I've been increasingly frustrated lately, as you can probably tell by the up and down of my postings lately.

I've been frustrated by this whole dating thing lately. I've been frustrated that I haven't met many decent prospects. I've been frustrated that the girls I'm interested in aren't interested in me. Frustrated that I have "so much to offer" and no one to offer it to. Heck, I'm even frustrated that eHarmony hasn't sent me any decent matches. And although I've tried not to let that show, I know it has to in some ways.

In the past week:
- Monday: Pseudo/appeasement "dinner" with teammate.
- Wednesday: Teammate changes mind on doing something with me on Friday.
- Thursday: Run into girl I met a few months back. We didn't hit it off then, but we got along. When we ran into each other and caught up on Thursday, it was waaaay better. She's got a boyfriend, now.
- Friday: Went to concert with my friends, sans date. Ended up giving my other ticket to some random person. Met up with girl above, and we had a good time. Of course, I don't think her boyfriend appreciated my presence, even though I think she and I talked more then the two of them. And although my friends insist that I should ask her out because we'd be "perfect together and her BF is a loser." And she is cool. And he isn't. But I'm not like that.
- Saturday: Went out with best friend, his wife and her unbelievably hot teacher friend, that I see about every six months. But she is not even remotely interested in me. So it's like window shopping. I think she's awesome. She's "flattered, but not interested." Or so I hear.
- Sunday: I'm grocery shopping. I see a girl. In shorts and a t-shirt on Sunday morning. No ring, 5 Healthy Choice frozen dinners in the basket which is the worldwide meal of the single folk. Eye contact a few times, and I thought to myself to ask her to go the Chinese place next door with me for lunch. Pumped myself up, don't let the opportunity pass. We checked out at the same time, opportunity came....
And I said nothing.

And I realized that I'm not in the right place for all this right now. On my current soccer team, I've scored 2 goals in 5 games. This after not taking a shot in 14 games in the spring season. My teammates told me today that I seem to have a knack for being in the right place at the right time, never giving up, and not being afraid to take chances, or give myself up to score, to win. On the field. Transferred to my personal life, I accomplish NONE of the things. I press too hard, I'm not very confident, not willing to take chances.

And so I need to take time off. Time for me again, as I've been wrapped up by all of this. I'm going to take a break from eHarmony. A break from asking people out all the time. Clear out the unused, uncalled phone numbers in my cell. A break from ALL of this dating stuff.

I'm going to focus on what's fun for me. I'm going to get back to running more. I'm going to go the beach. I'm going to Memphis to sit on the grass at a botanical garden to see Hootie & the Blowfish. Enjoy my new car, and my new iPod, and drive with the windows down, sunroof open and tunes blaring. By myself, if I have to. I'm going to look into things that are empty, lacking or missing in my life, and start to fill them. I'm going to focus on all the great things that God HAS put in my life. And let the rest of it fall where it may.

I'm not as down as this post seems. I've just identified that I need a change of pace, and a change from what I've been doing. Come up for air, I guess. How's the saying go? "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result." I'm going to change what I'm doing.

And that means a break from here, as well, for at least a month. I need to begin focusing on relying on my senses, my instincts and my knowledge, instead of waiting to get an answer from someone.

I thank you all for your kind words. Thanks for your support, advice and guidance. I really do appreciate it.

And I'll be back.

I promise.

Love & God Bless....

Ethan

sigh...to be 28 again.

I think what you are doing is smart.

Focus on yourself, things will come after that.

Some areas of America are rotten in women quality.

Others are better.

Stay away from Military towns or cities for example.

If I become single again I will look for ladies in classes I would like to take, such as cooking, or maybe even a dance class etc.

If you are religious church is a decent place to start.

But first, fill your life, learn to live and enjoy the single life.

Good luck on your break. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Hope you'll at least come back and check in with us... but if not, we understand, and will assume all is well with you.

hugs,
Faith1

(((Ethan)))

AWESOME!!!! I did that once, a while back, after staying focused on the rat race for too long. I didn't have any timeline, but just focused all my energies on me and my children, doing things for me. Then BOOM!!! Right when I wasn't looking, God placed 'the one' right there in front of me.

This Saturday, I'll be saying my I DO's to this one. After many years of searching, what I was looking for couldn't be sought out, rather it was given on His time.

Bless you, brother....

How wonderful for you Bill! Congratulations!! I will be thinking of you this Saturday!

Karona

FurnitureMan,
Will watch for you update when you return.
Take care of yourself. Your doing something admirable. Take the time for you! You will be glad and so will the lady that you will meet when its your time!

Karona