the gong show

so i didn't meet the love of my life (ha! not even close), but my first speed dating event was definitely an experience. basically i talked to 15 strangers for 3 minutes each, with one 15 minute break somewhere in there. it was a bit like musical chairs but with fast conversation and a gong. and since i didn't come with high expectations (or any at all), the evening turned out to be not as painful as i thought it would be. as much as i hate to admit it, it was kinda fun although there probably won't be a next time.

here's what a cross-section of my notes looks like (deciphered from my shorthand scribble):
--drunk guy from LI
--actor from hoboken
--boring virginia banking guy
--bald insurance attorney
--drunk guy's childhood friend also from LI
--nice firefighter (ooooh, firefighter) from SI

the standouts:
--the guy from london with the accent that made him that much cuter
--the film buff working/studying at nyu

afterwards, my friend and i had fun comparing notes and laughing hysterically at some of the guys. "did that guy with the purple shirt tell you he had 3 homes?" "yeah, and one's in beverly hills?" and eyed some of the girls' outfits. "i bet all the guys are putting down that girl with the huge boobs." "i know! and that girl in the red dress."

even though i was only going to vote for 3 guys, i checked off 6 on the website because my friend convinced me it was better to put down more people so you could see who else chose you. i ended up with 4 "matches" and got emails from two of them the very next day. they're not kidding. it really is speed dating.

after a drought so long i'm embarrassed to say how long it's been exactly since i last went on a date (and because i honestly don't remember), i have a date tomorrow with the londoner. dinner's going to seem like forever, after our 3-minute whirlwind chat. or it might just fly by. i guess we'll see.