#29 with M at the Edina Art Fair

There's something special about getting to know someone through their art tastes.  Making fun of really bad lawn ornament art with M was the perfect first date.  M is a Director of IT at a conference center that my company uses frequently.  He's attractive, funny and seems to want more adventure in his life.

After the art fair and a couple of glasses of wine, he suggested we hang out with my neighbors in our weekly DT meeting.  DT = Driveway Therapy, a moniker coined by my homeowners association after our Sunday evening wine meetings in the driveway.  Although he's quiet, I could tell he thoroughly enjoyed listening to my neighbors weekend antics.

Plans for date #2 with M are already in place.

#28 with N at Minnehaha Falls

Wine, seafood and great company were had on Saturday evening.  The bike to Minnehaha falls from my place is one of the best rides in town.  Mostly bike trail the entire way and witnessing a bald eagle along the West River Trail was a highlight.

N is someone I really should like.  He's smart, funny, sarcastic and loves most of the same pop culture stuff that I do.  He's going to be a great friend but nothing more.  Must be the chemicals!

For those that love seafood but have never eaten at Sea Salt, go now!!!  It's open from April - October and is run by the folks that own Coastal Sea Food.  The food is fresh, delicious and is a summer time must for this blogger.  Alcohol is not allowed beyond the concrete patios surrounding the restaurant but if you sneakily conceal your wine in sports bottles, you can get away with it.

Break in the Dates....but not for long!!!

So....a little blip on the dating scene.  D decided to end the short relationship citing, "he wasn't getting his needs met."  A week of feeling a bit blue but nothing like getting back on the saddle to cure the break up blues.

So, stay tuned while I attempt to date again.  I plan on being a bit more descriptive about my plans, dates, men, etc....starting this Saturday with my picnic date with N.

Batgirl

#27 with D at Lake Harriet

Once in awhile, we northerners get to experience the sunshine.  Easter Sunday was one of the most perfect days in months.  Lucking out with patio seating for a delicious Cuban breakfast at Victor's 1959 Cafe, a walk around Lake Harriet (in search of the elusive Fairy Door) and ice cream on the patio at Crema made for a magical day.

And thank gosh we took advantage of it.  It's now Thursday and day 4 of grey, rainy weather.  I'm starting to believe my mother was right about me getting SAD.  I thought that sickness was hooey....if I don't get a dose of sunlight soon, I may just hurt something.

Two more work days....

#26 with D and the Tale of Two Passover Seders

Sunday, April 17: Nothing official about this Passover besides the food.  The date was early, we didn't read the Haggadah and even had a couple of Gentiles enjoying the charade.  But, sharing food, time and trying to shed light on some deep rooted traditions within an ancient religion with friends is something so special, it's hard to describe.  New friends, good food and lots of laughter were in store for the evening.  D even helped make matzoh balls.  He is very helpful in the kitchen and is completely aware of his shortcomings when it comes to cooking.  He makes up for that by being totally available by following my orders.  Without his help, I would've been a spastic mess come dinner time.  If I failed to thank you for helping...Thank YOU.  For everything.

Monday, April 18: First dinner at D's mom's house on Lake Minnetonka.  25 guests, one very cute dog and lots of food.  This time, much more official with the reading of the Haggadah, the 4 questions in Hebrew and even more traditional foods.  There is something gross yet really delicious about gefilte fish with crazy hot horseradish.  Maybe only eating it once a year keeps it special.  Seeing D interact with natural family, step family and me helped me see how adaptable he is.  Non-judgemental, patient, sweet.

Getting sick of the 'sweet-ness' yet?  Hatgirl has started a new relationship!  Hopefully, she's got some juicy stuff to share with you.

#25 at Southdale Movie Theater

Free date at a theater?  Surprisingly YES.  D found 5 year old AMC movie passes which were accepted for Saturday nights showing of "Paul".  And luckily, the movie was FREE!  I can recommend Paul as a rental for it's endearing moments and as always, Kristin Wiig is amamzing.  I suppose I expected more from a Simon Pegg/Nick Frost film that began and ended at Comicon.  Unfortunately, they really seemed to dumb down the plot and dialog.  Nothing beats Hot Fuzz out of that pair!

