Speed Dating 101 - All you need to know about dating and dashing!

It's true...Last night I went speed dating with 4 of my girlfriends.Why? Why not? This has been my motto for many things as of late. We started talking about it months ago and just thought it would be a fun and hilarious experience. One of those things you want to do just once in life - right up there with skydiving and climbing Mount Everest, haha. Ok, not quite.

But seriously, it was an opportunity to experience something new, meet new and interesting people, potentially find love, romance, or a fling and well, have good stories to share! The only downside I could really come up with was the $35 cost of entry, but hey, the restaurant, Salud, provided complimentary (aka $35) chips and salsa and quesadillas - both of which I'm a sucker for - so I figured that if that's all I walked away with, I'd be one HAPPY customer :)

The service we used for this adventure was called "Date and Dash", clever huh? I found them via my pal Google and opted for this particular (of many options) one because I had actually heard of it before, the guys were sure to be "college graduates" and it was at a fun Mexican restaurant I hadn't checked out.

So, in case you're a speed dating virgin, here's how it goes down:
-Ladies arrive and get your number and take your seat at your designated table.
- Men arrive and get your number and wait in the "holding area" for the fun to begin.
- Once it starts the guys rotate among the women in 5 minute intervals.
- You are given a score sheet with a place for their name and notes and a check "Yes or No" area to be completed between each date.
- 72 hours after the event the results are posted online showing who you were matched with (i.e. guy and girl both check yes)
- Then it's up to the guy and girl from there.

So...without further ado, I'd love to share some of the evenings highlights (and lowlights) for your reading pleasure!

Quoatable Quotes: A collection from me and the girls.

"I did have a man ask me what I prefer to be...beautiful but not wisdomest, or old but with some wisdom..he didn't believe me I wanted to be old..."

" I believe I got the "3 guys go to heaven joke"...which followed by the punch line he said..that's it..that's the joke."

"I had to spell my name for the first 2 min which killed some good time."

" I was impressed by the number of men who stared at my chest, not at my eyes, which I assume was due to my beautiful necklace."

"Question I got the most "so do you do this often?" Me - No (while thinking"Clearly not as I brought 4 friends.")"
Candid Convos: These are the real deal ladies and gents...

Best conversation was with one of the Indian guys. It went like this:
Him: So what 3 items would you bring with you if you were on a deserted island
Me: My Kindle so I could download books and read. I'd bring sunscreen because I burn easily...
Him: (exuberant laughter)
Me: Aaaand probably my friend Lauren because she makes me laugh and is easily entertained
Him: You wouldn't bring your HUSBAND?
Me: I think my husband would be more concerned that I was speed dating tonight than whether or not he's with me on a fictitious island...

Another great one with another guy:
Me: So if you could have any animal in the world for a pet what would you choose?
Him: Dog
Me: Seriously? You'd choose a dog over a domesticated Tiger?
Him: Yes. What would you choose?
Me: A dolphin. it would do tricks and swim me around a pool. We'd be friends.
Him: That doesn't seem very practical.
Me: Well, I already have a dog. You wouldn't even want a Meerkat?
Him: Maybe if it didn't bite me

Older guy:
Him: So what do you do for fun?
Me: Lately I've been going to a lot of Cubs games.
Him: I'm a White Sox Fan.
Me: Dealbreaker.
(He didn't realize I was (half)joking and we then sat in silence til the bell)

The German Guy:
Me: Can you say something in German?
Him: (Starts speaking in German)
Me: Wow!
Him: I can say everything in German
Me: Say "everything"
Him: (looks at me like a freak, clearly not getting the joke) We only have 3 minutes and I'd like to talk with you in English.

One of the best question/answer dialogues:
Indian Guy: So, if you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why? (very original)
Me: Oooh that's easy.
IG: Really? slight chuckle.
Me: Ya, really...it would be Jesus! You see...I'm a Christian and I think it would be amazing to meet the cornerstone of my faith.
IG: Oh...what would you ask him?
Me: Gosh. There's so many things. I'm not really even sure where to start. (followed by me rambling numerous curiosities off)
IG: So there's this book you should read and it's about Christianity and the author makes you practically hate it and then brings you back to loving it and wanting to believe. But i'm not a Christian.
Me: Interesting. Can you write that one down?
IG: Sure - The Brothers of Karamazov (Russian Author)

*The funniest part - he totally pawned this book off on my roomate too, haha. Guess that's the only ammo he had for us "Christians".
Check it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Brothers_Karamazov

Another funny comment came from a guy who was a police man. But by no means looked it.
Me: So, what do you like to do for fun in the city?
PM: I'm very physical.
Me: Interesting. (I was desperately trying not to snicker at his random response and simultaneously hoping he wouldn't try and get "physical" with me!!!)

Most Crazy Topic of Conversation compliments of the Dr.: Sensory Deprivation!!!
Me: Do you have any hobbies? What do you enjoy doing?
Dr: Well, I just went to this place on Clark and did sensory deprivation. It's really relaxing and I really enjoy it.
Me: Excuse me? What did you say? (I wasn't sure I had understood him...my initial reaction was that it had to do with sewage, haha not sure why!) What is it?
Dr.: There's only 1 place in the city to do it and it's great. I got into it a while back and love it.
Me: Ok, but i'm not sure I understand what it is!
Dr.: Oh, it's basically this big tank of salt water that is in a completely dark room. You get in it and the salt density causes you to float. And you stay in the water in the dark for an hour. It really helps me find out things about myself that I dont' know.
Me: Wow...that's different. Do you get claustrophobic?
Dr.: At first I kind of did, but I would just keep the lid opened for a bit. But now i'm fine.
Me: I don't think I'd like that! (Praying for the whistle to blow so I wouldn't get asked out on a Sensory Deprivation Date!!!)
Read about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensory_deprivation

Most Awkward Award: IT Guy
Me: Hi.
IT: Um, Hi.
Long Silence....
Me: So, where are you from?
IT: (can't even remember his answer...i was mortified by the awkwardness)
Me: What do you do?
IT: I work in IT.
Me: Oh really? Do you work downtown?
IT: No. In the burbs.
Me: Which suburb? Do you live out there too?
IT: X Suburb (can't remember). Ya i live out there (said with a creepy sheepish grin).
Me: Cool. Um. (SAVED BY THE BELL!)


And there you have it. The speed dating mystery unlocked. Did I find my soul mate? No. Did i check YES for any of the eligible bachelors? No. Would I do it again? No. Did I have a hilarious unforgettable experience? Yes! My paltry expectations were even exceeded. And who knows...i think some of my girls may soon be dating (minus the dashing) some of these lucky fellers so, I may have to have a guest blogger or two fill us in on Speed Dating Part 2!!!