I'm Glad We Went Out Together. (I Want to See You Again.)

I had to let you know how much I enjoyed our date on Saturday. Just being out with you in the fresh air helped free me from all the worries of the past week. I’ve always enjoyed hiking, but going with you took my appreciation for it to a whole new level. Were you as surprised as I was that we could talk for hours and confide in each other so soon? I was impressed to hear about all the challenges you’ve met and overcome and how you didn’t turn around until you stood at the peak of your career. It seems we both enjoy a good challenge as well as being out in nature. Conversation between us flowed so naturally at that little diner afterward that it seemed like we had already known each other for a long time.

I’m looking forward to our next date and hope that you are too. I remembered that you like Baroque music and I was able to get tickets for us to a Vivaldi cello concerto at the Community Arts Center this Friday evening. I’d like to take you there and then to dinner afterwards. I’ll call you tomorrow and we can work out the details.

When I picked you up on Saturday night, I knew it would be a special evening as soon as I saw you! I got a kick out of your reply when I said how great you looked: "Thanks, but didn't you think I would?" I don't know what I expected, but the color of your blouse did amazing things to your eyes. As if they weren't amazing enough already! And you, Lindsey, you actually glowed when you entered the room! It was great spending the evening with you and getting to know you and your lively personality better.

I really enjoyed the movie, too. Did you? We seemed to laugh at all the same places, but I noticed you got a little teary-eyed when the boyfriend was sent off to war (I didn't join you there!). I wonder if you could ever care that much if they shipped me off to Iraq? One could only hope.

Afterwards, I really enjoyed talking with you as we sat on your front porch. I noticed we have the same political views. What a relief! Now we can have animated discussions about the economy and the war with no friction. You are certainly one of the most insightful, interesting, and straightforward people I have ever met and I hope I can see you again soon. I remember you said you liked to do a little hiking on the weekend, weather permitting. I do, too. What do you think of hiking up the canyon next Saturday--say around 2 pm? I'll spring for dinner afterwards. Do you like Italian! I'll call tomorrow to see if you're free--please say, "Yes"!

I'm glad you decided to give me a call. I had a really great time last night. I hope you did too. Dinner was fantastic, and the company was pretty good as well! The atmosphere was light, the live piano music was perfect, and the dessert was out of this world. You really know how to pick 'em. I had a great time walking around the city afterward--I never realized how much there is to do in this small college town!

I hope you don't mind that I picked your brain so much. You have such a wealth of knowledge on a wide variety of topics, and I'm always curious to hear what you'll say next. I was particularly amused, though, by the stories you told of your childhood ramblings on your grandfather's farm in the summer. You sure did know how to get into trouble! Do you still? I was also glad to hear that you are so close to your sister and to your parents. Family is really important to me, too, and I'm happy that we both have something so fundamental in common.

Well, I look forward to going to that movie you mentioned. It sounds like it will be really good. Just give me a call and we can set up a time.

I don't know about you, but I'm always a bit nervous on a first date. I could tell you some horror stories...maybe another time. But I felt so at ease with you! From the moment you opened the door, I knew we were going to have a wonderful time. I have to tell you that I almost fell over when you told that joke about the frog. I've found myself laughing out loud every time I think of the punch line. But that's what I mean--you're just fun to be around.

And you looked great! You've got beautiful eyes that can light up a room. Once in a while I noticed other guys were staring at you the entire evening. They seemed very envious. I was so happy that you were with me. I also appreciated your insight into the poverty and ignorance problems of Third World countries. It is so rare to find someone that is so informed and caring. I can see why you are so valuable to your employer.

I was especially pleased to learn that you and I have a common passion for biking. I'm going to take your advice and try the mountain trails that you mentioned. I'm also going to try the high protein breakfast that you "invented." I could use a little lift to start my day out right.

I bet you have lots of good ideas. We just didn't have enough time to explore them all. But that can be remedied. This is my awkward way of saying that I'd really like to see you again. With the hope that you would say yes to another date, I made reservations at Marie's Restaurant (you mentioned that you love seafood) for this Friday night at 7 p.m. Afterwards, I purchased tickets for a special benefit viewing of "The African Queen." It's a classic love story and the proceeds go to charities for education in Africa. I thought you'd like that.

I'll call Thursday to see if you're free.

I hope to see you soon!