No news yet. I've taken a long breather from the search. Hope springs eternal...

So another year is right around the corner. Time for resolutions, new beginnings, fresh starts. 2005 was quite the year. While I don't normally make resolutions, I decided in late summer that it was time to find my perfect man. And I went in search of him. I still haven't met him but I'm encouraged. While I heard from almost 500 men from around the world since the quest began, most did not meet my "Perfect Man Criteria." And as tempting as it was to stray from the objective, I'm sticking to my guns. I want to find the man I set out to meet. And there's no deadline. Although it would be nice to be with him by the time the holidays roll around next year.
Thank you to all those who've sent words of encouragement and to those who think I'm a calculating bitch - all I can say is - whatever. Ultimately, we all have to live with ourselves. And I'm feeling pretty good about life these days.
So, happy holidays to all. Here's to an amazing 2006!

So I've thrown myself into a new work project for the past 6 weeks. And I've been finding great satisfaction in being creative again. I love getting up in the morning and jumping right in. Starting something new is like falling in love. There's the initial buildup, thrill, the feeling that you can't wait to get back to it/him.
As I've been getting more and more involved, I find that the search for my perfect man has been eclipsed. Don't get me wrong. There are some great men out there. I still get emails from new men and am still in touch with men who seem to fit the bill. It's just that now, I have other things to focus on. I think this is healthier. I haven't made the search my whole life, just a fun part of it. And being busy means that the search process has to be as much fun as the work project. And when I do meet my perfect man, he'll fit into my life. Not be my whole life.

I just responded to 62 emails. Some from married men. Not sure why they're looking for a "pen pal" or "just dinner" with a woman who's obviously looking for neither. And several men nearing 80 looking to get together for a casual date. They're even too old for my mother! Quite a few women wrote me. Some to congratulate me on taking this "bold" step. Others to give advice. And then there are those who feel compelled to tell me what a self serving bitch I must be. Funny, they don't even know me. Nor do they seem to have any actual credentials in psychology or psychiatry. I guess making my quest public invites opinions. I'm cool with that. And I've been writing back to everyone. What can I say? I was brought up well. There are also some real, live men who I'm corresponding with. I hope to start meeting them next month. After all, that's when you know. If it's real.

I've been traveling and am way behind on my emails. But since I have a life outside of this pursuit, I don't feel too guilty. I promise to respond when I get back. So far, I've heard from a diverse group of men. From all over the world. And I agree that it's tough to discern chemistry via email. Actually impossible as my first call with one of the men I had been corresponding with demonstrated. But what the written exchanges show is whether there are common interests. Whether we find each other intriguing. And whether we're looking for a similar type of relationship. I'm not looking to be rescued. I want a partner. A man who won't try to control me or change me but will revel in my uniqueness. And I'm not looking to rescue anyone either. At this point in our lives, we are who we are. Yes, Popeye was right all along.
And to those offended by my wanting an orphan. It's meant to be funny. I had 2 ex boyfriends with nightmare mothers. Please remember that while my quest is serious, I still have a sense of humor.
More updates when I get home.

Let's cut to the chase. I'm trying to understand all the skepticism out there. Why would someone like me need to do something this "radical?" My response is: why not? I wanted to set myself apart. To attract men who I would not meet unless I did something unusual - like this. I cast a wide net. I'm clear about what I want. For all the people who want to judge me because I'm too picky, be my guest. I don't know what's wrong with being clear about what you want and going after it. I want to meet a fabulous man. I'm looking for the Perfect Man FOR ME. I know that nobody's perfect. Hell, I'm not. That's why I'm "The Almost Perfect Woman."
And for those sending me their match.com profiles, no need. If I wanted to go through an online dating service, I would have. I chose to go do things my way. This isn't about being in control but rather about making my own rules. If I wanted to post my picture or use my name, I would have done so. If I wanted to go public, I would have put up a billboard or gone on TV. I want this to be an adventure. On my terms. I'm not in a hurry. I have a life outside of this and so do not spend every waking hour checking emails. There's no desperation here but rather desire. The desire to see if he's out there.

I've been getting quite a few emails asking if I'm a real person. I decided to post some pictures to illustrate that yes, indeed I do exist. But come on, after all the mystery, did you really think that I'd show my face here?
So why the bathing suit? It seems out of character. Well, it is but there's a good story behind it.
I bought a fabulous St. John bathing suit a few weeks ago. It was the first time I actually liked a bathing suit once I put it on. And then I brought it home. I noticed a label hanging off it that I hadn't seen in the store. It said: "Bleach, sun care oils and chemicals such as chlorine may be harmful to the color and embellishments unique to each design." So basically you can't wear it in the sun, to the pool and I'm just not sure about the beach. I didn't want to return it but I had to wear it at least once to justify keeping it. So I wore it to the photo shoot.
And yes, they're recent. The pictures were taken at my house on July 28th, 2005.