The Boyfriend and The Birthday

Wow, I just used the word boyfriend! I know that I mentioned that M and I talked about being exclusive, but I am very wary of using the "B" word. However, the other night M used the word girlfriend about me so I guess that's what it is. And wonder of wonder I am totally great with it! Holy crap, LMG has a boyfriend?! Who ever thought that would happen (I think we all know not me).
Anyway, M did such a great job making me feel special on my birthday. I won't lie having a birthday on a Monday is no fun and having a birthday at my crappy job was even worse! To be honest it isn't even worth getting into. Needless to say I needed a pick me up when I got home. M called me during the day to give me a bit of a hint as to where we were going , the word he gave me was "spicy." My mind was racing to all sorts of different places where we could have been going. When I got home, M came to meet me and we headed in a cab downtown. He apologized for not having a card or anything but he had been running late after a work meeting and wanted to make sure to be on time. I was a little disappointed in not getting at least a card, but once I saw where dinner was I was so excited that it didn't matter! M took me to Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill! I had been there once before with my family but can't really remember it. Anyway, what an AMAZING meal!! I don't think I can go into total details (take a look at the menu, I promise everything was delicious!!) but I will tell you that I enjoyed every single bite. I can tell you that dessert was like nothing I have every had before, a deep dish banana cream pie (which I don't think was like pie at all). OMG, there are no words! The plate said "Happy Birthday" and I got to blow out a candle, and I was just so happy.
After dinner M came over for just a little bit but had to leave since he had an early train to catch (eve though he wanted to stay). All in all, 31 is starting off well and I look forward to what else it has in store.

Thanks so Much!!

As I mentioned in a previous posts, I was nominated for a couple of awards and a game of tag from some of my fellow bloggers. So, now I am going to make good on my promise and post about it.

The award is called

Thanks to my fellow Blogger The Frisky Virgin I think you are very brave to share your story with the blogging community. I love that you're so honest and funny about what you have been through, and your posts on other subjects (like sports and makeup) just make it better! Keep your chin up, you're awesome!

Also, thanks to Cinderita (same award). I have to say first off that your comments to me always make me smile. Besides that I love your blog! You are very open with what you are thinking and feeling and sometimes I can identify so strongly with what you're going through. I hope nothing but good things for you!!

Now the game of tag was something I was tagged in by one of my favorite bloggers, MCW. It is one of the first blogs I started to read when I began blogging and I am addicted to it! So here are the rules for this game of tag. I have been asked eight questions, which I will be answering in this post. Then I will come up with eight questions of my own and tag some of my fellow bloggers (so be on the lookout!).

1. What were you like in high school? In High School, I was a total theater geek (and I won't lie, I still am). I loved working on all the shows we did and would be at school until all hours painting sets or running lines. I even went to theater competitions and won a few!
2. If you could bring one clothing style back what would it be? That is such a good question because I have no idea, I love classic simple lines which seem to always be in style. However, does anyone remember Units? You could buy one item and wear it like seven different ways?! I used to love them, it made getting ready so easy!
3. Do you have a green thumb? No.
4. What is one thing you would love to do if you came to NYC? Well, I live in NYC right now, so I have gotten to do most of what I want, but if money was no object....I would love to eat at Per Se and shop along 5th Ave!
5. One is one thing we would do if I came to visit you? We live in the same city and still have not met up, so let's do that! Drinks? Food? You name it!
6. If you HAD to decided between having a beautiful face or an amazing body which would you choose, and why? That is soooo tough! I guess face, but I don't know why, it's the one that jumped at me.
7. Are you more like your mom or your dad? I think I am a bit of both (actually all three if we can count my stepdad).
8. Is there something about yourself that you hide from people when you first meet them? I probably hide alot of things, it takes me time to warm up and open up to people. But once I do, I am an open book.

Okay, so tag you're it. I am tagging the following blogs in this game and below that you'll find my questions. I can't wait to read your answers!!
1. Nola Girl
2. Lacey Bean
3. Dee
4. Flip Flops on Lex

And here are your questions...
1. What is the one place in the world you have never been but have always wanted to go?
2. Where did you meet your best friend?
3. What movie do you watch over and over that always makes you laugh/cry?
4. Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts?
5. Have you ever had a celebrity run in? If so...share!
6. Are you a cook, baker, or none of the above?
7. What is your favorite part of everyday?
8. Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall?

Happy Birthday!!

It is official, today we enter "Operation 3.1" as it is my birthday! So far the day has been pretty uneventful, but I know that good things are on the way.....

W.A.W.

