Mix and Match
The Mix
Has it been a month already? Just as I start feeling young and vibrant again, Elizabeth calls with April's Mix & Match contestants. I'm secretly hoping for some hip, sexy 40-somethings looking for a chance at love. But no, it's two adorable 20-somethings with their whole life ahead of them. Vibrant, happy youngsters who are actually excited to finally be financially on their own. Remember those days??? So I got ready, put on extra moisturizer (it can't hurt), and agreed to meet them in a softly lit environment (I didn't actually know it was softly lit until I got there, but what a blessing that was).
Meet the Mix
Our single gal for April is a vision of spring herself-Amanda Nowak, 23. Beautiful and petite, she is the Fitness Director for Palmetto Athletic Club. An avid runner who recently completed her third mini-maration (I wouldn't call 13 miles mini-anything), she struck me as someone who, despite her young age, really has her act together. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, the winters finally got to her and she headed south. Arriving in Hilton Head with a suitcase full of clothes and determination, she planted her feet and literally, hit the ground running. Extremely goal-oriented but surprisingly down-to-earth, this is a girl who knows what she wants and goes after it. Casually dressed in a yellow shirt and jeans, she exuded an air of confidence not usually found in someone her age. I had the feeling that whoever our guy was, he was in for a treat. Here was a girl that had it all: looks, brains (she graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Exercise Physiology), and spunk. Oh, and did I mention she LOVES sports? Perched on a barstool in front of the TV, she kept checking the score. And now for the lucky guy.
David Butler is a 22-year old whirlwind. Growing up in New Jersey, his parents came to Hilton Head in 1990 to retire and spend more time with their kids. Family is a huge focus for David, as evidenced when he spoke of his parents. The man he is today is largely due to their love and attention, and he is quick to give credit (he's winning points already with me). A lover of history, news and all things political, he was a freshman at the College of Charleston when CNN came to campus to cover the presidential primary. That day changed his life; previously undeclared, he immediately knew Political Science was his future. Before, graduating with a degree in just that, he spent his senior year as an intern on the Hill-not too shabby. It was during this time that he took up running (I'm starting to smile at this point) to help him relax after the long hours. Once back home, he landed a coveted job with Congressman Joe Wilson and has been impressing people ever since. And did I mention he's not only smart, articulate and easy-going, but funny and but incredibly handsome as well? This was the makings of something good, I could feel it.
The Date
After the initial introductions, I pulled them away from the bar (and the TV, or so I thought-which they both eyed repeatedly) and into a quiet booth. When asked what's the worst mistake a person makes on a first date, they both said, "give too much information." Oops! Well, at least we had a starting point.let the games begin:
Do you prefer to cook or eat out?
A: Cook-anything breakfast, I make a mean omelette and killer blueberry pancakes. But I love to go out for sushi.
D: I'm not a good cook, I personally wouldn't eat any of my own food! But I'm glad to help whoever's cooking. My dad loves to cook, so maybe there's hope for me after all.
What is the perfect age?
A: Right now-I work with older adults, and they're always telling me how full of energy I am. I'm fresh out of college, and my whole life is ahead of me.
D: I like my age now, but 25 or 26 would be great, since I'd have gained experience and with age, comes benefits, like better car insurance rates!
What color would you paint your kitchen?
A: Yellow, like a pale butter color. It's bright and cheery.
D: Whatever color she wants.(good answer)
What was your favorite school subject?
A: English-Creative Writing
D: History, any kind, I love it. The teachers are so interesting.
Do a woman's undergarments have to match?
A: Heck no, that takes too much time.
D: It's all a good thing!
What is your favorite movie?
A: I have two: Silence of the Lambs and The Breakfast Club (there's two movies you don't usually see in the same sentence)
D: Good Will Hunting
What's a recent movie you've loved?
A: Juno
D: Vantage Point-I was on the edge of my seat. Oh, and Definitely Maybe. And Bucket List. I'll stop now.
What song best represents your life?
A: Well, my mom calls me every year on my birthday and sings Barry Manilow's "Oh, Mandy," so I guess that'd have to be it!
D: "Not Even the Trees" by Hootie & The Blowfish or Edwin McCain's "Holy City", both of which are about Charleston.
What's your dream job?
A: To own my own coffee shop, and be a college professor.
D: I really want to be a golf pro.
Who is the most normal celebrity?
A: Tyra Banks, home girl's got it going on! Proud but not stuck up.
D: Mark Messier (hockey player)-I actually know him. He won the Stanley Cup, played with Wayne Gretsky, but he's just a normal, great guy.
Who's the least normal celebrity?
A: Tom Cruise, definitely
D: Michael Jackson
If you could invite four people to dinner, alive or dead, who would they be?
A: Oprah (of course), Bill Clinton, Pope John Paul II and my best friend, Lauren. (talk about interesting dinner party conversation)
D: Payne Stewart, JFK, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Pete Sampras.
What most attracts you to a person?
A: Sense of humor
D: Personality
Which team do you root for?
A: Cleveland Browns, of course
D: New York Yankees
What's the weirdest food you like to eat?
A: Peanut butter, bananas, honey and cinnamon on toast (that actually sounds pretty good)
D: I'll eat anything, but I really like ketchup on grilled cheese (eeewww)
If you could have unlimited shopping at any store, which would you choose?
A: Urban Outfitters-I keep trying to be trendy, but it never seems to happen. Maybe that would do it for me!
D: A golf store-maybe it'd help me be a better golfer!
This is where it gets GOOD (or bad)
At this point, they were starting to talk after each question, smiling and laughing at each other's answers, and leaning back to check the score on the TV. My interruptions for subsequent questions began to stilt their conversation, and I knew my time was up. When I left them, they were sitting on the same side of the booth (I'm not sure if it was due to attraction they felt for each other or that it was side facing the TV), but I like to think it was the former. And I'm hoping, really hoping, that this one sticks.