Where do I even start… Holidate has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Right when I was just starting to warm up to the idea of dating again, I was presented with what turned into an incredible experience. I went from thinking about dating again to suddenly having 3 blind dates on television…so random! I remember flying to Philadelphia thinking to myself, “Do you realize you’re on a plane flying across the country to go on 3 blind dates, so America can watch?!”… All I could do was laugh at myself, because the truth of the matter is, I have always lived what often feels like a random life.

I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and timing is everything! I happened to already have the time off work for the same week of filming. I put in a request about 2 months before the show was ever a thought, so ironically everything just fell in place. I truly felt this opportunity presented itself for a reason, whether it was to meet the man of my dreams or to realize how far along I’ve come from my last relationship. I figured nothing negative could come from this experience, so why not take it with an open mind and go to Philadelphia to meet some great guys! Read more…

Before the show, I had no past experience with blind dates. I thought they only occurred in movies. But I was and am still completely open to the idea. You never know what will happen in your life if you don’t take risks. If you don’t try how will you know if you will fail or not?

Also — I always thought that my ideal guy was living somewhere other than here. As I say in the show, I have always felt a weird “calling” to California and so when this opportunity came along I jumped on it. I had no idea where they were going to send me and when I found out they were, in fact, sending me to California, let alone, San Diego, I nearly died. “They are sending me to my Mecca,” I thought. And it did prove to be true. San Diego was breathtaking and I want to move ASAP! Trade one beach for another. Read more…

I was approached about Holidate when I was shopping in Santa Monica, and since I’m single, I thought it sounded like a fun (and once-in-a-lifetime) experience.

I was excited to travel and to go on the dates, but I was very nervous about dating on TV. And, as a publicist, I think I felt extra aware every time I said something that sounded silly or dumb or grammatically incorrect. Ultimately, though, I just tried to enjoy the crazy experience and make the most of it. After I arrived in Atlanta, I was mostly nervous about having ugly hair on television (Atlanta was humid). Read more…

I had never been on any blind dates until I went on the show. Too chicken! I decided to give the city-swapping idea a chance because I am swamped with work. I needed a vacation planned especially for me. I wanted to be catered to and be treated like a lady by total strangers.

Still, I was nervous about dating on TV because now on my future dates the men will know all my moves and thoughts…I feel like I broke a scout code or something…lol.
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I had never been on a blind date before the show. But I love to travel, I’m interested in trying out the ‘vibe’ of guys in another town, and I’m also interested in a move, a big change – so I did it!

I was very nervous about dating on TV. But I kept reminding myself that if this same opportunity was offered to me without the on TV element, I would jump at it, so what was I so afraid of? (Humiliating myself on national television, obviously, but I knew I’d live through it!).

There weren’t any really awfully awkward moments, honestly. I truly enjoyed each of the dates. I wish I had been able to have more time with each of the guys, because they were each interesting and attractive and it’s so hard to judge with cameras on you and everything. I definitely censored myself more than I would in ‘real’ life, and wonder if they did too. Read more…

I never thought casually perusing Craig’s List for jobs would afford me the opportunity “to find love in another city.” I remember vividly seeing the casting call for “Holidate,” clicking excitedly at the prospect of being selected and even getting a mere “call back.” Really, what are the odds? After months of nervous energy and pure excitement over the potential of being part of “Holidate,” I finally learned I was cast! I couldn’t wait to begin my New York City journey, filled with pre-screened, good ol’ fashioned quality SINGLE men.

Let’s be honest: SINGLE men exist everywhere, right? Well, I’ve felt for so long my options for single QUALITY men were, umm, finite in San Francisco. I’m an optimist, yes. But truly, pre-“Holidate,” my mantra was “been there, done that… knew him, dated him… seen him, never want to see him again.” I’d exhausted every possible avenue, from blind dates courtesy of my friends, to a glass (or sometimes a bottle depending on the night) courtesy of online dating. I joined professional clubs, attended happy hours, social gatherings, sporting events and basically everything I could think of to just “put myself out there.” No cigar.

So it was time to venture outside San Francisco, outside California. Ladies and gentleman, I was going to New York City to find love, or at least put myself out there … again. Anyone who knows me (or can deem from my pictures), I thrive in social settings and in settings where I get to be “on.” I love that friends and family get to date in New York vicariously through me. Pure excitement. Pure entertainment. I was never nervous, just exhilarated at the whole experience. I’ve never had so many wonderful people, i.e. the brilliant producers, camera, lighting, props, makeup artists & hair stylists and other crew members make me feel so special in such a surreal environment, such as reality television. Who does that?! I loved every minute of filming, seeing New York in an entirely different capacity, being treating like a princess and meeting three wonderfully talented, handsome and quality men. Read more…

Oh the Dating World…what an exciting yet frightening place; a place I chose to avoid for the past four years!  My best friends actually refer to me as the “Runaway Dater.”  Most people look at me in disbelief and are unable to understand why I have been content being single.  However, I embrace my outlook on life:  knowing that I don’t need a man to be happy.  After my ex and I broke up, I decided it was time to focus on myself.  I went to grad school, worked a full-time and part-time job and lived life with independence and freedom.  I have grown so accustomed to being on my own that the thought of a relationship and making room for someone else in my life throws me into a panic (I’m not kidding.).  I’m pretty sure that’s how the “Runaway Dater” term was born.  I would meet a guy who seemed nice and accept his offer to take me out and well-before the end of the date I was already thinking of ways to escape and jump into my car, without being too obvious, in order to avoid the awkward “end of the night moment.”  I’m convinced that I have perfected this skill (email me for lessons).

