Fatigue Sets In: 100 First Dates Moratorium?

originally posted Tuesday, November 08, 2005

I'm tired... oh so tired. I think the last date countdown was #88, which means I've only made it through 13 first dates.... (sigh). Remember, we're only counting the first timers here - not the repeat offenders!

I still think the 100 First Dates is a good idea. I'm just thinking maybe it's time for a breather. I'll continue with any first dates that are currently on the agenda. I'm already scheduled for a first date with B to celebrate his birthday this week, so I'll definitely do that but I'm thinking of putting a freeze on new applicants until I can process the current workload and move on.

There are several reasons for this:
My house is in disarray - The Pergo floor is tantalizingly close to being complete. The guest bath is in a state of disrepair: floor ripped up, gaping hole in the wall where the hideous built in fluorescent light fixture used to be, exposed drywall everywhere since I ripped down the wallpaper. Given a little leisure time I can fix all of this and enjoy the fruits of my labor! This means I won’t be so embarrassed when I have company over, and dates won’t be intimidated by my prowess with power tools.

My work life is in flux - I just accepted some freelance work on the side. Thank god it's an interesting, stimulating and meaningful project. Afterall, that's why I got into this business to begin with! Meanwhile, my day job sucketh my will to live. After a short and demotivating conversation with my manager yesterday, the job search is in full swing! This means I'll have to prep for interviews and get my portfolio together.

My attention span is shortening - The turnover is exhausting. Lately, the dating candidates have been really nice. The older ones have all been speaking of some great connection they feel with me. I like them, but don't feel anything. I'm wondering if some of these guys wouldn't be better contenders if they had my full attention. Maybe I'd feel something for them if I wasn't so busy. Instead they're talking to me and I'm distracted by anything shiny and have trouble recalling their names. Parakeets have greater attention spans.

I've turned into "that girl" - and who wants to be "that girl"?! I was at a party recently and I realized that friends have now taken to introducing me as "that girl who's going on 100 First Dates". Yeah, great. So that's the only compelling thing about me these days? Pathetic. Any good potential dates are turned off by that and the creepy guy from New York who smells like poo decides that's his cue to mosey over and see if he can reserve a spot on my dance card. Not exactly the demographic I was shooting for, but thanks buddy.

I think I might give JM a chance at something short term and see how that works out. Just take myself out of circulation temporarily. Our last date was really nice and very comfortable. I brought Sophie over to his place and we had a little slumber party (with pajamas, thank you -- there was no hibbity-skibbity). We got Chinese takeout, watched some Ali G and SNL, talked about growing up in South Florida, and had a nice relaxed time. The next day we had a leisurely brunch and he decided to tag along while I ran some errands and took care of some stuff, then we had a catnap. We wound up being together for a full 24 hours. It was great except I was nervous he might still be hanging around when my next date arrived to pick me up for dinner later that night. One-track daters don't have that kind of stress in their lives; it just made me feel like a player.

What do you think? Should I continue on with the saga of 100 First Dates or give it a rest?