A date with B

So on Tuesday I had a date with B.
He is a friend.
Remember the awkwardness of this night...and then my second thoughts months later here and here.


Well he asked me out for a date.
And since he had heard of all my sort of not so great dating stories I figured I certainly should give him a chance.
He suggested Terroni on Adelaide.


I didn't have the heart to suggest somewhere else though I had been there recently with MrConsultant (a different location/same menu) and previously before with MrKent.
I messaged him during the day to ask him if we were meeting at the restaurant or before hand (ie. what I was trying to say is "hey if this is a date...pick me up!")
He said "meet there...is that okay?"
So obviously I replied "sounds great :)" because I suck at saying how I really feel.


I was so so so incredibly nervous!
I was just a chatty cathy talking a million miles a minute.
He is pretty chatty too so that was okay.
We had some great food.
But I couldn't help but glance around and hope not to see MrKent or recall that date.
Anyway I quickly zoned myself back into conversation with B.


Afterwards he walked me to my car that was parked close to my work.
And as we stood there chatting.
I was nervous...and found myself saying "I had a really great time hanging out"...I mean I did but something about it seemed so automatic like it is my go to line after a date.
It's like I don't want to make the person feel bad.


And then I was panicky as I went to hug him but he was sort of leaning down.
And I thought well I can't kiss him.
So before I knew it he kissed me and then  I kept kissing him because I was so worried about it being awkward!
And it was fine.
I mean it was good.


And as I drove home I had a little bit of a freak out.
As in what the HECK am I doing?
Am I dating too much? Am I still not over MrKent? Should I take a break from all this dating? Should I move out of the country? 
Total freakout.
So obviously when I got home I reached out to Taylor.
Who instantly made me feel better by telling me "you're not doing anything wrong".
And it made me breathe a little bit easier.


Then Laurel messaged me ...here is how it went down.

Pravda= MrPravda, Dentist=MrDentalSurgeon, Ottawa guy=MrConsultant...just to help you keep it straight:)

The blank is MrKent

So yea safe to say I was having a little bit of a freak out!


Thank goodness B is going to Vegas/Cali on vacation so I can have some time to sort out what to do about him/this situation.
Part of me thinks I'm actually not ready for a boyfriend if that person isn't the right one.
But part of me thinks I'm so ready for a boyfriend if it is the right person.
I think I was/am bummed because I really thought MrKent was the right person.
Boy was I wrong.
What am I going to do?
Of course my ridiculousness had me lined up for a date the next night...Wednesday a date with MrPravda.

Midweek Date

So Wednesday I had my makeup date with MrConsultant.
After bailing on him this day.
So I hurried home from work to head downtown for dinner.


He told me to meet him at Gusto101.
I was super excited because it is owned by the same people who own Trattoria Nervosa.
The awesome Yorkville place Taylor and I hit up the afternoon she flew out during her 2012 Toronto trip.

Pic from here...only picture this place with people streaming in a line out the front door!

I headed there and was trying to find a place to park when MrConsultant called me.
The place is SO popular the wait was 2 hours at 7pm on a Wednesday!
So part of me was disappointed because I was looking forward to trying this place...the other part disappointed in that he didn't get reservations before hand.
I know I know I'm becoming kind of nit picky aren't I?


So he hopped in my car looking much more dapper in a dress shirt, tie and slacks then on our first date.
So we headed towards Queen West Area to find somewhere else to eat.

Pic from here.

One of the things that stresses me out about Toronto is street parking.
It's just that sometimes it is seriously super busy and to try and parallel park with angry drivers all around you stresses me out!
Enough so that I will park farther away for slightly more money in an actual parking lot.
So it was kind of annoying to have MrConsultant point out parking places that 
1. were too small for my large SUV 
2. it was pretty much as I drove past them.
Which made me feel all self-conscious and silly and apologizing like crazy.
And it just started off the night in the most stressful way.


So finally we turned down a more residential street.
And one teeny tiny parking space was available.
So he jumped out to guide me into it.
Which I was able to do successfully.
Then he high fived me.


Gosh I HATE when boys high five me.
I'm not your playground buddy.
Anywho as we walked up the street he pointed out a very cool thing I had no idea about in Toronto.