The evening started off with dinner at Fat Lorenzo's with free gelato tastings while waiting for a table.

#24 at Java Jacks (with the ex)

A private show in the basement at Java Jacks with Jezebel Jones and Her Wicked Ways was on the ticket for Friday night.  And if you're wondering what I meant by "ex", that means D's ex.  Jezebel Jones is a singer/songwriter of Americana music, with crazy red hair and lots of tattoos.  Although we didn't get the chance to have a long conversation, she seemed friendly and it was good for me to get a glimpse of D's past.

After that free show, we drove over to the Hexagon Bar to check out more free music.  D ran into some old friends and co-workers.  Again, it's nice to learn about his past through his friends.  Lots of name dropping between these old friends (tour-managers, band mates and roadies) which was entertaining.  The Hex is an older bar with a good mix of hipsters and old regulars enjoying ice cold Strongbow.

#23 with Art

No, "Art" is not a new date.  It was the activity.  The free date on Friday was with "D".  After a few long texts, some deeper understanding about how we can make each other happier (and more secure) and one very nervous meeting after a week apart, the date went better than I anticipated.  If there is one thing I've learned about dating, it's COMMUNICATION!!  Even if you think what you're feeling is stupid, naive, whatever!  If you're feeling it, it matters.  Not only to you, but if you're partner is worth it, it should matter to them too and they deserve to know what will make you happier.

So, now that a week of uncertainty is out of the way, a couple of art exhibits were on the docket.  D's friend was showing her photographs at an art thesis show on campus.  Her work was very good and focused on zoo animals and exhibits from around the world.  Then, onto Gallery 13 to see the end of a two month art exhibit destroyed.  I thought it would be harder to see the unsold pieces destroyed by an axe but surprisingly, it wasn't.  Although, I was happy to see two pieces rescued before the end of the evening!

I visited lots of new places this weekend worth mentioning even though they weren't free:

Zakia Restaurant- a small middle eastern cafeteria type restaurant with fresh food and friendly service.  Even the patrons pushed their favorites on us.  It was hard to decide on main dishes and two sides but between both us us, we tasted 6 different bites.  All of them were fantastic!

Peace Coffee - Although service isn't the fastest here, the tea selections are excellent and the decor is friendly.

Trylon Theater - a small 20 seat, small-ish screen that plays classic films.  The film prices are $8 but medium popcorn, large candy and drinks are all $2 a piece!  I watched "The Man Who Knew too Much" last night.

A Mexican Restaurant called (?) - next to the old Town Talk Diner, this restaurant is amazing!  Friendly staff and very fresh food.  The table served salsa is appropriately spicy and fresh.  Don't miss the Mexicana salad which is chopped cucumbers, jicama, papaya and pineapple with fresh lime juice and a spicy condiment called Tajin.

Off to The History Theater in St. Paul this afternoon for a Tale of Twin Cities with Kevin Kling (amazing story teller) and Simone Perrin (amazing accordianist) with D and a couple of neighbors.

#22 -WAS supposed to happen at the Italian Film Fest

The Italian Film Fest is an annual fest hosted just one block north of my place at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.  It's a FREE fest and was supposed to count for our FREE date this week.  Well, we violated one of the rules of dating and didn't get together last night.

We're spending too much time together!  He wants to be able to 'miss' me.  We've been approaching this dating thing from different angles.  I'm a more go with the flow person and find that doing lots of different activities together will help us get to know each other.  He does not.

So, no plans for future dates yet but I'll try to keep you updated with my escapades till the next DATE.

Batgirl

#21 at The Whole in Coffman Union

For the 3rd date in a row.....It's now Friday night and we've arrived at the Whole to see Mary and her band of Falling Angels, A. Wolf and her Claws and DESSA.  It's a night for women songstresses and rappers!  Lots of good friends and an encounter with Hatgirl and her date made for a nice evening.  Dessa rocked the  house and made lots of new fans.  The show was over around 11am and due to an early am art course on Saturday, D and I left the group in order to get a good nights sleep.

