Blind Dates?

   Ever been on a blind date?  What was it like?  Did it work out for you?

   I went on a few blind dates in college.  One guy took off with a measly excuse about his sick little sister -- I think I didn't make a big enough fuss over his "new" used car.  Ugh.  Good riddance.  Another fellow seemed perfect but called me the next day to say his ex had shown up pregnant!  I was beginning to feel like a loser magnet . . . .  Then, the big one -- I met a guy online and was 19 and v-e-r-y naive.  I met and married him, only to find out he has a criminal record, a ton of debt and other issues.  He ended up being horribly abusive, to me and to the kids we had.  I was always pregnant, but got out after 7 1/2 years, finally having a break in between pregnancies long enough to find a safe house!

   Two years after the divorce, I met my dream man.  But we did it "right" this time.  I met him at the local bowling alley.  I joined a league to get out of the house for some weekly "me time".  He tried to flirt with me for a while but I knew my past poor judgment and really didn't let my guard down or allow myself to feel the feelings that were already growing as time went by.  He was sweet, funny, and a real gentleman.  And you know what?  Four years later, he still is!  And he is the best darn dad 4 wiggly little kids could ask for.