What. A. Weekend.

So, I took a really long weekend this past Labor Day starting with taking Thursday off as my mother was in town for the US open. We woke up early, took Poppy for a walk and then headed out to Flushing Meadows. I have been to tennis matches before in Miami (yes, I still call it the Lipton), but this was something totally different. The grounds of the open are HUGE! There were people everywhere and it was soooo hot!

As you can see from the picture, I was fully prepared with my big hat, sunglasses, and I got a great fan to use as well! I kept reapplying my spf 45 and I was good to go. We had so much fun with a group of ladies, drinking mojitos, hitting up the Heineken lounge, finding cooling spots, and of course watching some tennis! When my mom and I got home we were pooped! We bought a sandwich to share and just watched tv until we went to sleep.

Friday came and my mom headed back home. It was a good thing too, since M and I had planned to spend the day together and my mom didn't want to "cramp my style." M took the day off from work and came into the city and we headed down to the Museum of Natural History (after a quick bite at the Whole Foods uptown). Now, I had never been to this museum before although I have seen the movie, so I was super excited to see the big whale! That was pretty much the only thing I wanted to look at and M was just happy to be out of work (and in air conditioning). We walked around the museum a bit and then headed out to pick up Poppy who was at the groomer's. We also wanted to be back uptown before Earl rained down on us (which we know didn't really happen). After having a short rest inside we headed out to dinner and a movie. Without even knowing it we had a theme going for the evening, a yummy Italian meal, followed my cool gelato, and then "The American" (which if you don't know takes place in Italy). After the movie we were both exhausted and we went back to my place and went to sleep (after some serious kissing of course).

Saturday morning came all too soon and M and to head out early to meet his dad (it is a Saturday tradition with them). Not a big deal since I had to go to work in the afternoon (my second job as a receptionist) and I wanted to watch some of the Gator game (opening day in the SWAMP....Go Gators!!!). After the game was over and I was at work my phone rang. It was M. He explained that the family plans he thought he had were cancelled and since I had mentioned going out with friends after work he was thinking he would come back into the city to join in. I was so excited! Of course he could come, I had invited him before he left that morning. So when I got home from work he met me a few minutes later and we headed out for some dinner and drinks with some friends from college (including my former roommate and one of my best friends, A). I have to say that I was really surprised he wanted to come, meeting friends can be a big deal. But I think the situation was so relaxed and calm that it was just easy. After dinner we headed back to my place and he spent the night again.

Sunday morning rolled around and after I took Poppy for a quick walk we decided to go get some brunch with the dog and sit outside since it was a gorgeous day. We both had to be places in the afternoon, work for me and meeting a friend for him. Since I had to leave before he had to meet his friend, I told him to just stay at my place and the door would lock behind him when he left. I went to work and I'll admit I was so bored. It was not that busy, so thank goodness for my friend A who stopped by a few times to update me on her thoughts about M (all good). When I finally got to go home I took Poppy out before meeting A and some friends for dinner and noticed that M's car was still around the corner. A few minutes after the walk, he called mentioning he was headed back to my area to get his car and wondered where I was. I told him I was out with friends and he should come meet us for a drink (since I knew he had already had dinner with his friend). Well, one drink turned into a few drinks and needless to say M spent the night again. Somewhere in the middle of the drinking and picture taking and all around good time, M and I decided we don't really want to see other people since we are enjoying being with each other so much. And I really am enjoying the time I spend with him, it is just so easy.

On Monday M really did have to leave and I had plans for breakfast so he dropped me off at the bagel shop and went on his way. I don't know when we are seeing each other again because the Jewish holidays are upon us (when did that happen?!?). I will be traveling for a part of it and he may be traveling on the days when it isn't a holiday. In the midst of this, today is his birthday and mine is next Monday! So, we for sure want to do something for that (any ideas?).

Also, as I mentioned in another post, my friend Crusher's wedding is coming up. She recently sent me an e-mail mentioning that I could bring M. What do you think? Should I ask him if he wants to come? I mean going out with friends for drinks a couple of times is one thing, but a wedding? I just don't know....help!

In other news....thanks so much to my fellow bloggers for the awards I got! I will be posting about them in other entry as this one seems a little long as it is, so stay tuned!

Dancing in September

I cannot believe that September is already upon us! Even though we are reaching near record highs here in the Big Apple, I am ready for Fall to come and I feel like change is in the air!

