What to wear on a first date... with a fashion designer...

Fact is, I was intimidated. The huge decision of what to wear is bad enough on any first date... when he's a fashion designer? It's HELL!

Did I tell you I was back on RSVP?

That I decided it was time to 'get out there' again? That reality is, I am sometimes lonely and that whilst I am not unhappy being single, I think there is much to be said about finding a great partner. Trouble is, it's actually not that easy to meet eligible single men... So, here I am back internet dating. 

I've done it before, way back in 2006, and decided recently it's time to give it another go. I have been pretty cautious this time. Being very choosy about who I agree to contact/email. Taking it slow, not expecting Mr Perfect to contact me in the first day, though of course hopeful he will materialize at some stage, and hopefully sooner rather than later.

He had a great profile. Well written, witty, no corny name, an interest in art and design. And so I said I was interested and he emailed me back. And so we corresponded online getting to know each other, as much as one can in a format than can be edited and composed any number of times before the send button is pressed. And finally we agreed to meet.

OK. As I said, I was intimidated. And meeting in person where he could actually SEE me, was ridiculously nerve-racking. Needless to say, I asked friends for advice. And the replies... dress up, dress down, dress short were little comfort. And finally, the one true response that would work for me... just be yourself.

And last night (Thursday) we had our first date.

We met at Fed Square and took a quick look at a late opening exhibition of collaborative artwork in "The Studio" where we chatted to a couple of the artists, before heading up to an outdoor cafe for a drink and catch up while watching the world go by.

It was a beautiful evening to be out and about in Melbourne. Balmy with a light breeze. Perfect weather to wear a hand-sewn skirt with fitted top, a light jacket and flattie shoes. Pretty much me. And the thing is, dressed as I was, even though I was nervous, I figure if he didn't like me because of my sense of fashion, then it was never going to be a match made in heaven anyway.

Was he nice? Yes. 

Were there sparks? Not really, no. Actually, no. None. 

Will I see him again? Not so sure about that.

But the thing is, if I do, I'm already worrying about what to wear and I'm not sure I can handle the stress...

Today is the 31st of February...

Today is the 31st of February... well according to my clock it is anyway.

And the fact that it's taken me until after 8pm on Thursday March 3rd to realise I need to change the date on my clock, is a pretty good indicator of me losing track of time the last few days... Somewhere I lost the beginning of the week.

Last weekend I visited Mal and Marion in Mirboo North where Mal opened the doors of his photographic gallery Ridgway Studio for the first time. Exciting times, and it was great to see him get excited and nervous and be proud of his work.

The sun shone and the day was a success. It was fun to hang out and help get the last bits done (though in truth I didn't do much, as it was pretty much done anyway!) It was lovely to catch up with Marion and visit with Nino, Elvis and Pixel, and share drinks with their neighbours at the end of the day.

And then, in the dark hours of Sunday morning I was hit with some sort of gastro bug, which saw me wave my goodbyes and head home early Sunday morning. So I was home and in bed by midday where I spent most of the next two and a half days.

As a quick aside... to anyone who might have the same (stupid) idea as me... Mc Donalds on the road trip home does not prove to have any curative effect (surprise surprise!) It never makes me feel any better when I feel good - why should it when I already feel crap? Whatever was I thinking? Anyway... be warned.

So. Until Wednesday morning when I returned to work, I left the house for 3 things only.
A visit to the doctor.
A walk to the local 7-11 for bread and dry ginger.
A short walk to the letterbox late Tuesday evening undercover of darkness.

It goes without saying... being sick sucks.
Being sick and single, sucks even more.
There is no-one to moan to, or to cook you toast with vegemite.
There is no-one to turn off the telly when you can't be arsed to get up and do it yourself.
There is no-one to turn out the light at 2pm when you're on the verge of an afternoon nap and the light hurts your eyes.
There is no-one to check on you, or rub your back, or get you a drink.
Or just be there.

Despite my miseries and whining about my single status, I am now fine and feel safe to venture more than 50 meters from the nearest amenities!
It's made me grateful for...
My (generally good) health
A decent stock of toilet paper
Skype with Mum and Dad
Friends who offer to drop off supplies and send me random sms messages to check in on me
My heavenly bed
My iPhone
A couple of favourite DVDs
and Aloe vera tissues (No I didn't have a cold, but the tissues were a godsend!)

To the people who invented aloe vera tissues, please take note - there is a definite market for aloe vera toilet paper. It's a serious contender for invention of the year. Seriously. Do it.

Pleeeeaaase...

I for one will buy some and have it tucked away for special occasions!

I need a holiday...

For months now, I have been talking about taking a holiday. An escape of some sort. I know I have spoken about it before. But I am still here, and my annual leave has barely been touched.

I never wanted to be one of those people that had 2 weeks away each summer, only to begin to plan my next summer holiday, to the same destination, the moment I returned. I wanted to be adventurous. To go to new places, experience new things. Spread my wings and see a new part of the world each time I went away. I had travelled broadly for the 8 years I lived overseas and planned to continue to do so.

As it turned out, it didn't quite go as I had hoped...

It occurred to me just last week, that the last time I took a holiday, a proper, more than one week away type holiday, was January 2007. Before that it would have been a one week trip to Darwin, I think in 2005. Before that, maybe 2003 or even 2002. It's 2010 already!

Seems in avoiding what I saw as 'ordinary', I have somehow managed to go without a decent holiday altogether! What the fuck have I been doing?

For whatever reason, even though a holiday well and truly beckons, I can't seem to make my mind up as to what to do, when to go, or even where to go. There are any number of excuses for not making a decision, most of them in no way logical or sensible. And my passport remains unstamped. The furthest I have travelled in the last 2 years is Canberra, a mere one hour flight from home!

I am driving my friends mad.
I am driving my family mad.
But most of all,
I am driving myself mad.

I have considered...
Thailand
The UK
Cambodia
Vietnam
India
New Zealand
The USA
A caravan on the coast of NSW (Aus)
A road trip around the coast of Australia
Cairns
Darwin
God help me, I have even considered the Gold Coast!
I have considered
Camping in the backyard!
Camping in the front yard!
An artist retreat
A health retreat
A retreat from the world...

Right now, indecision is my biggest problem.

I know it's not a problem of epic proportions.
In fact, I can barely call it a problem.
Not in the true sense of the word.
But I need a holiday.

Help me.

Being single on Valentine's Day...

I'm ok with being single on Valentine's Day.
I've done it before.
I survived it then.
And I will survive it again today.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!