You really can find anything on the internet

Ok, I thought I would add a little personal history to the blog today by posting a copy of one of the very first email response to my wife's add on Yahoo Personals. For those that weren't aware I met my wife on the internet and I'm sure in her head each day she says "What was I thinking?" I have been hanging on to this as a reminder of just how lucky I am.

So, fall of 1997 I was recently divorced living in Sioux Falls, working at Gateway having just moved back from California and not having much luck finding my soul mate. Being a technology type guy I started searching on the internet and ran across a personal ad from a woman living in MN who sounded like my dream come true.

In just a few days she received several hundred responses to her ad and somehow out of all of them she picked me.

Here is my unedited post.

Wow, Manicotti where have you been all my life? Sounds like you have your hands full. I know this great computer company if you ever want to buy one for your house. I think you would enjoy reading e-mail in your underwear. I know I do, yikes maybe that's more than you wanted to know? Speaking of underwear, boxers definitely, I wore briefs as a kid, but you can't really make a pleasant fashion statement in bikini underwear. It's also a lot warmer when you're running around the house. How about yourself, synthetic or silk, paisley or plaid? It's the start of my weekend today so needless to say I'm enjoying it. Got to go to Menards. There's something psychologically masculine about buying lumber. Especialy if you wear flannel. I'm more of a t-shirt and jeans kind of guy.
Which brings up a good, get ta know ya, kind of question. Where do you like to shop? Do you even like to shop? Do you ever go to the Mall of America? I basically live on the top floor when I go there. Brain Freeze at Fat Tuesdays followed by some hot wings at Hooters sounds good to me. That is if I don't have a date, then the candlelight manicotti dinner in front of a warm fire with some soft music sounds much better. But we both know the chance of me having a date...somewhere between slim and none. I take that back, I actually have a few dates but they either couldn't legally vote in the last election or they have no idea how to spell vote. As for what I find attractive in a woman...well, since I have nothing to lose and believe in being perfectly honest(which is more than I can say for my ex-wife) I will tell you.
Like most males I went through the entirely shallow state in college where a mannequin head on top of Pamela Anderson's body was just fine to show off to your friends. However, like good wine, people mature, now I really love tall women with long hair, great eyes and a nice smile. But I suppose that's because I actually enjoy talking to girls now. Such wasn't always the case but we won't go there. Physically fit is a big plus but I would much rather date a slightly overweight hiker, than a skinny out of breath bar fly. Please tell me you don't smoke? Do you date much? Ever been in a serious relationship? Ever been in love? You don't have to answer I just figured it would make good conversation. As for me, you could never ask me any questions that were too personal. If you haven't already noticed, I'm not real shy. I'm usually the party organizer, socializing type. However, I love quiet nights at home curled up on the couch together as well. Have you seen any good movies lately? That's another one of my interests. I usually go to one of two a week. "Seven years in Tibet" and the "Jackal", were two good ones I saw recently. Hopefully talk to you soon.