The Whole is a dry club (it's on campus) but a very intimate space to see a band.

#20 at the Jewish Film Fest Opening Night Party and Movie

The Opening film, Anita, was about a woman with Downs Syndrome who lost her mother and her way when a bomb exploded in her neighborhood.  It ended well which makes me happy since I tend to shy away from sad films.  The opening party was catered and the free food (along with popcorn) provided a nice dinner.  Getting to know D during these different events has been fun, sometimes difficult and sometimes downright confusing.  He's got a playful goofiness about him which I don't always get nor respond to in a way that makes him comfortable.  I guess that's all about getting to know someone, right?

Off to the NE Social Club with the chocolate cake after the movie to celebrate Hatgirl's birthday with her good friends.  Another late night during a school week!

#19 baking and movie watching

The start to a busy week of dates began at my place on Wednesday.  Needing to bake a flourless chocolate cake for a friends birthday made cooking dinner impossible.  So, frozen pizza and sliced veggies were on the docket.  D kept me company while I baked and that was a nice distraction.  Finally getting to see The Social Network was definitely worth the wait.  A few snuggles on the couch before D left was nice too.

Free dates are getting harder to find during the week nights.  Once summer hits, I suspect lots more free dates outdoors.

Batgirl

#18 at The Fine Line

Supporting my friends at their FREE show at the Fine Line last night turned out to be more fun than anticipated.  Usually, heading out to see live music on a Sunday night is not my cup of tea.  But, the show was free, there were two for one drinks and the bar staff was unusually pleasant last night!  The music was eclectic and using my friend's words will describe as this: gypsy, folk, indie and experimental. Pictured is my friends band, South, and another unexpected surprise is that I loved a "jug" band called Post Apocolyptic Junkyard Orchestra.

The evening started out with my first home-cooked meal at D's house.  That man can make a mean stir fry!

Meeting the Family - The Golden Valley Country Club

If I have one thing missing in this town, it's family.  Sure, I consider my friends as "family" and always have.  When you move around as much as I do, you make the time to develop deep friendships as quickly as possible.  But, there is no substitute for real family.

Meeting "D"s family on Thursday night reminded me how much I miss mine and wish to have that type of community here.  The good, the bad and.... were all represented.  And the parallels between D and my family is uncanny.  His stepsister reminded me of my sister, his sister and his relationship reminded me of the relationship I have with my brother.  And his mother couldn't be more doting or happier to have me there than my own mother would have.  His father is vivacious, friendly and clearly the patriarch of this mixed family and commands the same presence as my own father.  Short story = very warm fuzzy feelings even when meeting all 28 of them for the first time!

Batgirl

My Apologies!!!

So, it's been a couple of weeks since my last post.  And, I'm thrilled to announce that I've found ONE person who wants to complete the rest of this blog with me.

A lifetime of disappointments, lowered expectations and skepticism train you to expect the worst.  What happens when the "best" happens?  What then?  How does one react to someone willing to tell you exactly how they feel about you?  Have you ever, ONCE, felt completely secure with a partner?  Or....after a few weeks of dating, know who you'll be spending your weekends with?  This is happening to me now.  And for the first time, I know not to question or be skeptical.

I'm going to enjoy the ride.

back in the "game"

I told Batgirl I was bailing on the 52FD project. I just wasn't meeting enough men to find ones I wanted to ask out. I also started to feel like it was a job. As a self-starting entrepreneur in a new city, believe me....I have enough on my plate right now.

Then I started listening to a free program called the Soulmate Summit, where each day you could listen to a couple of lectures by "relationship experts" within 24 hours. After that time you had to upgrade to listen in. After 8 days straight of all that soulmate talk, I caved in and joined Plenty of Fish. I have so many dismal looser date stories from my long-ago stint with online dating, that could be a book of it's own.