Graffiti alley.

Pic from here.

There is actually a documentary made about this place in Toronto called Between the Lines you can check it out in the link above (under the pic).
It was actually a really cool place.


We then headed to Terroni in Queen West.
I had been to the other Adelaide location previously and love it (read here).

Pic from here.

Pic from here.  It was LOVELY spending the night on the patio.

Anywho we shared an appetizer of 


Funghi Assoluti12.95
baked oyster mushrooms, parmigiano, bread crumbs, extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, arugola

Mr Consultant ordered
Pappardelle alla Iosa16.95
homemade spicy sausage, button & oyster mushrooms, peas, parmigiano, extra-virgin olive oil






I ordered 
Tagliatelle alla Bolognese16.95
traditional bolognese ragù, parmigiano




And we had an amazing bottle of red wine.
For dessert we shared the Tiramisu and sipped cappuccinos.
And it was lovely.


And it's like I'm immensely enjoying the food and the location and MrConsultant is interesting and kind.
But there are definitely some points where I think we don't actually click.
I don't know...its so tough.
Part of me might be a little hung up still on hewhomustnotbenamedMrKent.
Which is just ridiculously super annoying by the way!


Anyway, at the end of our date I dropped him off at his place.
And when he leaned in to kiss me I found myself turning my cheek.
He wanted to get together again this weekend.
Since I already had a date for Friday and a wedding to attend on Saturday and I was really hoping for a lazy couch day Sunday I tried to decline.
But he was so DARN persistent.
Ughhh why do I SUCK at saying no.
So I agreed to meet up with him on Sunday even though what I really wanted was a day to waste on the couch!
I just have this unsettled feeling...yucko!
And that is how it all went down on Wednesday.

Weekend Update ~Afternoon Tea, Back Seat in a Parking Lot and Beach Bumming

So after Friday night (read here) with MrPhD left me quite perplexed...
I was ready for the rest of the weekend.
Saturday in the morning I mainly bummed around and got ready for my first date with MrConsultant.
I was excited because we've been chatting on the phone and we've developed a pretty decent banter.


Oh I did scrounge up for a fun breakfast that involved a pie crust, pancetta, kale and eggs...so I guess it would most resemble a frittata.
I slightly over cooked it but it was still decent.

The other reason I was excited?
His choice of first date...afternoon tea at the Le Meridien's King Edward hotel downtown.
As IF he could have picked a better first date for me!
So I got dolled up in one of my favourite dresses.
So off I went downtown to meet him.

I pulled up filled with a sense of anticipation...

Pic from here

 
How could you not?
With a place like this?

Pic from here.

And I totally walked past him.
Mainly because I thought surely this guy in the lobby cannot be him.
Because he was wearing a t-shirt, jeans and trainers.


I mean really?
For a first date?
And with his suggestion of the venue and everything....what the heck?!
AND not to mention our last conversation we had was about how he had 82 pairs of shoes and Prada loafers were part of the conversation too.
So ummm have to admit in person sort of disappointing...mainly because it looked like no effort was placed.

Pic from here.

I enjoyed his company and all the treats...
the tea...

Pic from same as above.

the sandwiches
the scones
and the pastries
were lovely

Pics from same as above.

I enjoyed my time.
He's certainly quirky and smart.
I enjoyed the conversation.
He suggested we go out again.
I accepted.


With that I headed home.
And MrPhD gave me a call and suggested we hang out that night.
I thought about it and thought...hey why not?
I figured maybe I could at least figure out a little more one way or another of how I felt.


So I accepted.
He then told me I should make the plan for the night.
(Which I don't love but am totally capable of...sort of like how I feel about opening doors).


So I picked a restaurtant from Toronto's Life's Top 10 new restaurants for 2012.
Called Keriwa.
Described as Toronto's only Aboriginal fare.

Pic from here.

It was definitely a different type of restaurant.
Upon entering it had sort of a smokey campfire scent.
MrPhD said it smelled like incense.
I couldn't quite put my finger on it.
But it was definitely unique.

Pic from same as above.

