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!

The most nervous I got during this process was when I was in the limo heading for my date with Austin. This was my first date on camera, let alone my first blind date ever so I didn’t know what to expect. The poor limo driver basically turned into my life coach, haha.  After some words of encouragement and realizing that Austin was probably more nervous than I was, because he didn’t know anyone, I felt better and went for it. Fortunately, the date was a lot of fun so all the nerves went away.

Holidate introduced me to a group of amazing individuals from the Holidate staff, Austin, Nick, Zach, and Brie (who’s an absolute sweetheart!). I’ve actually kept in contact with quite a few people from the show and have been fortunate to make some great friends… As for Austin and I; we’ve also kept in contact. In fact, I’ve already hung out with him! He came out to California this past weekend, so we were able to hang out just the two of us which was fun. (Don’t get me wrong, I loved going on a blind date with about 20 other people, but just the two of us was nice ) .Overall, we had a great time and enjoyed one another’s company. It’s safe to say we laugh a lot and both have a passion for tearing up the dance floor! (Funny thing…try explaining to people how we met, it makes for a great conversation starter, haha). Austin will be returning for a second visit in December and who knows, maybe we’ll see each other between now and then! Too bad Holidate doesn’t have an update blog after the initial blog.

Holidate was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I feel blessed to have experienced it. During this process I realized I have come such a long way from my last relationship and it’s an amazing feeling! A year ago I would have never imagined I’d be where I’m at now, strong, independent, and ready to take on any challenge. Another great thing I’ve gained is that the thought of dating is no longer intimidating, I figure if I could go on 3 blind dates on national television with an entire film crew surrounding me…I can go on just about any date!… If nothing comes from this experience in terms of a relationship, that’s okay because I had the time of my life and really did meet a great guy. I wish every girl who’s ever had their heart broken could go on a Holidate, because it really puts your past dating life in perspective. Heck, everything happens for a reason and had I not experienced a heartbreak this opportunity would have never presented itself. (Thank goodness things didn’t work out, because this was something I will never forget!).

Something for the girls: My friend Adriana Buso once told me, “God causes interruptions in everyone’s life, some are positive and some are negative. This interruption in your life happened for a reason. God wants you to meet all the bad ones so when you meet “the one” you will know!”

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.

I was definitely not nervous about dating on television. I was more nervous that I wasn’t going to be myself and that I would hold back for the sake of the cameras. I have been known to be — shall we say “wild” in the past and I wanted to make sure that these guys knew that but I didn’t want to be too nuts…I was afraid of being fired off the show!

I didn’t have any awkward moments on the dates. The only thing that “bugged” me was going to the race track. I am not a fan of horse racing since me being an advocate for animal rights. But I got the chance to mount a thoroughbred. That was out of this world amazing! Apparently they are used in physical therapy and now I can see why. The horse’s trainer assured me that they are treated like royalty there at the track and not to worry. So if he’s right — I have a new outlook on the race track. I probably still won’t go though. I don’t really have the wardrobe. I don’t own enough Ralph Lauren… LOL

The best moment was running and putting my feet into the Pacific for the first time in many years. It was a rush of so many feelings. It happened just at the beginning of my first date and it kind of set the tone, for me anyway, for the rest of my dates. Everything that happened after that was easy for me. I don’t know why but it just calmed me down and brought me back to reality. It was like everything had been dipped in the ocean.

I haven’t really been in touch with the boy that I chose but he is coming out my way in October so we shall see. One can never tell. If anything, it will be fun to show off my town and all the cool haunts that I like to frequent. I spoke with Christina the other day and she is doing extremely well. Her boy is coming out to visit her in December. I do hope she takes him to Balboa Park and actually into the museums there. I was drooling at their door when we went cause they were closed.

This experience definitely opened me up to the realization that there are other fish in the sea and that don’t have to have this continuing feeling that I am going to be an old maid with 85 cats that kids throw rocks at in the neighborhood.

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).

