The universe is messing with me.

I went out with Mr. Short Term on Saturday night. And, of course, we had a great time. Which is why I say the universe is messing with me. Why does it only send interesting guys if they're NOT interested in a long term relationship? Or if they live in a different state? Or could be moving to a different state soon? Why do the guys looking for a long term, committed relationship right here in this town have to be crazy/boring/assholes? Bah.

I give you further proof of the vindictiveness of the universe: "I'm more of a cat person, myself." These words actually came out of his mouth!

Sigh. Okay, you want a few details, I'm sure.

I let him pick me up at my house. (I know, I know...but I've got a brass knuckle key chain and a cellphone. Shut up.) We'd spent so much time on the phone that it kind of seemed like we were already old friends. The first thing he did was start perusing my bookshelves to see what kind of books I read. ("Hey--I can't believe you have a copy of 'Lucifer's Hammer'!")

We went to the bar that I had discussed going to with Mr. Bud Is Great last week--the one with the extensive beer menu. We decided that we were going to "travel" to a different country for each beer. We went to several countries (although he did switch to iced tea at some point, since he was driving), split a garden burger and some tabouli midway, and had a lot of fun.

Yes, there was flirting. And mention of my amazing eyes. And the occasional "bumping" of knees. And playing with the ends of my (long) scarf. He told me an interesting story about meeting his sister for the first time a few years ago. (Very interesting story--he wants to write a book about it. I think it would also make a good movie or play.)

We left the bar, drove around a bit, made a stop at a karaoke bar so I could sing for him...you know, a typical evening out. Heh. There was some more intense flirting. We hung out at his place for a little while. Eventually we both started getting sleepy, and he drove me home.

He's an interesting guy, very gentlemanly, we had a good time, there was physical chemistry...I hate the universe!

I've talked to him on the phone a few times since then, and we're definitely planning to go out again, schedules permitting. I just have to keep reminding myself that this is SHORT TERM. Don't get too attached and don't stop considering other dating options. I do appreciate his honesty on that front...I really do. He has his reasons for not wanting to get too tied down, and I can respect that. I don't have to like it, necessarily, but I can respect it.

In other news...tomorrow is Inauguration Day! I'm taking the middle of the day off to go watch the doings on a bigscreen with other like-minded people. Should be fun!