Heh, this is cool. We recently launched a new board on EF called Perks for Posters, intended as a little something extra for our Members who actually contribute. Only Members who are active on the Forum can view it. I’ve offered myself as the first “Perk".

Because I’m Perky.

Joking. No, because…well, why not? I appreciate our contributors and quite like the idea of spending time with someone who has won it. Wouldn’t that be nice? The competition, which I’m not going into details on because that’s for them to know, will take 3 weeks. Probably not long enough but plans to be in Auckland around the 9th mean the pressure is on. Queenstown Guy is coming.

Obviously running a competition with onesself as the prize can set onesself up for ultimate humiliation. WHAT IF NO ONE ENTERS!? type questions have certainly crossed my mind. Suddenly it becomes common knowledge that I can’t even give myself away! Fortunately I can fake a thick skin . Will keep you posted!

For those who arent up with the play please see here ». Queenstown Guy headed back there this morning, ill be on a flight tomorrow morning. Return to Auckland Monday (supposedly). Ive had a few “Hope you’re having fun” ’s the latest being from Nicole, ie:

“Hope you’re having fun!!”

“I don’t know that Id describe myself as having fun as such…though I have always liked roller coasters! I’m pretty much on one of those “

She came back with this stunning reply which Ive told her I will remember forever.

Mh, then try to enjoy the times when it’s high in the air and you can see the whole world!! Maybe it parks up there for a while.

Suffice to say various occurrences led to an email from QGuy this afternoon, among other things, regretting “not turning up on your doorstep this morning and dragging you on the plane with me.” Also included was a passage about “if there is a chance…” It took me 2.5 hours of (I wont admit to anguish) before I found a reply to his suggestion that I be on a plane tomorrow instead. My reply took MANY forms before it became a simple text…

“Do you still want me to come if “chances” are 1000 to 1?”

“Yes, worst that can happen is we remain friends” he said.

Buddy M, who knows the details after visiting this afternoon, is taking me to the airport to make sure I get on the plane and will pick me up to act as consoling shoulder if required.

My friends know him as Queenstown Guy. Queenstown Guy was a booking 18 months ago. Visiting Auckland for the weekend he requested my company at the Hilton for 36 hours. A fantastic 36 hours. Mid 30’s, I cant remember exactly how old, we hit it off immediately. It’s a very rare day when you can comfortably shop for a top of the line (with digital display) electric toothbrush or ice crushing kitchen wizz with someone you’ve just met, let alone a man. We ate in and out, watched sport on TV and relaxed. He got under my skin…and I his….which presented a dilemma.

Ive probably mentioned that Im a very content single. Committed, in fact, to singledom for some years yet. I have no room in my life for a man and not willing to give up what I enjoy about having nought but myself to answer to. Unfortunately its not that simple.

We went separate ways when he was due to fly out but I knew I had a problem. I felt like Id met my near perfect man and told him so (along with a “dont freak out, I just want you to know"). It would seem the feeling was mutual. I had those stomach butterflies that only such things can give you and my head was full of him. I knew there was no way I would or could pursue anything but that doesnt stop your imagination running riot. I actually felt guilty during my first booking after Queenstown Guy, wasnt nice. We talked and emailed but as time went by I moved on. I think I hurt him a little, a difficult situation.

We exchange a few messages every 6 mths or so. A quiet reminder that the other is still out there, we’re still on each others mind and still keenly aware of one extraordinary weekend. We also quietly know we’d be better to forget. Unfortunately Im a sucker for thrill of the unknown. He arrives in Auckland in 3.5 hours, 6:30am, and will stay for 2 days. He’s suggested I keep my weekend free in case I decide to head South with him thereafter. We’ll see . Im still up North but will be back by midday and can claim his own sentiments…