As many of you know, this whole dating "Operation" thing got started around my birthday almost two years ago. And that day is almost here again! Yes everyone, Little Match Girl is moving past the big 3-0 and will be 31 in a short while. And I have to say I am pretty excited! I thought I would be all sorts of sad or depressed to be really entering my 30's, but that isn't the case. I have heard so many people say that your thirties are the best years of your life, and I am really hoping that will be the case! I feel like with everything that has been going on I have nowhere to go but up! I am holding onto the promise of that horoscope, I am keeping my thoughts positive about the job possibility in Miami, and I am just going with the flow with M. Even though those of you who know me know that I am not a "go with the flow" kind of gal. I will readily admit I have done a little bit of obsessing (like checking jdate to see when he has signed on or over analysing a couple of conversations), but for the most part I am keeping myself low key.

So come on September! I am ready to DANCE!

Open Shut Them

So, I had a few matches open from the matchmaking website (E and J to be specific). Last time I blogged about them I was making plans with both of them, so here is the update on that.

Let's start with J. He works near my office building so I called him and asked if he wanted to meet for coffee or lunch one day last week. I never got a call back, but rather an e-mail on the website. I found that a bit odd, but responded in kind and we agreed to meet on Wed afternoon for coffee. I got to the Starbucks he had decided on and he was waiting there ready to tell me there was no seating and we should move. Now it wasn't that all the tables were taken, it was that this Starbucks had virtually no seating save for a few stools at the front. I found it odd that he would have picked that place, but whatever, we moved on to another Starbucks (this is NYC after all, they are everywhere!). Once we had ordered and sat down we got to the regular get to know you chit chat and I just knew this was going nowhere fast. He asked what I did for a living and just couldn't let go of that subject. What I do for work is my job, it is not who I am and there are so many other things about me that are interesting. I began to feel like this date was more like a job, it became tedious and I finally decided to call it a day and said I had to get back to my office. Now, since you all know how much I hate my job you'll understand that this must have been bad if I was looking forward to getting back to my desk! Anyway, the match with J is now closed. He is a nice guy just not the guy for me.

My date with E was scheduled for Thursday evening. Ever since we had spoken on the phone I had an uneasy feeling about meeting him and when he suggested his date idea the feeling did not go away. He suggested we meet over at Chelsea Piers at 8:30 to just go for a walk along the Hudson. Okay, I am not an outdoors kind of gal. I love to take Poppy for walks in the morning, but for a date? I just don't know, maybe during the day in one of the parks where there is always something going on. But at night? I just felt uneasy about it. I cancelled the date and I don't know if I will reschedule. The match is still open, but I think I may shut it.

M and I saw each other again this weekend after our scheduling conflicts of last weekend. He was actually traveling all during the week and asked if we could just do something casual which I was fine with (casual was still going out to a place with food and drinks, not a walk on a pier at night). He said just to wear my most worn in jeans and pick a place because he was fine going anywhere low key. During the day he texted me while he was still at work to let me know he was going to be late and that work was just awful. When he finally got to me he was so apologetic, but I was fine with it because he had already let me know the circumstances. We walked hand in hand to a bar not too far from my place and ordered food and beer. He said it could not have been more perfect. He ate and drank and just had a great time. WE told each other about our weeks and he asked a bit about Miami. I didn't let him know it was with the possibility of moving, but I wonder if he has an idea that it might come to that. After dinner (mmm frickles) we walked a bit and got a cab home to my place. After taking Poppy for a walk we watched a bit of tv and played with the dog. I would be lying if I didn't own up to the whole kissy face part of the night. We were making out for a while when I asked if he was leaving or spending the night. He said it was up to me as he wanted to stay but didn't want to be presumptuous. I told him to stay and we went to sleep together (after lots more kissy face). In the morning I had to take Poppy for a walk with my dog walking friends (it is a weekend ritual). M stayed in bed because I asked him to and when I got back we went back to sleep. After waking up again with more making out, my friend called because she had to drop off some stuff at my place. I wasn't planning on a whole meet the friends thing, but it just sort of happened. She came and they met and after she left I promptly got a text from her letting me know M is cute! Well, he stayed a bit long, it was like we were both not wanting for him to leave, but when he did there was once again the knowing that we'll be seeing each other soon, but not making any definitive plans. I think we can safely say this match is definitely still open!

Positive Thinking

I usually read my horoscope everyday. It is just one of the things I do at work to procrastinate really and I don't put that much stock into it. However, when I looked at today's I couldn't help but hope! As you know I am waiting to hear about a possible opportunity in Miami. It is something that I have wanted for a very long time and I feel like the time is now for me! So here is the horoscope:

Virgo
If you've been wondering whether or not you did the right thing recently, stop it. You're about to get an unsubtle hint letting you know that you're not just headed in the right direction, but also aimed directly at bringing an old, beloved dream to life. Pay closer attention to where you are now -- and remember that you're just a few steps away from where you've always wanted to be.

