Make an effort

I’ve also found from this time and the last time that one can get really idiotic responses. One-liners and shit like that. But ONE WORD?

To: TOPD
From: Mike
Subject: hi

NICE

Last time I spent a lot of time trying to coax these kinds of nonwriters out of their shells, only to find there was nothing to coax. But thinking back, I remember thinking how dull Tom, who eventually became my boyfriend, used to seem in those early days.

To: Mike
From: TOPD
Subject: RE: hi

A man of so many words….

To: TOPD
From: Mike
Subject: RE: hi

better than man no words lets chat

I traveled through East Texas
Where many martyrs fell
And I know no one can sing the blues
Like Blind Willie McTell
Hmmmm.

Hit me up!

Almost immediately after I posted the ad, I started getting hits. I was doing this for an ego boost more than anything, and I wasn’t disappointed.

To: TODP
From: Marc
Subject: Cute post

Just wanted to tell you that your post is so sincere sounding and cute. Was wondering what the long walks to the basement and back means? Why are you sending men to the basement? It can’t be a good thing.

I’m probably too old for you. I just turned 46 but women are surprised when I say my age cause they tell me I look younger. Here is my picture–you decide. Do I look 46? Tell the truth.

Get back with me if you want to talk. Maybe if nothing else you will meet a nice person.

Marc Xxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxx@yahoo.com

To: Marc
From: TODP
Subject: Re: Cute post

Well, it’s been some years since I’ve been called CUTE, lol.

No, you don’t look 46. But that pic might be 10 years old, so who knows.

As far as the basement… it was just a play on long walks on the beach. I used to live in Florida. Maybe it didn’t work. But I assure you there is nothing in my basement that is any more harmful than the occasional basement stench!

To: TODP
From: Marc
Subject: Re: Cute post

No that pic was about 6 months ago at the sports center. I have 3 girls, 21, 12 and 10 and the younger 2 like going there.

I was hoping you would return a picture. Not cute? Yeah I guess that is a word for children. Beautiful? Gorgeous? Something like that?

Do you ever use Yahoo messenger? If so you can IM me using “marcxxxxxxx”. I’m in Xxxxxxxxx.

Marc Xxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxx@yahoo.com

To: Marc
From: TODP
Subject: Re: Cute post

WOW… let me just ask if you are single, LOL. It’s the internet, I have to ask.

You certainly don’t look like you are capable of owning a 21-year-old.

I’ve not taken my kids to the sport center yet. I suppose I should, since I hear they might close it. I don’t know that my kids would be interested… my oldest is 6 and is way more interested in ponies than sports. My son is coming up on 11 months.

I’ll attach a photo and see if that doesn’t scare you off.

To: TODP
From: Marc
Subject: Re: Cute post

Now she is cute! He’s adorable! And you, nah you didn’t scare me off. I’m separated and in the process of a divorce. Been separated for close to a year and a half. I know women get scared with the separated thing. Can’t blame ya.

Why are you up so late? I am cause I worked the 3-11 shift and didn’t get out of work till near midnight. I’m a paramedic.

Marc Xxxxxxx
XXX-XXXX
xxxxxxxxxxx@yahoo.com

To: Marc
From: TODP
Subject: Re: Cute post

I’m trying to get to bed… I normally don’t start work till 10, but the game and the time change have me a little out of whack.

Geez… I know some paramedics. This could get awkward. LOL

Thanks for responding… hope we can pick this up again. For now I must sleep.

Now, I was suspicious about him providing his full name. But I do my homework, and a quick Google search found that he is, indeed, a real person, and man, does he look good in uniform!! And to throw the phone number in? I haven’t even told him my name yet. Interesting. Honesty is refreshing. But last time I did this, I dated a guy three times before I finally learned he had lied about his name. And his age. And oh yeah, his job too.

It all starts here

I posted to a personals site:

Pizza! Beer! – 34

I’m interested in finding someone who loves kids, gets the most out of life. Not afraid to fail and/or try again. Must love to watch football, other sports optional but a bonus. Must tolerate family-oriented stuff.

My faves: Camping, fishing, lounging at home and weekend road trips. Cooking and entertaining friends and family. Driving fast on curvy roads. Playing cards and darts with friends. Finding reasons to get the sitter out of her house.

Must enjoy talking (hey, I’m a woman, remember!!) and long walks to the basement and back. If you can change your own oil, like 90s alternative music and don’t read instructions when putting together toys, we really should talk.