I kept my profile short, sweet, and to the point. I put up one flattering, non-sexy headshot. I promised myself as the emails rolled in that I would simply read and delete those that clearly hadn't read my words, contained zero chemistry, hadn't actually thought I would write back, and those playing the numbers game. I proactively emailed two guys, both of whom had really nice, authentic smiles and who had put some thought into their profiles. They used complete sentences, said something meaningful (instead of "something meaningful," and I was attracted to their brands.  Oh come on, you know exactly what I mean.

Three emails later I'd made a date with B. He sent his email and phone number, and we agreed to meet for coffee someplace in the middle. We started talking ~ 4 pm... and by 7 there was no sign of us slowing down. Just coffee and conversation. And my stomach was starting to complain. The divorce story went on a bit too long - more detail than I really needed - which raised a yellow flag. Later he apologized for waxing on the subject. So the next thing I knew we were agreeing to get dinner down the street together.

At the restaurant I noticed B was relaxing a bit as we slipped into the booth and ordered food. At one point he warned me that sometimes he ends up wearing his food. A few minutes later I looked down to see if I had spilled and he teased me ala "made you look." Suddenly we were both laughing and I had this weird and wonderful feeling. I don't think a moment like that ever happened in my last relationship. In fact I noticed at the end of the night when we were hugging (!) goodnight that we'd been talking for almost 7 hours. That also never happened in my last relationship.

I think I might have stumbled into something.

Later this week he's been invited to my studio to see my stamp collection.
Yeah, just kidding - I'm a painter. 


Hatgirl
p.s. he liked my hat too ;-)

#16 with D at a Caveman Theme Party

After spending the day in northern Iowa's Cold Water Cave, I had time for a quick nap, dinner and costume-making with D.  Okay, so in full disclosure, not much napping occured.....:)  And there is nothing like getting to know someone when you're really tired and trying to take a nap.  I'll take that over actual napping anyday! 

The party started at 11pm and I should say that after D actually sewed a cavewoman dress for me to wear, I was and am still quite smitten. Ladies....the dress even had a scooped neckline which is my favorite and fit like a glove.  I guess it helps being the same size!  Hopefully, he doesn't end up being too sweet.  I've got a nasty track record with the sweet ones.

Although the party didn't cost anything to attend, I volunteered to bring wine.  Great costumes, beautiful people and awesome MUSIC at this party.

#15 with D at Home

Spending V-Day at home allowed me to witness one of the sweetest things to happen to me in years.  D hand delivered a Valentine's card, left it in my mailbox and snuck off thinking nobody saw him.  But, I did and a bunch of sweet, sappy and excited feelings I thought had gone away forever suddenly rushed back.  So, a quick text "thank you" lead to a home cooked meal at my place.

He graciously ate a Russian peasant meal and seemed to like it (or just complimented me anyway) and then watched "Cave Women from Mars" and again seemed to like it.  More small kisses and even more smiles today.

#14 Second Meeting with Nick at Big Brain Comics

Since our first meeting at Double Danger Comics didn't pan out, we decided to try again at Big Brain in downtown MSP.  Shortly after entering, I remembered why Big Brain isn't one of my favorite places.  Hard to read titles since everything is jam-packed and horrible customer service are just two reasons to not frequent that place.

But, getting to know Nick over comics has been interesting.  He seems quite like an onion with lots of layers that don't show until you peel them.  His knowledge of older, newer and rare titles is impressive.  After a short stay at Big Brain, we wandered down the street to Spill the Wine for wine flights and much more conversation.  Conversation with Nick is mostly one-sided but he's got a cool, witty and sarcastically humorous way about him.  His words are well-chosen and he speaks slowly which I first thought was due to a speech impediment.  But, maybe he's just a slow-talker.

#13 with D at a Wine Tasting Event

Blind tasting Maynard Keenen's chardonnay with 3 other under $20 wines was an eye-opener.  The $3.99 bottle from Trader Joes actually came in second place while the $40 Keenen wine came in last.  Other surprises in store for the evening too.

