UNMATCHED

I would like to say I'm bad at dating, but it would seem necessary to actually go on dates before rating my success level. To this end, I occasionally consider entering the online personals realm, but I can never quite get over my hang-ups.

To preface, I have no doubt that meeting people can be highly effective and satisfying. In all practicality, the internet is just another public space in which you can meet up with friends and strangers alike. I have no problem with online dating, in theory; I just can’t do it myself, yet.

First, I’m not ready to give up the first impression experience when meeting someone in person. Sure, deception is practically standard in dating; only revealing layers of truth over time, and it can be done as effectively in person as remotely. I still hold to the belief that some form of twitchy, shifty, calloused, distant, clingy, creepy behavior is more likely to slip through when directly interacting with someone than when masked by the text medium.

I’m also reticent to submit my image and personal details to an infinitely replicable and editable medium. Though I have caved somewhat with MySpace and Blogger accounts, I haven’t yet found my profile info scraped and redistributed on any alternative adult sites I didn’t submit to, as happened to a friend of mine who suddenly found out his image was being used to draw customers to a gay personals site.

And the current, decisive reason I choose to steer clear of the internet for my socializing is my rage over the Match.com logo. With the extensive advertising push in the ramp up to Valentine’s Day, this offensive little logo has been foisted into my awareness. It consists of figures that are usually used to designate men’s and women’s public bathrooms. The male figure stands there, strait as ever while the female cuddles up against him kicking her rounded heal behind her in blissful glee. Yes, the man stands impassively while the woman vies for his attentions and clings. This gross generalization of dating stereotypes only adds to the pains of interpersonal miscommunication and insults half of Match’s customer base.

The Eagle

Opening weekend @ the SAM sculpture park

Is it really so hard to spell ‘pussy’?

I have inherited the new work responsibility of acting as primary media contact for the marketing department. Basically, this means that when anyone fills out the website form, it’s directed to my email. Thus, I get a lot of spam. An army of bots are out there automatically filling in the form with solicitations for insurance, erectile dysfunction medication and lots of porn. I only have to scan through them enough to ensure there aren’t any legitimate media inquiries, so I get to read the brief descriptions of what is likely contained in the masses of links so considerately sent my way.

I’m not sure if I’m more appalled that someone has actually produced dirty Kim Possible images or by the atrocious grammar skills of adult material purveyors.

Yet another day I failed to wear adequate footwear

The wind let up and now it snows, sort of. It's been a fun winter for the Emerald City.

Resolved

The year 2007 has started with a hangover, promptly followed by a sore throat and cold. Or, more accurately, it started in the midst of earning said hangover and progressed from there. In spite of this less than spectacular beginning, I am maintaining optimism for the coming months.

In keeping with the rosy outlook, I shall record my resolutions in this (moderately) public forum, so at least I might be shamed into adhering to them in the face of (moderate) public scrutiny.

1) Read more.
Since I am attempting to participate in two separate book clubs, I should be able to tackle at least two reasonably meaningful books a month, and throw in some pleasure reading besides. I like to read, and it is ridiculous how easy it is to push books to the back of the priority list when free time becomes available.

2) Determine a career path & actually make a plan.
I’m entirely too old and educated to still not know what I want to do even 5 years from now. This will take assessment, which I don’t enjoy all that much, and actual planning, which I am fairly decent at. Note: I’m not fully expecting to be “on” said path by the end of the year. I’ve determined the resolutions should be achievable goals, or else you just get fed up with even making them.

3) Write more.
There was a time I imagined I would be a writer, and there have been occasions when I might have demonstrated an actual knack with words. However, I have not put time and effort in this direction since school. Maybe with some committed effort and time I’ll find my voice. Or I could just discover I should stick with the consumption rather than production of words. Either way, better to know.

4) Get smaller.
Last year, and probably every year previous, I set out to lose weight. It’s the perpetual chick resolution. Finally, last year I succeeded in sticking to a solid fitness routine that has resulted in my being as healthy as I can remember being. I just didn’t get any smaller. If anything, I gained a few pounds. Sure, we can play the muscle vs. fat game of rational, but I haven’t given up the dream of actually taking up less space. I’ve got a pedometer, a gym membership, soccer gear and a diet plan that basically centers around cutting out alcohol. If I can’t see progress within the next month I’ll just have to start considering surgery. (mostly kidding)