Sheldon was a great first date. Despite some near-spills on the Chattahoochee, I love to go canoeing, so it was a lot of fun. The food at Canoe Restaurant was fantastic, as well. I would highly recommend the spicy oysters! Even though I didn’t choose him at the end, I feel like I should mention that Sheldon was the favorite choice of several of the female crew members during my deliberation about the plane ticket.:) My date with Jesse was drinks and dinner. Jesse had that dark curly hair that I like, and he had a fun, sarcastic personality. I could see us being part of the same group of friends, and we’ve kept in touch a bit on Facebook.

My favorite date was with Ryan. When I arrived at the aquarium, I thought that we’d play catch with a sea lion or something – at the most. I was completely shocked when he told me that we were going SWIMMING WITH SHARKS. What the camera crew didn’t film was the intensive safety training we got prior to the date. I basically signed a sheet of paper saying that I understood that my legs could get bitten off by a shark. It was ridiculous. The actual swim with whale sharks, hammerheads, and stingrays was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had. It was so scary and so awesome. We had the best time. Although I’m not sure why the picture posted on the SOAPnet website is a wet-haired post-snorkeling photo! Next time I’ll be sure to get my picture taken BEFORE I’m dunked into an aquarium.:)

I still keep in touch with Ryan, and he’s making plans to come out and visit his brother this Fall, so we’ll get to hang out. He’s also making me a DVD of the episode since I was on vacation and didn’t get to see the show (he’s very techy!).

In a nutshell, I had an amazing experience. I made some great friends on the crew and keep in touch with Nina on Facebook. And even though I was really nervous about looking silly on TV, I was proud that I took a risk, and put myself out there like that….way outside of my comfort zone.

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.
The most awkward moment on my date was when I was with Cameron and the waiter brought me raw fish…I just knew because this roll was named “Marilyn Roll” that it had to be cooked. I mean it looked like our lovely Marilyn Monroe ate cooked fish??? But I found out she didn’t…Anyhow, I totally blame myself because I read half of what was in it and I should have read it all…I am glad I didn’t because the world got a chance to experience my first sushi moment on national tv…:)

Since my episode was filmed. I have been in contact with Jason. Jason makes sure I am ok. He is kind and is a great listener…(sighs). Amy and I chat via Facebook…she is one of the sweetest most positive women of our time. This experience has not changed my outlook on dating however I am not afraid to say yes to a date. My guard is down now when I am asked on a date sort of like how I am with my sushi…

THIS HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BEST TIMES OF MY LIFE…I LOVE EVERYONE THAT CONTRIBUTED TO MAKING THAT HAPPEN. XOXO

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.

Since the show, I’ve been in touch with Missy, Kevin, and a couple of the guys Missy went out with I knew in NY from before. Kevin is (I think) planning on coming for a visit, and Missy and I will be in touch on some trip to SF of mine in the future.

I’d say this experienced has opened my mind to blind-dating a bit, as I have never done it before. I’m still not going to ‘go looking’ for ‘the one’, but each of these guys was a really quality person I would probably never have met had I not done this show, and that alone was ‘worth the price of admission’. It was a truly lovely-wonderful experience. Lots of fun and fresh energy and exciting and glamorous and all good things!

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.

But most of all I love how naturally “unnatural” my initial meet & greets were with each of the men. Let me explain. I am a total klutz. I’ve had a ton of stitches (falling, jumping, tumbling accidents), I trip all the time, I spill my drinks and I bump into things. Thank goodness I’m self-deprecating enough to find it all funny. So it was only natural that on my very first date to meet Kyle I attempted to step out from my limo not once or twice, but three times before I could make smooth exit. My microphone cord kept getting caught and nearly tripping me three times before the problem was permanently resolved. With Justin, I could barely keep it together (I think he shared my sentiment) as it was no fewer than 110 degrees outside! I must have nearly passed out three times. And then on the golf date with Michael, I nearly ate it trying to simply “just make contact” with my putter to the ball. Anyway, it was all in good fun.