Only a second meeting with D but he proved to be a gracious host (in my own house!) and the life of the party once people learned of his profession.  Being a sound engineer and traveling with A-list bands automatically makes you interesting.  He's sweet and apologized for hogging the limelight.  But, I loved it because sometimes, I like to sit back and watch the excitement happen rather than make it happen.  Lots of things in common with D make me excited for another meeting.

Oh, and lots of small kisses and giggles but nobody laughed at my kissing technique this time!

#12 with Nick at Double Danger

Connected with Nick over comics.  He tried reading Preacher too and while I'm forcing myself through it, I probably should've taken Nick's advice and stopped reading a few volumes ago.  There are just some things I can't burn out of my mind!  Nick suggested Sandman by Neil Gaiman which naturally lead to a first date at my favorite comic book shop, Double Danger.  And since DD is going out of business, everything is half off!

Due to the closing, the owners weren't too concerned with complying with business hours.  We arrived in plenty of time but DD was already closed.  So we hopped next door for coffee and conversation.  He's extremely shy, from Nebraska, lives in Burnsville but wants to move to the city, very tall and has super curly hair.  We tried thinking of Plan B but by the time we finished our coffee we decided to follow through with Plan B a bit later.

An invite to try Big Brain comics and Spill the Wine (wine bar next door) came the next day.  So, more to report later on!

#11 with D at Quangs

Okay, so not a free date but the sea bass pho is soooooo good and only available on the weekends.  Meeting D for the first time and there are always first time nerves to deal with.  But, after the first smile, everything was fine.  The food was delicious and due to the long lines of people waiting for a table, we decided to leave and continue our conversation at Spyhouse Coffee Shop.

He's a sound engineer, gold coin collector and seller and a genuinely funny guy.  He likes to travel too which is a plus.  He's definitely good friend material but it's too early to determine anything else.  For some reason, I have had a much harder time determining partner potential in my old age.  It's taking me 3, 4 and even 5 dates to determine if I want to move forward.  And I definitely cannot tell anything without a kiss!

So, will there be a second date with D?  Yes, but being old fashioned, I will wait for the invite.

#10 with Little Rabbit

A slow cooked meal and a really slow movie (Camille, with James Franco and Sienna Miller) made for a really slow evening.  The night ended just after the movie.  Both of us had a long weekend ahead of us.  Luckily, just fun for me but poor little rabbit has to work all weekend.   BTW...little rabbit laughed at my kissing skills.  I'm not sure what was so amusing.  Must've been a cultural difference!

Looking forward to lunch with David (new).  I'll put up that post later:)

But, I'm seriously looking forward to having the girls over for wine, food and playing dress up before heading out to the theater tonight!

Batgirl

#9 at Bryant Lake Bowl with Eric (ex-MP, DEA, Airforce)

Bowled over 100 last night at Bryant Lake Bowl!  The bowling alley/theater/restaurant was built in 1959 and despite very small upgrades to the kitchen and theater, has not changed.  The lanes, bowls, ball (and probably  shoes) are original.  My 10lb ball had a huge chunk missing out of it but after my first spare, it quickly became my favorite!  Dinner afterwards was delicious as usual.  Now...details about Eric:

We met online.  I am the first to say that online dating has NEVER worked for me.  So, my guard is up and since meeting him last Sunday, my spidey senses have been tingling.  Hatgirls good advice:  "listen to your gut" is being taken seriously.  But, the only things I find wrong with him are the fact that his name is Eric (same name although different spelling as my last boyfriend) and he doesn't drink.  Otherwise, he's a self starter, independent, driven, extremely good looking and super nice.  He's a door holder opener, fights me for the paycheck and loves to compliment me.  Did I mention his father is Iranian?  Although they've never met.  Eric was adopted at 3 mos old and has never wanted to seek out his birth parents.  Oh, and he also goes to church every Sunday. 

Batgirl

breaking the rules

OK, so we have a rule at 52freedates that you must say yes to a first date when someone asks you out. Everyone is worth spending a coffee's worth of time with, yeah?
Well I'm bailing on this one.