It was busy and had a good mix of people in it.
The couple beside us raved about how good the food was.
So we were excited.

Pic from same as above.

I had the Lamb.
He had the Bison (found a pic online of his).

Pic from here.

And we generally had good conversation.
Enough for me to suggest we grab a drink at Cocktail Bar.
Obviously one of my favourites....went there with Taylor and hewhoshallnotbenamedagainbecauseitsgettingannoyingMrKent.
And we started having some cocktails.

Pic from here.

 
And he proceeded to try and kiss me full on at the bar.
While I squirmed away.
Then our conversation somehow had him asking "so how much do you weigh?"
Ummmm what?!?!
I told him that wasn't really an appropriate question...especially coming off a conversation about him complaining about his last date that he met off EH was overweight.
Yea it was sort of downhill from there.


Then came the most awkward moment ever.
We walked hand and hand back to where he parked.  
Then he said ummm why don't we sit for a second before we go.
I said "oh okay do you not feel okay to drive?"
He said he would prefer to wait a little while.
I of course said that was okay and suggested an alternative of us each taking a taxi home.
He said it was okay and wanted to sit for a bit.
And then opened the door...to the back seat of his car.


Are you raising your eyebrow yet because I was sort of stunned at this point.
I suggested we go for a walk.
He said he would prefer to sit.
So I reluctantly climbed in.


And then it was just awkward as he grabbed my chin, tilted my head and proceeded to jam him tongue into my mouth.
And I just felt uncomfortable.
And the more he persisted the more I pulled away.
I mean here we were in a well lit parking lot off a main street downtown.
I felt so silly in the back seat of his car.


So then he drove me home.
And I thought to myself ...yea this is probably not going to work.
And when I got home I promptly fell asleep in a mixture of confusion and tipsiness.
Today's text of "how was your day?" has been unanswered and leaving me with trying to figure out how to respond because really it's just not working out.


The next morning with a slight headache I dragged myself from bed to get ready for a beach day.
I headed to Laurel's where I met up with her, her fiance, and B.
We headed down to the beach to meet two of the other CanadaCrew girls and one of their cute guy friends.
The weather was perfect.
And we had a fantastic yummy potluck picnic.

Then the boys played some frisby.
And I just watched all the eye candy of them showing off.
B was looking really good.
And had me re-thinking why I blew him off for a date.  
Okay that sounded ridiculously dirty...you know what I mean.

I headed home in the early evening because I had my second date with MrDentalSurgeon.
I was anticipating this was going to be the ending the hanging out type date 
(much like the Saturday one with MrPhD).
He picked me up looking quite handsome (1 point).


He said he almost forgot how beautiful I was (1 point).
He picked out Moxie's (a chain) for dinner (-1 point).
As we sat down he said...wow seriously you are really beautiful (1 point).

Pic from here.

And as the dinner went on I found myself having more and more fun with him.
As we talked I also brought up the Wednesday night ditch (I wrote about it here).
And he said, well I didn't hear from you on Tuesday or Wednesday so I figured you didn't really want to and I didn't want to push it (0.5 point).
One of the other interesting things is he joked around (I think) about going with him to a conference in Dallas during the first weekend of July...
hmmm I wonder if he was actually serious.
I giggled about it but secretly might be hoping that would work out...guess we'll see.


As we walked out of Moxie's he grabbed my hand.
And he walked to open my car door.
And as he did he said..."well there is a small fee of a hug for that".
I hugged him and he lifted me off the ground commenting "gosh you're light" (1 point).
And as he gently placed me down I tilted my head up and he kissed me.
And it was a REALLY good kiss (plus like a zillion points).
And when we finished he commented "I could definitely get used to that".


Then he drove me home and stopped short of the entrance to my apartment.
When I looked at him quizzically.
He explained...I'd like to kiss you again only not put on a show for the concierge.
Which I found actually very sweet.
And the kiss was just WOW.


And I giddily walked up to my apartment.
What a busy interesting weekend I had.
Made even better this morning with this text from MrDentalSurgeon 
"Have a great day gorgeous".
After that text...I sure did.

