I scheduled two meetups to go to this week in my continuing effort to “get out there” and meet new folks. 9 months ago

I met a lot of people on my cruise this past week. I had a lot of fun and met some really nice folks. 9 months ago

I had fun today meeting a group of 8 other women today for lunch. I’d only briefly met one of the women before and even though they all kind of knew each other from previous Meetup meetings, they made me feel welcome and part of the various conversations at the table. I’m looking forward to meeting them again for lunch in the future. 10 months ago

I started by getting off from work at 7am. I knew the class was scheduled for 10am, so I had 3 hours to either go home and sleep for less than 2 hours or go to yard sales. The shopper in me opted for yard sales, besides I was too awake to go to sleep after work.

At 9:45am, I arrive early and take a few snapshots. Nothing special, just playing with the digital camera. Got a nice picture of a bee on a flower, but no other wildlife seen on the trails.

At 10:00am, I look to see the parking lot still looked a bit deserted. I also didn’t see any group of people. By this time, I’m sweating a helluva lot with the heat in the 100s with no wind. I’m also dead tired and, disappointed, head home.

After I wake up from finally getting some sleep, I check meetup.com to see why the class was canceled. I found out that the class was at 11:30am, not 10am. Oops. Double oops because the class had been paid for with no refunds permitted.

Thankfully, I get a make-up course next week, late afternoon, before my work shift begins. This time I will double check the times :) 11 months ago

Trying to be more social by taking this digital photo class while at the same time doing something I love – taking pictures. 11 months ago

After 21 years of not seeing or talking to my old high school friend, she called me up impromptu and we talked for about an hour. It was a lot of fun chatting with her and there was no awkwardness. We are hoping to see each other if her work ever sends her to the Bay Area, where I live. 11 months ago

I was more outgoing with an old friend that I hadn’t seen in 20 years and her friend that I was meeting for the first time. Normally, I would have been shy and quiet but I felt very comfortable and opened up almost immediately. 13 months ago

I met up with some acquaintances today to go play pool. Having a nice relaxed setting actually helped to loosen me up and I actually talked to 2 different guys. It wasn’t intimidating at all. 13 months ago

I met up with a high school friend that I hadn’t seen in over 2 decades. My former classmate lives in Virginia and was doing a training about 70 miles south of where I live. We connected thru Facebook and then met up in Monterey on Saturday. I was a little bit apprehensive since I hadn’t seen them in so long and did not know how it would go. I decided to be lighthearted and just go for it. I had a great time spending the day with my friend. And getting to laugh for the whole day, because my friend is so funny, made it so much fun! 14 months ago

I’m disappointed I’m having to cancel my first book club meeting. GF needs to be taken to a medical appointment which is more important and was the earliest spot they had available. I’ll probably still read the book for the club, though, which looks interesting. I plan on attending the future meetings, though, since I’ve been dying to join a group that discusses books and opens my horizons to new authors. 14 months ago

Went to a Jaycees meetup last night (Monday night) and really enjoyed myself. The women there were very friendly. Joining the group seems like a good opportunity to throw myself into volunteer work. They also focus on honing leadership abilities, something I’m not too keen on. I really don’t want extra projects to work on unless they are work related. The annual dues are about $70 a year, which is a con when I’m trying to save $, but it may be worth it (equals to about $6/month). Another con is that the group is for 20-40 years of age. I’m in my 30s and I’d only be allowed to stay in the group till I’m 40. Despite these two cons, I think I’m going to give it a try.

I also joined a book club, but have yet to buy the book we’re going to read; it’s on my “to do” list. 14 months ago

I met a very nice man at Teance yesterday. I was there with two friends. We got talking to this new gentleman and it was a really nice conversation. I appreciated his lively stories and his varied life experiences that he was eager and happy to tell us about. 15 months ago

I’ve been to a couple of meetups in the past, but not lately, so I thought I’d give it a go and was pleasantly surprised. The 3 women who joined me at lunch were all very friendly and interesting; we also were all attached (2 married, 1 engaged, myself with a significant other) with no human kids but did have furbabies like myself.

I decided to throw myself out there and joined a few others meetups, some in the same group as the one at lunch. One of the groups I’m really excited about is a morning Book Club. I love to read and have only belonged on 1 book club in the past, which I enjoyed back when I lived in Florida. Now I just have to buy the book being discussed (and read it). 15 months ago

My first meetup group lunch is later today at noon and though I’m a little nervous, I look forward to getting out and meeting people outside of work. The group is from the meetup.com site. We are meeting for lunch and then a movie. I’ll probably skip the movie since I get off of work at 8am. 15 months ago

I invited some friends to go to the Winter Wonderland and we had a good time. We went out for Thai food afterwards. 18 months ago

I volunteered yesterday at a local farm. It was my second time there. I didn’t have as much fun as I did last time and I found myself emotionally shutting down more from the beginning. Maybe I was still groggy and not really awake and lively. I thought of leaving early once or twice but I stayed and tried to find an activity that I liked better. 19 months ago

I can be shy, especially at parties where I don’t know anyone. I went to a Halloween party this past weekend and I talked to several people. I ended up having a 3-hour conversation with one gentleman in particular, which was awesome! It was great to connect with a new person and I was thankful that we met each other. 19 months ago

I accomplished many things with this activity. I met several new people on the 2 1/2 hour hike. About 30 people showed up for the hike. I got to explore a beautiful new park that is in my home town. I was also happy to learn more about the Sierra Club and their activities. 21 months ago

I took a private 30-minute dance lesson in tango this afternoon. Then, I went back to the dance studio to learn the beginning steps of Salsa and 2-step and tango (which I already know). I stayed and danced at the night party. It was fun. I introduced myself to each dance partner. It was amazing to see all of the really experienced dancers, most of whom looked like they were floating, not dancing! 23 months ago

Today started the next series of my tango group classes. Since it was the start of the new series, I used this opportunity to introduce myself to two people that I have danced with before for weeks but did not know their names. It was nice to learn their names and make it more personal and fun in the class. 23 months ago

I met some new people over the weekend while hanging out with an old friend in SF. It wasn’t too bad but I noticed that I tend to worry about what we will talk about and if we will have things in common. True to my nature, I tend to be better at listening, until I feel more comfortable. I tried to make small talk, which is not always easy to do. 23 months ago

I sat next to a guy at Starbucks today and we ended up striking a long conversation, initially over a shared and apparent interest. We had a nice chat about our shared interest and places to visit in the Bay Area as he will be moving soon. I enjoyed meeting him! 2 years ago