I had to cancel my date on Saturday with MR. EAGER because my sore throat flared up, making it hard to talk. And he called me three more times after that. On Sunday, when he knew I was recovering from the sore throat. Then he tried to friend me on facebook, which you can't really do without knowing my fake name. So someone gave that to him. 

Somebody please tell this guy that EAGER turns into DESPERATE when you haven't met someone yet but have already emailed 10 times, sent 15 photos (including one of his fireplace, which he assumed we'd be sitting in front of after our dinner), called 4 times, and started making plans for us to get together the next day as well.

DESPERATE is not sexy. It is not fun. It is not date material. I hope his friend tells him to chill the heck out, because he's setting himself up for a lot of frustration if not.

I did go to a party on Friday and met new folks, which might lead to more first dates. Right now my Friday night is open and I have a feeling it won't be for long!

#6, #7 and #8 for Batgirl

One exciting and tiring weekend under my belt and am now getting ready for yet another snowy drive to work.  Will it ever stop?  The news just reported that it's snowed 27 days in January!  But, that hasn't stopped the dates!

My only planned free date was to support a friends new "non-brewpub brewery".  It's the first one in the twin cities.  For more info: www.harrietbrewing.com The brewpub was open for 4 hours with music and growler sales of their new IPA.  Lots of socializing with strangers and speaking about beer.  My date Bryan accompanied me and while both of us are not hot on hoppy beers, we still supported our friend with the purchase of the growlers.

On to Saturday night and no plans.  Got a call from Date #1 at 530 asking me to see the MN Swarm which is a professional lacrosse team.  The energy, showmanship and athleticism of these guys made for an exciting night.  It didn't hurt that we had suite tickets that were sponsored by the team themselves.  I met the owner and chief marketer.  Both between 10-15 years younger than me!  Free food and drinks too.  At the end of the evening, Date #1 wanted to come in for a "night cap".  As we all know, unless you actually want to make out, you shouldn't allow the "night cap" to happen.  Which I didn't.

Now, to Sunday where one more blind date happened at a local coffee shop (Anodyne) in S. Minneapolis. The date lasted a surprising three hours where conversation flowed freely.  He is an interesting person which a background similar to what I once looked for in a man.  Military, MP, DEA, a bit rough around the edges, likes the color RED and is pursuing a degree in Chiropractic.  As I've grown older, it's very hard for me to tell if there is any future after just one date though.  Have you noticed this ladies?  Sometimes, I need 4-5 dates and definitely must kiss before a final decision is made!

"2 degrees of separation"

i heard a great quote tonight.  minneapolis is so small, we only need two degrees of separation.  and boy is this true!  a friend of a friend is enough to keep you going in dates for weeks.  so....off to another free date at a friends new micro brewery tomorrow. stay tuned for details and hopefully photos this time!

in the meantime....visited the varsity for the first time to see the alarmist and the kitty kat club for the 4th time to see another friend's band.  so, by nature of working where i work, i am attached to two bands with only one degree of separation.

have i mentioned that i love it here?  also, still accepting dates!  email 52freedates@gmail.com for an appointment:)

my first "blind date"

The "blind date" is happening this weekend. My date is a friend of a friend and he sent me about 15 photos of himself. They were all > 450k so took a while to actually download them. He also used some VERY EXCITED looking text in each message. He's either going to be VERY expressive or he's into typestyles. Ok, joking aside, I think he's going to be a hoot.

He proposed a spendy dinner date in the first email and then in the 2nd asked that we go dutch. Since this blog is technically about going on FREE dates, I'm not sure how that's going to fit the requirements. We might have to do the free date later. Yeah, it's backwards but nobody said that was breaking the rules.

Meanwhile, I got a phone number from another guy last week that I should probably call by now. It's been what...5 days?

;-P Hatgirl

nonverbal cues

So what non-verbal cues tell you someone is interested? Guys? Dustin? Anyone?