Drive in Date

So last night I went on date number two with MrPhD.
He came up with a fun plan to head to the drive in.
I haven't been in years!

Pic from here.

We stopped by the store to grab some Mike's Hard Lemonade.
Because what would be a drive in experience without sneaking in some fun beverages.
Plus since we've been having AMAZING weather it the Lemonade seemed like a great option.

Pic from here

It was hot out and we were all giggly about how this seemed very high school.
What better for dinner than... burgers and fries?

Pic from here.

So we grabbed a patio seat at South Street Burger Company to eat before we headed to the drive it.

It was a cute drive in out in the middle of nowhere far from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
We decided to see Ted which had us laughing but definitely a very risque movie.
Here's the (WARNING Rated R!) trailer

So we settled in to watch it with our Mike's Hard Lemonade.
The second feature was the Avengers but since it was a "school night" we decided to head home around midnight.


I did like that he held my hand.
He also tried to awkwardly snuggle me in the car (but kind of hard to do because of the console between the driver and passenger seat).
We did have some good talks.


And then he leaned over to kiss me.
And he's kind of a sloppy kisser...just saying.
Or maybe I'm just a little bit awkward...or maybe we just need to work on that.
I just found myself pulling away a little bit.
I also am obviously initially the most awkward make out person ever because I get so nervous and worry about what the person is thinking!  


Darn I just don't know about this guy.
I'm totally having a hard time figuring this one out.
I think part of it is that he seems a little more rough around the edges.
He is clearly very smart and well traveled but I'm curious to see how he handles himself in different situations.


By that I mean how does he handle himself in more formal situations.
I find it incredibly attractive to be around a guy who can handle himself in many different situations.
From a hockey game to the work place to a formal evening out.
If a guy is sort of smooth in these situations I find that incredibly sexy.
I'm not sure MrPhD possesses that...but he might.


He did tell me I was pretty last night.
Which I obviously really liked.
And I'm more so just trying to relax and have a good time and not stress about things too much.


We generally do seem to have a decent banter going on right now.
So I guess we'll see where it goes.
I think we are going to hang out again Friday night.
Is it weird that I'm sort of apprehensive about this?


Oh yea and while on my date MrDentalSurgeon called.
Oops I totally forgot that I said I would be home after 9:30 and would have time to chat.
But then the drive in plans came up which had me out later than I thought.
I just listened to his voicemail and he said something about making plans to get together soon.

I just don't know when I'll have the time... between MrResident tonight, MrPhD Friday, MrConsultant Saturday afternoon and a girl's beach picnic on Sunday.
I'm one busy girl!


Do I try to go on two dates on Saturday???
That just makes me think of that episode of SATC when Charlotte goes on two dates and totally gets caught.
Hmmm probably not the best idea.


And if you noticed I quickly filled up my weekend.
I'm obviously trying to avoid Jacob coming up here.
And the best way to do that seems to be to go on lots of dates.
I'll keep you posted!

Fridate

So I alluded to my first date with MrPhD before.
Friday we made plans...only he couldn't seem to decide what to do.
I'm usually pretty easy in terms of choice.
I pretty much like everything.


So I let him know I wasn't picky and he could feel free to make the executive decision.
He asked me to give him something to work with or food preferences.
I let him know that anything was good and linked an article to the top 10 new restaurants (a variety of pricing) from the Toronto Life magazine.


He then suggested some types of food like Italian, Japanese etc.
I said they all sounded great and apologized for not making it easy on him.
Then he asked me what to wear.
I told him I was wearing a causual dress with JackRogers flat sandals but had heels in the car if needed.
Only instead he whined about not knowing what to wear.


I was actually getting a little irritated at that point.
Mainly because I wanted him to man up and make a decision.
So then it came time to pick a place to meet up.


We decided on a neutral ground of Bayview Shopping Centre (the same shopping centre that has my favs of Restoration Hardware, Brooks Brother's, and O&B Cafe Grill...and yes if you've been following along the same place as DateEighteen with MrKent).


So he came to pick me up from that parking lot.
Which I offered to meet at the restaurant of his choosing but he still wanted to drive.
And don't worry I always let someone know who I'm going with etc. so I feel safe.