When I heard about Holidate, I had recently finished school and was at a pretty stable point in my life.  Because I pride myself on being adventurous and spontaneous and I am a believer that when opportunity knocks you better answer, I decided, “Why the heck not?”  Life constantly places us in random situations and we later discover the reason (if we’re lucky).  Therefore, I eagerly boarded the plane to Seattle and never looked back.

Did I make the right decision or what?!  Seattle brought me fun, relaxation, a completely new outlook on dating and four new friends.  All four members of my Seattle clique taught me something about myself.  Graeme’s nice-guy outlook was refreshing and reminded me that it’s important to embrace our childhood innocence and how it turns us into the people we’ve become.  We both had 8:30pm bedtimes until we were well into High School so that was a pretty hilarious connection.  Edgar taught me that it’s important to travel and stay connected to your roots.  He often travels to other countries to visit his family; whereas, I only live a couple hours away and seem to have too many excuses not to make frequent visits.  Bryan taught me that there are still guys out there who genuinely believe in the true sense of marriage and love and not only believe in it but hope to find a true life-long partner.  I still keep in touch with all three guys and hope to remain friends.

Nicki gets her own paragraph.  Nicki has truly become a friend-for-life and talking to her before, during, and after this experience prolonged the life lessons.  We completely connected because of our confidence and no-nonsense approach with men.  Before I even left Seattle we were already making plans for me to go back!  We’re thinking summer-time 2010 (reunion?)!

Flying across the country may have been a drastic measure to refresh my spirit and outlook on men but it was well worth the trip.  Not to mention, since there were about 15 people on the crew with me on my dates, it made it impossible to even think about escaping.  It’s amazing how much more I can allow myself to get to know a guy when I’m not already thinking about how to leave.  I still have the confidence to be single for as long as it takes to find someone “just right” for me but my eyes are open wider and I was restored the belief that being in a relationship with someone who cares for you is a pretty great situation.  I hope to retire as the “Runaway Dater” and coin a new title as soon as possible.  Stay tuned!

Holidate was my first blind date experience! I had never been on one. Frankly, I hadn’t been on any dates since I was 19.  I gave city-swapping a shot because I have made myself a promise to try everything once.  Swapping cities took me out of my element and I made me jump into the dating world, I don’t think I would have dated here in Seattle yet if I was not given this opportunity.

I wasu nervous about dating on TV, but even more nervous about dating in general!  My dates in Philly were my first dates in nine years!! Yes!  Nine! Dating is scary, dating on TV is out of this world frightening, but I’d do it all over again!

The most awkward moment of any of my dates was just meeting the guys.  I’m so used to making friends with every guy I meet that potentially meeting someone more than a friend was really scary.  The best moments were just laughing and having fun with the guys!  They all made me laugh, even if it was at myself!! The most memorable experience overall was with Ryan.  He was so smart and in-tune with everything we talked about, he kept eye contact, and was such a gentleman.  We had so much in common from our families, past relationships, and our professional goals that I really felt like we would be friends from the time we met…however his bright blue eyes and overall looks are quite nice!  I found him very attractive in so many ways.

Since the show I have kept in touch with all the guys.  Keith and I exchanged some texts and emails, he is really sweet and funny!  Harry and I exchanged some texts, emails and calls — he is a blast and I can see us being pals.  Ryan and I have talked pretty often, we exchange texts and emails as well.  I look forward to talking with him every time! He is a prime example of a gentleman!  He’ll be out in Seattle late September, and I’m really excited to take him out and show him more of myself and Seattle.  Jen is AWESOME!! Love that girl, we have keep in touch and both know we have made great friends from this experience.  My Holidate experience was truly a gift!!

I have to admit, for me, dating has been an interesting adventure. I know most single women in their 30’s would agree with me… it’s not easy out there. There are some great guys and then there are some characters. I know I could write a short novel on dating mishaps and successes. Most of the time, my dating adventures and stories have just served as entertainment for family and friends. But in the end, I’m a just a girl… waiting for a guy… to… oh wait, wrong movie

Why take a “Holidate”… why not!?! I’ve always believed that “Geography is just Geography … but love is LOVE.”  My mom met my dad when she was working in Mexico.  She always loved to travel, see the world, and meet new people. I know that I get my sense of adventure from her.  So, making the decision to be a part of this show was easy. Read more…

I am the type of person who does anything at least once, or at least tries to experience new and different things. So, when the show came calling, I immediately thought that this would be something that I could add to my list of ever expanding “experiences.”

Since my divorce, I have been in this continuous state of self-realization and renewal.  Most people are their own worst critic, and I am no different.  We never really take the time to look and see what kind vibe “we” ourselves put out there, and how other people perceive us.  So, this was an opportunity for me to evaluate the type of person that “I” am when on a date.  For me, there is always something to be learned, and with this attitude, I learn something new about myself each day. Read more…