#NerdsUnite: My name is Alicia and I'm doing 50 dates in 50 states (Oregon)
<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Alicia. She's about to embark on a 50 dates in 50 states dating documentary. She's here today to talk about her views on life, love, and all things through her nerdy little eyes. I only have one more thing left to say ... HIT IT ALICIA!! </editorsnote>
#TalkNerdyToMeLover's Alicia Ostarello
Here’s a new way to meet someone: have a friend who is also on OkCupid recommend a guy she’s already been out with and connect with guy via said dating site. That’s exactly how I met Jon in Portland, Oregon. Our profiles said we were a 95% match, but percentages aside, I still would have wanted to date him. He wears glasses (I’m a sucker for spectacles and freckles), is well versed in the art of traveling and had a sense of whimsy in his summation of self.
Jon decided to plan the Portland date knowing only that I’m a bit adventurous and wanted to see his town through his lens. What developed was a game he titled Dateopoly.
To start, you’ll need a neighborhood stuffed with a variety of shops, cafes and little places of interest, and one half of a set of dice, also known as a die. You’ll also need a set of questions that you’ve either developed on your own, or perhaps from a game such as “Would You Rather” or “Loaded Questions.” We used a six-sided die, but feel free to go wild and grab something else, modifying as necessary.
Rules:
1. Each player takes a turn rolling the die.
2. After each roll, the number you’ve rolled dictates what happens next.
Roll a 1: Ask a question
Roll a 2: Ask a question
Roll a 3: Travel three businesses down and stop in
Roll a 4: Travel four businesses down and stop in
Roll a 5: Travel five businesses down and stop in
Roll a 6: Travel six businesses down and stop in
3. Enjoy!
So away we rolled. The next four hours had us drinking coffee, taking silly photos in a fabric store, exploring a dilapidated garden, scenario dancing (okay, that was of our own accord), talking about our favorite childhood memories, sipping beer, stopping into the Portlandia infamous “Put a Bird On It” store, and yes, going into Shebop — the famous female-friendly sex store (I may or may not have squealed as I got to see a line of toys I’d only heard tale of before). Checking out a hipster-chic ‘hood and getting to know a guy? Sounds like a date for me.
Jon himself was a bit like the boys I have dated in the past. A lost pup of sorts who thought he was found. As we shared a few beers, an order of fried macaroni and cheese and an order of collard greens, I learned that he didn’t believe in using napkins (found them wasteful, but did not find washing his hands after eating instead wasteful), insisted upon holding doors open for me, and enjoyed genuinely being silly. He home brews, likes riding his bike naked, and volunteers a lot of his time.
Do I chalk this up to Oregon boys being a lot like Northern California boys? Perhaps. Or maybe I chalk this up to the sort of guy I tend to attract and agree to go out with. Which makes me think if I’m going to learn anything about myself on this trip, I need to start dating outside my box. And soon.
#nerdsunite
Alicia Ostarello has combined her talents in talking to strangers with degrees in English and Sociology and is currently taking a road trip across the country with one goal in mind: to go on a first date in every single state. Follow her trip and the documentary film being produced about it, 50/50: A Dating Documentary on Facebook at facebook.com/5050ADatingDocumentary.