What did your resolutions do for you?

        Hugging change, my 2011 theme, comes from deliberate actions taken last year.  Ever heard the saying, “Be careful what you ask for.”?  When what you ask for comes in spades, be ready to shuck and jive and embrace change.   During the next few blogs you’ll be privy to what happened because I played big and bold in 2010.
       It was one of those days that felt like I was wearing a wet wooly dog…a typical June day in RVA.  Dressed in summer finery, I was on the way to Mandy’s wedding. 
       “I’m sick of this. I’m doing something about it.” I said.  “This time next year my life will be different.” I muttered as I drove. “She’s divorced, dated, courted and getting married and I haven’t had a decent date in ages.  Everybody’s getting married - even my daughter.  This is changing.” I’d said that before.  This time resolve and commitment came from my toes. 
       Having a better social life wasn’t working with what I was doing.   Newly married neighbors met on match.com and my best friend met her husband on match.  What could I lose?  At least I’d have a few dinners, interesting conversations and stories to tell.  With coaching from match-experienced friends, my profile was written and photos were selected for prime marketing.
       June 30 was launch date.  I hemmed and hawed about sending emails. "Do I do this or not?  This is work.  What do I say to strangers?” I muttered, afraid I’d be successful and have too much fun with Mr. Right.  “Hey, that’s fear of success.  Isn’t that why you’re doing this? Pull up those big girl panties and get over yourself.  This is sport so go for it big.” I told myself. 
      With vigor I clicked on one profile after another of guys who were looking for I don’t know what.   Each had to pass my rule of 6 – clean shaven, non-smoker, physically active, widowed or divorced, have kids and kind eyes.   I wasn’t settling for less.  And I had nothing to lose. 
      Many hours late at night were spent looking, reading, clicking, deleting.  Not much out there that passes my rule of 6.  Should I abandon the rule?   Heck no.  Abandoning my rule equals settling and I’m not settling.   
      The few guys who did pass got this email: Subject: Hi Handsome.  After that, words stopped.  Match directions say “write cute clever notes to show what a prize you are.” At 10 pm at night and dog tired it’s hard to be cute, clever or feel like a prize.  Again I pulled up my big girl panties and persevered.  Some notes were clever – I wondered if they were too clever.  Other notes I was surprised got replies. 
      Several days after launch I got a strike.  The bait worked.  Hiker hit on me at Pinecone Hollow Café.  It’s amazing this match stuff works in person, too.   My follow-up to Hiker produced no results.  
      A few days later I cast my bait in quantity on match and got another strike!  And this one wants to meet me for lunch!   Success!
      What success have you experienced from your resolutions?