Followers

Thursday 8 November 2018

Round 35 comes to an end!

After my Aunt went to bed, I called my guy.  Even though we had just been together that night, I felt like I hadn't seen him in forever.  I missed him.  We talked for a while.  I felt sad to be leaving Quebec City.  What an adventure.  My aunt had an amazing time.  She got to see a city and various towns she had never been to, made a couple of new friends and most importantly, got to spend some quality time with the kids and me!  Then there was my first meeting and my first date.  She never could've prepared herself for that!  I must say she was an awesome sport through all of it and an amazing cheerleader.  We laughed so hard, I'll never forget this.

The following morning we were up early and took a taxi to the train station.  The trip home was quiet and uneventful.  Couldn't wait to see my babies.  Dinner was ready when we got home and the kids were so happy to see me.  I had only been gone 3 weeks, but they seemed to have changed so much.  I took a few days off work to relax and get caught up.  My aunt went back home, it was hard to say good-bye, but we'd see her in a few of weeks.

My guy came back home on the Sunday, but on his way back he called to say he'd be going to North Bay for an 8 week contract.  He was going to stop at home to pack and would call me so we could meet briefly before he hit the road.  It was a gorgeous day, so I packed up my girls and headed to the beach.  I texted him a picture of us on the beach and told him I'd wait there until he called.

A few hours later he called and told me I wouldn't want to know where he was.  This didn't sound good.  When he saw the picture of me and the girls on the beach, he decided not to stop and see me.  He didn't want to take me away from the girls.  I was upset.

Him: "When I saw the picture, I couldn't take you away from the kids.  You've been away for 3 weeks.  I'll see you when I get back.  Plus, I didn't want to see you for a few minutes.  As if I'd be able to leave if I had you in my arms.  It would've been more difficult for both of us.  Enjoy your kids and the beach.  I'm sorry, don't mean to hurt you.  Trust me this is for the best."

I appreciated the consideration, but even 5 minutes with him would have been better than nothing.  Oh well.  For the next couple of weeks we talked and texted daily.  We touched on a multitude of subjects and slowly got to know all about each other, the kids, work and life in general.  It felt good.  After we got back from holidays with family, I'd go up north for a long weekend.  He was so excited. 

Everyday was filled with laughter and I so looked forward to his nightly phone call.  Three weeks later, that nightly phone call didn't happen.  I found it odd, but they were working longer shifts so I figured he'd call when he could.  The next day again, no phone call and no texts.  This was out of the ordinary.  I tried calling and left a message.  Later on I sent a text.  I went online to check the news to see if there had been an accident or maybe forest fires...who knows.  I was worried.  After months of talking daily this was weird.

Sadly there were no more texts or phone calls.  We went on our family vacation and I never heard from him again.  When we arrived at my Aunt's, the first thing she asked was, "How's -----?"  I took her aside and told her he'd disappeared.  I was so sad.  She was shocked and told me that maybe there was a good reason or something had happened. 

Aunt: "Don't give up, try one more time in a couple of days.  There has to be a good reason.  He seemed so genuine and sincere.  He was very into you."

One by one other family members asked me the same thing.  It was so hard not to break down in tears.  My Aunt had filled them all in on our first meeting and first date.  They were all so happy and excited for me.  They couldn't wait to meet this guy.  My cousin also encouraged me to call him one more time.  A few days later I tried to call him again...no answer.  I sent him one last text saying I hoped he was ok and wished him all the best. 

It was done.  A month later I mustered up the courage to log back into POF.  Huge mistake!  There was his profile, front and centre updated with new pictures.  How could he do this?  Why couldn't he be honest?  Was it all lies?  He had removed his profile when we started talking.  Didn't take him long to throw in the towel and dive back into the pond.  Why?  I felt so stupid.  How could I let myself fall so hard?  Why do men do this?   He seemed so honest and sincere.  Another academy award winner. 

