unless and until we decide that we are compatible and want to actually “date”.

Occupation: Co-founder of a charity organization

Length of date: 7 ½ hours

We met: For brunch at the café that’s midway between his place and mine.

I wore: Skinny jeans, striped criss-cross sweater, high brown boots, leopard-print coat (chilly today!)

He wore: Chocolate brown sweater, chocolate brown cords, square-toed chunky black shoes, black jacket

We did: Brunch started with a spicy bloody mary, complete with pickle. Yum. Then we went to his place so he could show me the condo that he’s selling (I told him I was thinking about buying a condo, and was dying to look at his old, historic building….gorgeous). Then he wanted to show me a house that was designed by a fairly famous local architect. It was an open house, and it was pretty spectacular. We ended up driving around and actually peeked into a couple more open houses. He drove me around another area that he’d discovered while jogging. Amazing! I would have never known about the little neighborhood perched high atop the rolling hills had he not shown me. THEN! We drove past the old home of a famous local artist, and that house has been turned into a museum. So we did the tour. Very cool. Then back to our neighborhood, where we could have called it a day. But I told him that I was going to get some coffee and asked if he wanted to join me. Sure! And although we were right next to a coffee place, he suggested this little indie coffee house that I’d never known about either….funny…it was literally right next door to a Starbucks, but oh so much better. We talked and talked about all kinds of stuff. I found out why I think he’s so hilarious. He was part of an improv troupe for three years before he found his “calling” and left for Central America, India, and the Philippines. We talked about honing creativity and inventions and all kinds of other great stuff until the sun started to go down and I figured that I better get going.

Convo: Believe it or not, no nervous rambling on my part! Well, except for the fact that I cussed like a sailor quite frequently. I think I need to keep that in check as I’m finding I do that quite often even when talking to my mother lately. Paul’s foundation is Christian-based, and I’m not sure what he thinks about my colorful language, though he didn’t seem offended in the least. I really like his creative focus.

Part of personality I liked: Again, funny. Goofy. Creative. So unpretentious. Friendly with everyone.

Part of personality I disliked: Teensy bit of a mama’s boy, but I suppose it’s because his family is so close-knit (7 siblings). His mom’s getting up there and his dad died a couple of years ago. I suppose I shouldn’t say that I disliked that part because it shows how loving he is…I just have had a couple of negative experiences with guys who are just TOO close, ya know?

Part of appearance I liked: He has a quirky edge. Kinda geeky. Very nice hair (strawberry blond!) that’s wavy and has just the nicest touches of white. He’s in good shape. And a plus—he’s tall.

Part of appearance I disliked: Could use the teensiest bit of help in the wardrobe department. But that would be mucho fun to work on with him!

Highest Point(s): Whenever he made me belly laugh—quite a few times.

Lowest Point: Him telling me that he’s not much of a feeling communicator. But then he also told me that he’s conscious of it and working on it.

How it ended: He drove me from the coffee place back to my place. Stopped in front of the apt. I thanked him and hugged him and told him that I had a wonderful time. As I walked across the street, he rolled his window down and asked me who my building was named after (a children’s poet from the late 1800s). He told me that he’d look it up.

Chances I’ll see him again: Very good. I’m telling you, if he never asks me out again, I’m sure I’ll see him out somewhere anyway. We always seem to bump into each other. But yeah, if he asks me out on a date again (feeling pretty strongly about it), then I’ll go. I’m eager to find out more about him.