A Blast From The Past Returns

I've had quite the weekend and today I've got an interview and then foster parenting class tonight, so I don't have a ton of time to write. No rest for the weary and all that. But I did want to get online and share the details of my weekend before I forget. It was quite fun.

Not sure who has read back to the beginning of this blog but a few posts ago I mentioned a blast from the past boyfriend who had reappeared out of nowhere to cause quite a stir in my life again. I'd called him "Ted", mostly because I really like the Ted Moseby character on "How I Met Your Mother". (Have you met my friend Ted??). He seems like a really sweet guy and I think this Ted is too. Anyway, fake Ted came and visited me this weekend and needless to say, we had a pretty cool time. So I thought I'd share a few of the details at least.

He got here pretty late on Friday night because he drove about 8 hours after work in heavy traffic to come see me (sounds romantic doesn't it???) It was a little awkward at first because, well, honestly I hadn't seen him since I was 23 years old. And yeah, that was quite a few years ago.

Funny thing though. We stayed up for a while talking and stuff and by the time morning came around, I actually felt pretty comfortable with him and pretty quickly too.

It's weird because I've re-met a few people from way back when and I've often found that we've both changed into very different people and then didn't have much in common anymore. But that didn't seem to happen with Ted. The stuff we did have in common that made us compatible way back when seems to still be there. He's really easy to talk to, he's got a goofy sense of humor like mine and he's super energetic, like I am.

But there are new things too. Like he is a runner now and has even run a marathon. Meanwhile, I'm a runner now and plan to run my first marathon in the fall (Go Dublin!) We actually talked about going running this weekend (he brought his running gear) but it was a really busy weekend and there was just no time. But it's nice to have a common interest with him like that.

So Ted passed my test but the bigger test was whether or not my friends would like him and ... I am happy to say that he passed with flying colors. I took him as my "Plus One" to my friend Michelle's wedding and he was the perfect wedding date. He was very attentive, friendly to my pals and just very fun to be around. Oh and I will also say he looked very handsome in his gray suit and maroon tie, which my girlfriends indeed noticed. I've been looking at the pictures I posted on Facebook and I just think he's incredibly hot looking in a suit. I do always love a man in a suit. Yum!

Something I was happy about as well was that we really had the opportunity to talk this weekend and not only catch up on our lives but to also put some closure to what happened with us the first time around. It was really interesting to hear his take on how our relationship ended because it was quite different from my point of view and that was surprising to me.

Ted asked me how we ended and I was like, "um you broke up with me". He strongly denied that allegation though so I took the time to remind him of the circumstances: He called me up one night, told me he was moving away to Wyoming and that this was something he needed to do. I had asked him when he was moving and he said "next week". I was pretty shocked and asked how come this was the first time I'd heard of this. His response: "I was afraid to tell you because I thought you'd talk me out of it and I didn't want you to talk me out of it".

When I reminded him of this discussion he replied, "well yeah, but that wasn't a break up call". I just laughed because well, what else could it be? He was calling me to say he was moving away and said he had no plans to see me again. To me that means we're breaking up. But apparently he saw it as just on a break, as opposed to breaking up. I think he thought he could go off and do his thing for as long as he needed to (including hooking up with other girls) and that I'd be back here waiting for him when he was ready to be the Prodigal Son returning home. Hahaha, yeah, I didn't sign up for that, needless to say and definitely moved on with out him. So when he came to visit his family about a year later and we got together for dinner, I guess he was a little surprised that I (a) brought a friend with me and (b) when I drove he got stuck sitting in the back seat! That was a shocker to him. Haha. I bet it was.

He was pretty blown away by the conversation and all I could think was, can guys really be this clueless??? Well I think we do all know the answer to that question.

He said some incredibly sweet things after that. He was sorry for hurting me and he didn't realize that he was even doing that. He just wasn't ready to grow up yet and was feeling pressured to do so. He knew we had a pretty great relationship but he was young and didn't realize how special it was. He thought, well, this must be how all relationships are. But he discovered in this great big life of his that it wasn't the case. And now he feels bad for wasting so much time in between because if he'd gotten his brain together quicker, we could have been together sooner. Those are some of the sweetest things anyone has ever really said to me, I have to say. I'm getting a little teary just thinking about the conversation actually.

Anyway, the weekend absolutely flew by and next thing you know, Ted had to leave to drive back home. So it was a whirlwind visit but since he had no idea what to expect out of me after so many years, it didn't really surprise me that he made sure to have such a quick trip. As far as he knew, I could have gained 50 lbs and sprouted a goiter in my back or something (I didn't on either count, for the record).

I've heard from Ted via phone, email and text since he left and he's told me that he had a great time here with me and that he wants me to come visit him at some point too. And he made mention of coming back to visit me too, so I am thinking this relationship might have legs. I hope at least. But I don't want to say too much because who knows what will happen. No jinxing, no way!

By the way, Ted has no idea about my baby plans just yet because honestly, that's an awful lot to spring on a guy who's visiting me for the first time in a gazillion years. And who's been divorced for all of six months too, I might add. I took him to a wedding, introduced him to a bunch of my friends and frankly, that's enough for one weekend. Baby talk will come at some later point when I feel the time is right. I do know he wants kids because he said one of the reasons he got divorced is because he wanted kids and his wife did not. So that's a good sign there at least. I don't know how he'd feel about my fertility issues but once again, a conversation for another day.

So now I am off to get ready for my interview and with that I shall bid you adieu for the day. Cheerio!