Looks like I'm about to be set up with someone new, stay tuned.
Hatgirl

first date deets

Okay readers,
So I finally asked out this guy a friend had introduced me to a while ago. I was immediately intrigued when we met, and felt I wanted to know him. As soon as I found out the coast was clear (I knew he wasn't in a relationship) I went for it.

....I love (and make) art, so natch I suggested an art opening. It's social, especially when the wine is flowing, there's usually great people watching and of course one or both of you will know someone there. The show was beautiful and had a large turnout so the energy was high.

I loved the fact that he offered to pick me up, take me out to dinner after the art opening, and emailed me several times before our actual date. I could tell that he was enthusiastic. So much for playing it cool ;-)

We did a lot of "getting to know you" conversation since neither of us did much research ahead. (This btw is part of my dislike of dating websites, where everyone writes this shiny profile, edits out all the messy shit and makes him or herself look like the best thing since sliced white bread. ) We just started from scratch the old fashioned way. There was definitely chemistry between us and conversation flowed easily through the night. We went out for a lovely dinner at one of my favorite places in town - he asked me to choose - which was indulgent and spectacular. Wowza!

After dinner we hung out and talked for another couple hours. He is a very self-reflective and intellectual person that has followed diverse paths of his own choosing ~ and I found myself identifying with many things he talked about. I knew we were going to see more of each other!

The next night it turned out that we'd both been invited to the same costume party so we had a chance to connect in a different setting. It was nice to be in a less intimate situation since two nights in a row is a lot when you're getting to know someone. Also fun was seeing Batgirl show up with her date from last week....or was it this week? I can't keep track. Everyone got to meet everyone and the guys talked "ag" while we had an awesome time dancing.

We left things open, i.e. no plans, and he left earlier than I did. Now it feels like the ball is in his court -  I would be totally psyched if he wanted to get together again! I can also feel the world is my oyster now so I'm open to whatever good stuff wants to show up. 

Hatgirl

#5 for Batgirl

Dare I say that Little Rabbit could easily become a Little Habit?  A change in plans due to cold weather!  We originally planned to attend "Overheard in Minneapolis" at the Huge Theater but the freakishly cold weather (even for Minneapolis) and the accompanying snow storm prompted a night in with Saturnes, Cold Souls and tons of conversation.  The night ended late (or early depending on how you view mornings).  And the best news of all....Pixie found another lap to snooze on!

Headed off for a last minute free date at the album cover art show sponsored by Macy's at 11am.  More to come. The art show was small but the company was fun.  A good friend for sure.

The big surprise of the evening came from a last minute invite to the Guthrie because a caver friend couldn't find a "rea"l date.  It was my first trip to the Guthrie and watching Romeo and Juliet set in the early 1900's was aamazing! Met up with Little Rabbit for a late night dinner at Sea Change which would've been excellent had my mussels not had potato chips crunched up in them!

Off to a costume party where we ran into Hatgirl and her sexy date from Friday night.  Our dates got to know each other while we danced.  Typical men!

Also more to come is the first update from Hatgirl who had a hot date with a cool dude last night!  Hopefully, she's into kissing and telling:)

Date #2, #3 and #4?

Okay, so this blog should be about "free" dates but this weekend, it turned into a LOT of dates.  Starting with a surprise date on Saturday night seeing the return of Date #1.  The evening started out at Coopers in West End, celebrating a friends 29th birthday.  Food and company were excellent!  And oh...to be 29 again!  The girls still partied like the sorority sisters they once were.  After Coopers, we moved to the Lodge in Robbinsdale to see Brat Pack Radio (free cover charge!).  TC'ers....go see this band whenever you feel like dancing and don't forget to wear spandex, acid washed something and fingerless gloves.  I miss you Madonna!  Date #1 called while we were dancing and within a few minutes, joined us for more drinks.  He's definitely friend material but I'm afraid that's where the line must be drawn.

Sunday brunch with C at a very kitschy placed called Hot Plate.  Awesome food and funny paint-by-numbers art covering the walls.  Great conversationalist but again, only friend material.  The chorizo breakfast burrito and pumpkin buckwheat waffle were amazing though.