So he picked me up and we started to drive.
There was some awkward first date type chit chat.
Then we headed to Highway 61 Southern BBQ.
Which I was super excited for...

Pic from here

Only it was closed for renovations.
(Which also let me know he didn't try to make any reservations).
So then we walked down the street until we came across Verdi Restaurant.
A cute little place with a cute patio.

Pic from here

So we settled in.
And had some good chats.
It was hard sometimes because you know when you're talking and someone says "yea yea yea" only you think it's because they aren't listening.
That's sort of what he does and the feeling I got.
Like he doesn't quite pay attention.


Dinner was sort of just meh.
Basic pasta but the wine was warm (seriously).
And the bread was stale.
And I sort of wished he had said something about it to the waiter but he didn't.


So then he asked if I wanted to go grab a drink somewhere.
I wasn't having a completely unfortunate time.
So I agreed...maybe I just needed to warm up to him a little was what I was thinking.


So we headed down to College Street.
To a place called College Street Bar.
It definitely seemed like a cool place to be.
And with a gorgeous summer night it was fun to relax.

Pic from here.

And we sat there and talked some more.
Then he suggests we do shots.
I declined.
I'm so NOT a shot girl.
And ummm hi there first date.


So then he asks me if I think we click.
AND if I think we click physically? emotionally? chemistry?
I'm thinking in my head...holy crap I couldn't get MrKent to have this kind of conversation and here we are on a first date and this is totally WAY too soon.
So I think I tried to laugh it off and say something along the lines of...I think you're cute and I think we'll have to see about all those other things.

So it left me feeling slightly uncomfortable.
Maybe he is just sort of socially awkward?
And also...this is kind of weird...he would lean into me with his head tilted down.
But I couldn't tell if it was because he was trying to get closer to tell me something or if he was trying to put his face in my cleavage...SERIOUSLY I'm still trying to figure out that one.


Anywho it started to get late so I suggested we head back to the mall parking lot.
And as we pulled up to it.
We saw them giving my car a ticket!
Booooooooo!  At least my care wasn't towed!

Anyway so he got out of the car.
And we said goodbye.
He leaned in for a kiss so I let him peck me quickly on the lips before turning my head so the second kiss attempt landed squarely on my cheek.


He at least was sweet and asked me to text him when I got in.
I did and thanked him for the fun evening.
He replied with "you too your really sweet and fun".
So that was nice.


Umm yea...that was that first date.
I don't know about it.
He was cute but I'm just not sure how we "clicked" I suppose.


Then he messaged me during the weekend a bunch...which I usually really like.
Then sort of weird but yesterday he messaged me "I missed your smile ;)"
Which just seems like he is full of BS.
I mean we've been on ONE date.


So I managed to side step that one...then he blatantly text me "did you miss me?"
And my heart sunk.
Because I just had a fun long Canada Day Weekend with the girls 
(which will be the next post I write).
And I barely know him so ummm no I didn't really miss you.
But now I'm in this awkward position where he totally has put me on the spot.
I just sort of ignored it and responded later on in the day with something about an afternoon nap...pure avoidance is the way I chose to go with that!


I talked to Laurel about it and she thinks he's just trying to hit it and quit it.
ie. Totally full of BS and just trying to get in my pants.
We sort of made plans to hang out Wednesday.


He asked if I wanted to go on a hike.
I mean not exactly my first choice for a second date but we'll see.
I don't know...am I just be hypercritical because I'm comparing these two first dates with recent amazing dates with MrKent?
I just don't know!


I also don't know if will go on a second date with MrDental Surgeon.
I wrote about the date ditching weirdness here.
He messaged me a Happy Canada Day. 
And then he messaged me yesterday about how my weekend was...and asking what my week looked like.
I responded back all breezy like...I have a few things on the agenda but not too crazy ...what does your week look?
He responds with "Very light week, weekend completely free!"
To which I didn't respond...because if he thinks I'm going to ask him out after he blew me off on Wednesday...well let's just say that's not going to happen.
And I haven't heard from him since.