Round 35 was officially over.  Just when I thought my days of online dating had come to end.  I guess there would be a round 36, but not for a while if at all.  I'd have to lick my wounds while  building up the strength and courage to start all over again.  How demoralizing.  Bye for now.

Dateless in Ottawa

Thursday 1 November 2018

Round 35 continues - Hilarious First Date!

If you thought the first meeting with Mr. Heavy Equipment Operator was incredible, wait till you read about our first date!  Looking back I still laugh and can't believe it happened.  It was incredible  to feel happy and excited for a change.  There was something to look forward to and I was having fun, so was my aunt!

My aunt and I spent the day sight seeing and checked out the biggest shopping mall in the area. It was a rainy overcast day, we'd be heading home tomorrow. Don't know where the time went, but we had so much fun. 

By late afternoon, it was raining hard.  Our site seeing came to an abrupt end, it's not fun to walk in the pouring rain.  My aunt suggested we go watch a movie then have a late dinner. Sounded great.  She's the navigator and great at finding things, so her task was to find a movie and then a theater that wasn't too far away.  Sure enough, she found one so off we went. The theatre was a ways away.  All of a sudden I stopped, parked the car and looked at her:

Me: "Hold on, you do realize we're in Quebec right?  Most theaters play movies in French, did you check the listing to see if it was playing in English?"
Aunt: "Well the title is English "Oceans 8" so it must be playing in English."
Me: "Not necessarily.  This is Quebec, even at home most of the movies on my side play in French.  Oh well, we're here let's go see."
Aunt: "I'm sure it's in English, otherwise they would've translated the title to French."
Me: "Oceans 8 doesn't translate very well.  In French it would be OcĂ©an 8???  Some things just aren't meant to be translated!  Lol"

Sure enough, we go in and the movie is playing in French.  My aunt was so disappointed.  I explained to the gentleman at the desk that she was visiting from Edmonton and didn't speak French so we were hoping to find a theater that plays movies in English.  He told us that unfortunately they are all French, but we were in luck.  That night they were having a special screening of Oceans 8 in English at 9:00 pm.  Awesome, but wait we had to return the rental car at 7:00 pm and then take a cab to come all the way back here.  That wasn't going to work.  We went back to the car and headed to the hotel. 

Me: "Wait, what if I call ----- and ask if they'd like to come to the movies with us?  I'm sure he wouldn't mind picking us up, he's only 2 blocks away?"
My aunt didn't answer right away.
Me: "Don't worry, I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable.  It was just a thought."
Aunt: "No, that's an excellent idea.  Give him a call and see what they're up to. "
Me: "Are you sure?  Don't do it for me, I'll see him again when we get back home."
Aunt: "No, really we'd have fun for sure and I'd like to see that movie.  Haven't been to a theatre in ages.  Call him."

I called him and asked if he was in the mood to go see a movie.  I was honest, it was Oceans 8 so might be more of a girly movie.  He asked his son and he said he wanted to see that one.  Besides it would be way better than spending the night in at the hotel alone with his Dad.  They were bored and exhausted.  It was a long day at the hospital.  His Mom had her surgery that morning and was doing really well.  They were actually on their way to the car to head to the hotel when I called.  They were thrilled to have plans and without asking, he offered to come pick us up.  We texted the address and 30 minutes later they were at the hotel. 

When we came down, they both got out of the car and opened the doors for us.  It was so nice.  We were giggling like school girls.  I made my aunt sit in the front seat next to ------ because she's the navigator.  I sat in the back with his son.  Of course, we laughed all the way.  We joked about having not 1 but 2 chaperones on our first date! 

We got to the theatre and I ran to pay since they had been nice enough to pick us up.  I didn't succeed.  ----- ran over immediately and said there was no way a woman was going to pay.  He picked me up and carried me away then dropped me at the door.  He said If I didn't let him pay, they were going to leave.  Fine, but I got the popcorn and drinks!

It was a bit early.  The theatre had a really nice lounge with comfy couches.  As soon as we got in, my aunt took over.  The whole time she had been dominating the conversation when she stopped abruptly.