Thanks to a friend from work, a last minute blind date was set up for Sunday night. After a few emails and some stalking on LinkedIn, I knew I was headed for a challenging but rewarding date.  The conversation flowed easily and for the first time in a long time, I felt a nervous giddiness that still makes me smile. We met at Beaujo's Wine Bistro in Edina which is a small, warm, local-friendly French bistro with excellent food and service.  Two hours flew by but before the end of the evening, I hoped I'd made it clear that another date would be welcome.  Followers, as an inside joke, he'll be called "Little Rabbit".

Weekend Update

So, I may have joined a dating service based on advice from a friend who tried the same service and had lots of dates!  I did and I have a date!

New Business Card!

His name is Chris and we're meeting for brunch this Sunday.  It's the "cheapest brunch in the City" which doesn't exactly meet my "free" criteria but comes close.  

BTW....I was also set up on a blind date for Sunday.  Sunday will be a busy day!  Stay tuned for date details on Sunday night!  

Are the business cards tacky?  I smile when I see them.  Let me know what you think!

The Cute Contractor at Work

I have no idea if he's married, gay, etc but since neither Hatgirl or I have a date this weekend, it might call for serious measures.

What about:  "Hi, pardon me, but you seem familiar.  Did you go to high school in Arizona?"

or how about: "Hi, look seem familiar, is your name Brad?"  secretly hoping his name isn't Brad.  Too many bad experiences to consider dating Brads anymore!

Anyone have any suggestions on breaking the ice?

Also, I work in a building with almost 400 people and I don't usually speak with anyone in Finance.  Would it be okay to date someone in that department or should I stay away from dating workmates?

timing is everything

I attended several art openings and a yoga class this weekend, and saw a couple of men that I would have liked to ask out. But I think it takes more than one brief conversation to ask someone out. The timing seems key also to avoid awkwardness.

What do you folks think?
How do Minnesotans ask someone out?

cheers,
Hatgirl

Accepting Dates!

Hatgirl and I are hoping to get more dates with your help!  If you have friends that might be crushing on us or you have a blind date opportunity, we are accepting emails!

The email address is 52freedates@gmail.com

Hatgirl and I will accept all FIRST dates provided the "datee" is not married, separated or recently divorced.  The game just got more interesting!

#1 Date at Powderhorn365 Art Event

BATGIRL: The event:  www.powderhorn365.com  which included free food and wine too!   Anyone living in the twin cities will enjoy taking a peek into the daily lives of people and events going on in this diverse neighborhood.  I have a feeling art openings might be a staple of the "free" date concept since the city is so artistic and until Spring comes, we'll want to be indoors!

The date:  A friend of a friend who I met over 2 years ago and recently reconnected with.  He's well spoken and probably should be since he makes his living as a radio host of a popular sports show. And this was his first art opening!  I have to admit, I was a little nervous we'd run into lots of people that he knows since everyone I know seems to know him, his celebrity crushes, etc!  Luckily, we didn't run into hordes of people which gave us the chance to talk.

Irony regarding the "free" date: after the free art show, we hit Bradstreet Bar inside the Graves Hotel which is probably the most expensive place in town for drinks.  But, the bartenders are pure magicians and the drinks are heavenly. Although I'm more of a local dive bar date, seeing how the other half drinks was a treat! A very enjoyable evening and you were a fun date....thank you HL!

Choices - First Date

Knowing that my date has described himself as an "inner city, metrosexual", I challenge you to help me decide where to take him:

1. Speed rapper, Carnage CD release party at 5th Element (totally FREE). 
2. Inappropriate Vaudeville at Bryant Lake Bowl ($6 per ticket) note: I've also texted back and forth with him and the word "inappropriate" has come up.  This event might be very appropriate.
3. Ka-Baam Improvised comic book antics featuring heroes suggested by the audience at the Huge Theater ($10 per ticket).  I have a very eclectic comic book collection and the cover might be worth watching them struggle to come up with antics related to Warrior Nun, Preacher, Lady Mechanika, etc...
Signed,
Batgirl