Oh my gosh.

I’ve been single for a long time, I won’t tell you how long, but it hasn’t been without my attempts to meet the one. This week, I’ve had all these memories of “attempts”. These are too good not to share! I won’t share any names, not in order:

Man 1: Attractive, funny, sharp, asked great questions, interesting. Then yes, just when I thought this might have a chance, he sent me a photo of his body part, yes – that one. Ewww…

Man 2: Kind, thoughtful, creative, interesting, caring, respectful, single dad. Lost touch, reconnected, then – asked me out for a “romantic date” but didn’t own a car, was going to rent a car for our date. Hmmm…

Man 3: This one I never dated, no interest to date. But true story of a co-worker who just had twins, went to a happy hour, and shared his wife approves of him being in an open relationship, he’s free to sleep with anyone he wants, any interest? Really? Check please…

Man 4: Entrepreneur, seeing a therapist, working on being more himself, attractive, liked healthy food, loved to exercise, setup a thoughtful date, then proceeded to share with me he got blow jobs from hookers on a boat in Miami. Are you serious, did you just say that on the first date? He may be encouraged to share his underbelly, but right away?

Couple 1: Yes, the couple who invited me to join them. What?

Man 5: This one I thought had a chance. Professional, kind, intelligent, caring, respectful. And then he shares he is preparing for when the satellites fall out of the sky, he has an exit plan which involved sailing by the stars. Impressive, but I’m a little concerned, we are kind of land locked in Minnesota, will he make it?

Man 6: This is it. I have good feeling about this one, he’s a yogi. Of course, that was my problem, I wasn’t dating yogis. He asks me out, then asks if I’ll pay for dinner. Really?

Man 7: I follow my mom’s idea, and attend a church single’s event. Nice dinner, big table of single people, I make conversation. Within 15 minutes, man next to me asks if I’d like to go with him to an alien site in Arizona, but we’d have to go dutch. Can I leave now?

Man 8: A setup, from a good friend. She’s excited. A real estate investor, healthy, solid, he’s been her friend for years. I have a good feeling. I meet him at the restaurant, we are standing in the lobby waiting for our table. We are making small talk, he asks me about my son. I said his name is Tyler, he’s a ginger, x years old. He looks at me and says, were you married to _________? I said actually, yes I was. He shared, I just got a Christmas card from your Ex, Tyler was in the picture. I was in your Ex’s divorce support group. What? A support group of like 5 men that met 8 years ago. Can I run out of here? He insisted we find a table, can I crawl under it?

Man 9: This is it. I know it is. An executive coach. I was setup from another coach friend. Charming, funny, attractive, listens, asks questions, leans in, touches your back on first date. He confirms, I’d love to see you again. Aww c’mon, finally. Then, a few days later, at work – a good friend grabs me and says we have to grab happy hour. Of course! Here’s how the happy hour conversation goes, “Jill, I met someone. I was at a high-school friend’s get together, and I met this coach. He is amazing, we had such a great conversation, I am into him! “, “Tell me more…, and a little more, what is his name?” Yes – same guy.

Man 10: A farmer. Yes, that is the answer. No more city men. I can do long distance, corn fields, tractors. Until he decides he can’t date someone from the city. Ok.

Man 11: A handyman. Came over to install a light fixture. I opened the door, adorable! Can I remember how to speak? Then, cute message from God after, “When she had a few screws loose, she didn’t seem to mind, she really loved her handyman.” Must be a possibility, to find out, he’s in a relationship.

So I’ve tried. And, then I’ve stopped trying. I’ve had a few relationships, but not quite the right one. I’ve just fallen in love with my life. I really do love my life. I went on a synchronistic coffee with a man awhile ago. Really cool man. Professional, attractive, funny, honest. This wasn’t a date. But it reminded me, they are out there. Thank you for the reminder God.

This week I’ve loved listening to Taylor Swift’s Opalite song, so groovy. Yes, I’ve never listened to her, but I love this song. I’ve been dancing through the lightning strikes, yes, I have. This lyric is my favorite: This is just a temporary speed bump, but failure brings you freedom. And I can bring you love, love, love, love. Maybe it’s all just a temporary speed bump? Failure bringing freedom…

At yoga this morning, an Ashtanga practice, the teacher shared, “that did happen, but now it’s gone.” So, maybe, just maybe, that all did happen, but now it’s gone. Ashtanga was my very first yoga class I took after I got a divorce. A full circle day? I hope so.

For years I’ve written these love notes, but I haven’t had someone to give them too. I can’t imagine I’d get all these ideas without meeting someone I can give them too? So, I think that is God’s intent. I keep trusting the right one will happen when it’s right.

Thank you God for all the fun attempts, for all the lessons learned. Thank you for helping me to dance through the lightning strikes.

In gratitude for it all, xo,

Jill