But don't worry I have a few others on the agenda for this week.
Wednesday a second date (possibly) with MrPhD.
Thursday a first date with MrResident.
This Friday possibly a date with MrConsultant.
This weekend Jacob is possibly coming up to visit.
Just thought I would try and slip that one past y'all.
F*ck.


It's only during the rough times I tend to spiral into that suckhole vortex that is Jacob.
I haven't done it yet but I have chatted with him.
Obviously I'm not feeling that great if I'm resorting to that.
I suck.

Communication....what I think versus what I say...

Pic from here

So on Friday I had a date planned with MrPhD.
We had a few sort of awkward conversations during the week but I chalked it up to nervousness on both of our parts.
So sort of the funniest thing during the day was a message I actually received from MrDentalSurgeon.


Yes the guy that stood me up on Wednesday (read here if you missed it).
Which was kind of good because then I got to chat up MrPhD and MrConsultant on the phone Wednesday night instead.
And it led to Friday night date plans with MrPhD.


So on Friday I was busying myself during the day with an exam I had to turn in for a certification.
A pretty full day at work.
And getting myself a little nervous for my first date with MrPhD.
Then PING...and this shows up on my phone from MrDentalSurgeon.
"How was your week and are you in/out of town this weekend? :)


What I think....ummmm hey there date ditcher...haven't heard from you since Monday...
What I say "Great!  I'm headed to Kingston for the weekend.  How was your week?"


He responds..."Busy...(some stuff about work related stuff)...Looking forward to next 3 days off/relax.  R U leaving tonite or tomorrow morning?"


What I think...SERIOUSLY no mention of ditching without even a "hey things got crazy busy can we raincheck"... or even "sorry the week got so crazy busy sorry I bailed on Wednesday"...annoying...and I seriously hate shortened things like "R U" versus Are you...
What I say..."That's great!  Tomorrow morning which is good because traffic is looking crazy on the 401"  (the main highway across Ontario).


He responds "R u up for seeing a movie tonight?  I can come to your 'hood ? :)"


What I think...really a single fun nice girl and you are asking her at 4:28pm to do something that evening...on a Friday night...you cannot be serious....ughhh and I hate the word "'hood".
What I say "Would love to but I already have plans tonight"


He responds "Np.  Have a great weekend :)"


What I think...maybe if you invite me earlier in the week?  
AND still no mention of the Wednesday night ditch...kind of rude actually.
What I say "You too :)"


I don't mean to play games with this guy but seriously?!
I think it just goes to show what type of priority I would be to him.
So I think I will gracefully bow out of that one.


Then the rest of Friday afternoon I had to contend with MrPhD who could not make a decision to save his life.
Like he couldn't decide where to go.
Or what to wear (seriously).
Or even where to meet up prior.


I hate calling the shots with things.
I do enough of that during the day.
So when it comes to evenings and weekend I just want to relax and be the lady.
Which means I would like the guy to step it up and call the shots.


So I definitely have to fill you in on my Fridate with MrPhD.
It involved...


Yesterday's lasagna.
A talk about feelings.
A parking ticket at 2:06am.


It sure was a doozy.

Pseudo Stood Up?

Hey so I think I've been stood up.
Remember my first sort of...meh date with MrDentalSurgeon last Tuesday?
You can read about it here if you missed it.


So anywho at the end of last week when he asked to get together again for tonight I agreed.
I chatted with him almost daily since.
But then the last I heard from him was on Monday when he asked how my race went and if I had any pics from it (which I don't yet).


And then ...nothing.
And I honestly didn't really think about it yesterday.
But since I haven't heard from him all day tonight and it is currently 5:46pm I'm guessing I've been stood up.
(Last time he confirmed in the morning of what we were going to do).
Which in all reality if he doesn't even have the common courtesy to text a cancellation.
I've dodged a bullet.

Plus that opens up my schedule to talk to either MrPhD or MrConsultant tonight.
No biggie.
And in the amazing words of Charlotte York.

Pic from here

I'm really starting to believe this more and more.
I'm not sure I believe in the whole soulmate thing (as in a partner I'm "meant" to be with).
I starting to think a lot more along these lines now.
I don't mean that at all in an angry or bitter way.
Just something I'm coming to accept.