Aunt: "Oh my goodness, I'm sorry.  I haven't stopped talking have I?  Geez, you guys are on your first date, you need to talk and get to know each other."
She turned to his son:
Aunt: "You and I are going to go to the other lounge and leave these two alone.  Let's go."

When it was time to go in for the movie, my aunt lead his son near the front and told him we'd be staying near the back of the theatre so we could have some privacy.  OMG, we could not stop laughing.  The theater was empty, it was just us.  A few people trickled in after the movie started.

He eventually took my hand and smiled.  We shared popcorn and snuggled.  It was so nice.

Him: "Can you believe we're here?  My goodness, I have to drive almost 7 hours to meet you.  I'm so happy you called tonight.  I was hoping I'd get to see you again before you leave.  Not sure when I'll be home.  We'll see how Mom does over the next few days.  Today was really long."
Me: "I know, this is unbelievable.  But how amazing.  You're finally holding my hand too!"
Him:  "This is hilarious, we're here with 2 chaperones!  You'd think it was like 1950 or something.  No one will believe this.  Is your Aunt ok with it, don't want to make her feel uncomfortable?"
Me: "I guess some things are meant to be.  My Aunt was totally cool with calling you guys, she really wanted to see a movie.  With the weather so bad there wasn't much else to do."
Him: "Your Aunt can talk!  OMG. She's hilarious."
Me: "She loves to talk and she's pretty cool."
Him: "I still can't believe this.  Is this for real?  You really here?  Lol"
Me: "Yup, we're here.  Finally!!!"

The movie was good, we all enjoyed it.  We took the scenic route home, I think he just wanted to spend as much time as he could with me.  When we arrived at the hotel, my Aunt thanked them both and jumped out of the car.

Aunt: "Thanks again guys, hope your Mom is ok.  Take care, hope to see you again at home.  I'll head up to the room, see you in a bit."

We were both hoping to kiss goodnight, but were interrupted by his son so a hug was all we could manage.  It was like we were kids and had to behave.  He smelled so good and it felt amazing to be in the arms of a man. 

Him: "I'm hoping to head home on Sunday if all goes well.  Do you think I'd be able to see you?"
Me: "Absolutely, let me know when you're back and we'll figure it out.  No plans for Sunday so far.  Take care of your Mom."  To his son, "It was great to meet you.  Enjoy your time with your Dad and Grandma.  Make sure your Dad stays out of trouble."
Him: "Bye Beautiful, I'll call you later."

Upstairs I went.  If only we could've spent more time together.  A movie is not an ideal date.  You can't really talk, but the cuddling was nice.  The minute I walked into our hotel room, my aunt and I burst out laughing.  OMG, I was cramping it hurt! 

Aunt: "What a wonderful night. His son is such a nice kid and so mature.  We had a great discussion on a bunch of different topics.  Did you guys have fun?  Sorry I talk so much, I noticed and that's why I took his son with me so you guys could be alone.  When I'm around, you don't talk."
Me: "When you're around no one get's a word in edgewise! Lol"
Aunt: "I know I like talking to everyone."
Me: "We had a really nice time.  This is so old fashioned.  People aren't going to believe me, you'll have to be my witness.  OMG 2 chaperones, I've never!"
Aunt:  "I can't wait to tell everyone in Edmonton.  You know, I think this is going to work for you.  I just have this feeling.  It took a lot of work and effort, but that will make things all the better.  He's such a nice guy and they are so polite.  Very old fashioned, I love the chivalry and he's taught his son well.  You deserve to be happy.  Take your time and enjoy.  I'm happy for you."

We laughed for what seemed like an eternity  I couldn't remember the last time I felt so happy.  What an amazing week.  Now I really missed my babies and was looking forward to going home.  Can't wait to see what the future has in store.  If this doesn't classify as a unique or unusual first date, I don't know what does.  Sweet dreams and good luck everyone!

Dateless in Ottawa