The entire experience was fun. I’m in touch with Carey and all three guys via the 21st century way: Facebook. I do, however, take it up a notch with Michael and text him. He’s coming to visit in October.

Stay tuned!

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!!

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.

Now, dating on TV, that’s a different story. That one was a bit harder. I’m proud of my professional accomplishments, my friends, and my family life. Putting my dating life out there for all to see makes me feel very vulnerable. Plus, you can’t help to think of how critical people are of “reality TV” these days.  But, I trusted those I had met with the show, and in the end, decided to take the plunge.  The thing is I tend to live my life with very few stones left unturned.  Every weekend for me is an adventure in the city… a reality show… well that just seemed like an experience I could not pass up.

I can tell you it’s one of the toughest things I’ve done. I give celebrities a lot of credit… the pace is not as easy as it seems (so ladies… go easy on us. Picking out 50 outfits for the show while avoiding black, white, patterns, and tube tops in the dead of summer in Texas… is NOT easy. Also, the 107 degree weather is not ideal for TV hair ) But the best part was all the great people I met along the way. Cindy, Sam, Nabeel, and Adam. I went on three GREAT dates, with three GREAT guys. Also, the producers, the crew, and the casting team were all fantastic. I can’t thank them enough and I will miss them.

Looking back on my experience now, I have a mix of feelings. What girl doesn’t occasionally regret a comment, an outfit, a hairdo, or a quirky mannerism? My favorites were the time my shoe got stuck in the floor grates at “Abacus” and chef Kent and Nabeel had to pull me out. Or, forgetting how to throw a baseball at Rangers Stadium with Sam (and yes… it was 107 degrees out there and a polyester jersey is not typically the outfit of choice).

Since we filmed the show, Cindy and I have talked and texted several times a week. This type of common experience just bonds you. We laugh hysterically and share stories and gossip. I know we will be friends for a long time. I’ve also been in touch with all the guys. Sam and I have already planned his trip to the northeast. I can’t wait to show him all my favorite spots in New York and Hoboken.

If there is one thing this experience has done, it’s change my outlook on dating. I spent several weeks thinking about the questions the casting team would ask me about why I wanted this experience. I learned this: I want to find a great guy, a best friend, a partner in crime.   So, it’s time I dropped my guard. There are no rules out there ladies… throw the book out the window and just follow your gut. It’s just all about being yourself, taking a chance, and having fun. I’m more excited than ever about what’s to come.

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.

I was never really nervous to go on “Holidate,” as my friends were nervous enough for me! They kept saying that they could never date on TV, reminding me that these were blind dates, and, dun…dun…dun…what if the dates didn’t turn out well?  I told them that to me, dating on camera and with strangers is no different than going out on a date with someone you may have just met, noting the experience, and then calling up and telling your girlfriends about the crazy or not so crazy things that happened on the date, all of which we tend to laugh about.  Believe me, my friends still can’t believe some of the dating stories I’ve had,  so why not actually “record” and commemorate the experience?

I have also never been the “blind date” kind of person, as I am extremely particular about the type of person I go out with.  My girlfriends have seen the types of guys I have been out with, and even they can’t pinpoint any single similarity between them.   So, I guess you can say that I’m “complex” in the type of guy I am looking for and/or go out with, so I never leave this up to my friends or family to choose for me.  I don’t want them to be disappointed if something doesn’t work out, and feel badly, or think that I am not appreciative of their efforts.   Finding the right guy is an ENORMOUS endeavor for me, and it wouldn’t be fair to have anyone try and chance it, other than myself.  Anyone can find “someone” and settle down, but, because I have experienced that already, I have this amazing opportunity to find the “right someone.”

If you caught the episode, you can see that I envision a family…but that all begins and ends with someone extremely special.  Someone who I can count on, someone to be my rock when I need it most, someone I love, someone I respect and admire, and most importantly, someone I trust.

