Misadventures In Online Dating

I recently signed up for an online dating website. I won't say which one since I'm going to be talking about some interactions from there. S and I are still seeing each other, but considering he's married it's obviously far from exclusive. I asked if he cared if I signed up for this and possibly met some people and he didn't mind. I thought seeing what's out there couldn't be all bad and may stave off some loneliness and boredom in having someone else to talk to.

Did I say not all bad? Ha! Here are some of my observations from only a week on there.

1. Strictly being a female with a face on the internet will get you messages. It doesn't mean you'll have any interest in who they're from, or like the content, but messages nonetheless. 

2. A lot of people claim to be fitness buffs and Utahns sure freaking love hiking. Sorry "outdoorguy1732," was my profile not clear enough where I wrote I don't go outside? Move along.

3. I've already recognized many people I actually know and am not sure I want to have this much knowledge about them. There have been many from the local kink community I've recognized too. They tend to show up as my highest matches. 

4. Dumb messages make me laugh. This possible entertainment value was a factor in setting up the account and hasn't failed me yet. One from last week- "I'm bored with life. I also have a kid." Um, my condolences? 

5. The men of the internet are short. Nearly every guy who has messaged me is 5'6'' and under. Seriously?? I'm used to guys averaging 5'8''-5'9'' but I'm far too self conscious of my own height to lose another few inches there. Unless you're Tom Cruise. Tom, leave a comment and I'll email you my username.

There is much more to share so stay tuned for my next post!

Pride Parade

Last weekend was the Utah Pride festival and the Pride parade was on Sunday. Taken from their website, "Utah Pride Festival is a program of the Utah Pride Center, a community-based organization that provides support, education, outreach and advocacy for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer individuals and their allies, through programs, services and resources."

NLA-U had a spot in the parade and a float to put together representing the local leather community. 

Much of Friday night was spent blowing up a million balloons. Okay, maybe not a million, but there were a couple hundred at least. The whole front room of the house was full of them.

On Saturday we got the trailer ready and painted and figured out the best ways to attach some of the group's posters to the float. The showcase of the float would be a big BDSM flag hanging as a canopy over the top of it. An entire frame had to be built for that.

I woke up at an ungodly hour Sunday morning to catch a ride to the staging area for the parade to start setting up. Some of our poor balloons didn't make it but things were reassembled. Quite a few people came to help and the biggest task was putting the frame together to get the flag up. This was the end result.

This was the sign that was marched with up front.

Everything looked fantastic. Quite a few people from different local groups came to march and brought their banners. It was great to see so many people come together for one cause.

I've never attended the parade or festival before, much less been involved in it. It takes a lot of work. A lot, a lot, a lot. But you know what they say, many hands make light work. Every person who showed up to help beforehand and at the parade itself was much appreciated. I wonder what will be thought up for next year!