M is for....

MIAMI!!!

I had a great trip. I met with the head of an organization that I want to work for (and have wanted to work for since I was a teenager). He seemed very optimistic and told me that they are so early in the process there are no other candidates and that he wants to advocate for me! So needless to say, I am very excited about this opportunity. But I am not putting the cart before the horse. I still got to work at 9 AM (about 30-45 minutes before almost everyone else!). I am still doing the work that my job right now asks of me and am not slacking off. They would like to have someone in the position by January and I am really hoping that someone is me! Besides this being professionally just an amazing opportunity, this program is something that was very close to my grandfather's heart and getting the opportunity to be a part of it would make him so very proud.

M is also for....well, M. He and I tried to make plans this past weekend for when I got back but just couldn't figure out our schedules. He is traveling again for work this week but said he will touch base to set something up. We shall see. I did not tell him why I was going to Miami, I just said it was a work thing. I just want to enjoy dating him (and other people too) while I am here. If something is meant to be it will be (thanks Mom!) and I am not going to force it nor am I going to squash it by telling him I may be leaving.

M is also for...More Dates! I talked to E last week and we are going to set something up for this week. I'll be giving him a call tonight. Saturday I spoke to J from the matchmaking site. He seemed like a nice guy although I was a bit bored on the phone. He wanted to meet for lunch since our offices are so close to each other. I'll probably give him a call tonight to set that up as well. So, who knows? This may just be the "Operation's" busiest week ever!

Just a Few Things...

Once again, no big theme to today's post, so here are the higlights of what is going on with Little Match Girl!

• Head on over to Nola Girl's blog! She is doing such an amazing giveaway, I won't lie, I really want to win!! I am a sucker for vintage jewelry and the piece she is giving away is awesome.
• I am leaving tomorrow for Miami and I will litterally be there for twenty three hours. I am going for an informal interview for a position I have wanted for years!! The person who had it has left and I found out about it before they even publicized the position being open. I am hoping I can make this happen before anyone else throws their hat in the ring!
• Thinking about moving back to Miami (if I do get this job) freaks me out!! I grew up there so of course I will be near family, but I have no social life there. No friends, I don't know anyone and the thought of that, of starting all over again, is scary.
• After a few weeks of working with my matchmaker on that other site I was really frustrated! But in the last few days have recieved two new matches. I spoke to one guy, E, last night. He seemed all right, but wasn't really into talking on the phone and immediately asked if I would like to get together. As per the rules of the "operation" I said yes. He said we could touch base when I get back from FL and do something next week.
• I have not heard from M, other than a quick text over the weekend about Poppy. I don't really know what to make of that. I am not the kind of girl who needs to talk to you every single day and all of that, but I would like to know that he wants to see me again and maybe we can make some plans. I guess now is when I am starting to second guess everything....help!!
• Poppy is feeling better and things seem to be getting back to normal. She is playing with her friends and we went to the park this morning so she could run around a bit. It makes me feel a bit better about leaving her for the day. Although she will be with a friend of mine that she knows, so hopefully she'll be fine.
• I booked my hotel yesterday for my friend Crusher's wedding in CT. I am so excited to see her as a bride (although I do wonder if she will wear sneakers with her gown). It is going to be such a fun time and I can't wait to be with some of my greatest friends (you know who you are).

Girly Girl

Hello, my name is Little Match Girl and I am a Girly Girl. It took me about thirty years to reach this point and I have to say I am none too pleased about it! I was never like this. I mean don't get me wrong I am not and never was a tomboy, but I wasn't all emotional and gooey and things like that. I guess you could say I was a bitch.
All that has changed in the last year or so. I find myself being more emotional about things that never would have effected me before. For example, I have cried at Hallmark commercials lately. Who does that?! I'll tell you who, me! This is a side of myself I never saw and never expected. When my best friend (and accomplice) got married, I was a sappy mess! So much so that all of my friends even commented on it. I find I begin crying if a book really touches me (One Day anyone? if you haven't you MUST read it). And it isn't just the whole emotional side, it's other things too. In this whole "operation" I have always just had fun and let things happen. And I am still doing that, but with M...I find myself lunging for the phone if it rings, hoping it is him. I read the text messages he sent me over again. I mean, this was NEVER my MO. Who is this girly girl I have become?