Trust is something that I have with all of my friends. The one difference between my friends and the guy I end up with however, is that this special someone would be my best friend, and have something that no one else has…something I don’t easily give up – my heart!

Based on all of this, that “right” someone for me could be anywhere! Which is another reason why I took the opportunity to date in a different city – New York none the less! The energy of the city alone can make you feel like you’ve eaten your way through a bag of Dove Dark chocolate – yumm!   So imagine the thought of potentially meeting that special someone there!

My date with Shane was wonderful!  He met me at the limo with some flowers, gave me a big hug and escorted me to the sailboat!  I know that most people have this preconceived notion of Texans, but I am an adventure gal, and while I had been boating many times before, I had never been on a sailboat!  This was an AMAZING experience.  The weather was beautiful, the date was fun, and moving out onto the mast of the sailboat– all I can say is WOW!!  It took me back to the movie “Titanic,” and I wanted to put my arms out and scream at the top of my lungs “I’m King of the World.” The water was unfortunately a little choppy and I was wearing heels.   If I wasn’t a tad fearful about falling into the water and potentially getting run over by the boat, I would have done this!  Other than an amazing day, Shane was an amazing date.  He, like me, thought highly of family, and envisioned a family of his own someday soon.  With his big beautiful blue eyes, and great sense of family, he will make an amazing catch for some lucky lady.  I spoke to him recently, and we still plan on keeping in touch.

My date with Alex was in Central Park.  When you hear Central Park, who doesn’t see all the couples young and old hand in hand, carriage rides, and families? This is all I thought when I found out I was headed there.  The weather was cooperating perfectly, and the gondola ride – how romantic! Alex was a nice guy, but unfortunately, I felt as though his stories were contradictory, and while he “said” one thing, he actually “did” another. For me, actions always speak louder than words. While his words were nice, his actions seemed to tell a different story. An awkward moment came when I asked Alex when the last time he drove was…lol…it might have been the day he got his driver’s license!

My date with Jeremy was the most interesting to say the least! I was starving by the time we hit the restaurant, and having steak was right up my alley! I had heard of the Meat Packing District and was excited to see the night life in this area and of course – people watch! As soon as we sat down, it seemed that Jeremy opened up about his family, friends, what he’s done, how he got to NY, and, his ex-girlfriend! I think I stated in the show, but the standard first date rule is that you DO NOT bring up your ex.  Especially the fact that you just found out she lives in the same city as you do now, and that you plan on hanging out soon.   I was extremely hesitant to continue discussing my life with him, since the ex-girlfriend discussion, but got back into the swing of things when he mentioned his brother, how he found him (put up for adoption as a baby), and how they all communicate now. He asked me more questions than my other dates (even the ones I’ve had back home), which allowed me to open up a little more and give him some insight to who I was and how I came to be that person.  Jeremy has a way of making you feel comfortable and something that is also important to me…make you laugh. Even if his jokes were a little “different”, he would try no matter what. Jeremy and I still talk and he plans on visiting Dallas soon!

Alex, the beautiful and sweet girl from Hoboken, NJ, and I still talk, text, and e-mail on a weekly basis. This show has been an amazing experience for both of us! The first night we were able to talk outside of the show, we spoke for over an hour! From the first moment I spoke with Alex over the phone,  I knew that we were much more similar than we are different.  I think our similarities are what brought us together on the show, and what keeps us in contact now. We both do a lot of traveling which takes us into each other’s cities. There is no doubt that we will be meeting up (more than once) in the near future! I have made a friend for life!

Since the show, I am still slowly coming out of hibernation and getting ready to date again. I have always been a “glass half full” girl, no matter what life has thrown my way. I am now, more than ever, open to new and exciting experiences, and of course, the chance for true and everlasting LOVE! This, along with a family someday is my fantasy.   I feel amazingly fulfilled now, but can only imagine how much more fulfilling my life would become if I added these elements.   I think I could honestly say that I would feel and truly be “complete”!