The Hinge Experiment: Why It Gotta Be Black? 🐓🍷

I made it to Columbia, South Carolina!

Traffic slowed me down a little, but I still made good time. I planned to meet Airica at 6:30 p.m., and I estimated I'd arrive at 5:15 p.m.

That left me with some time to kill. I'd planned to stop at Starbucks, mess around, and see some of the sights in West Columbia.

Then came the text.

"Where are you?"

I responded through Android Auto that I was about 15 minutes away, with an ETA of 5:15.

The response?

"Go on by."

Well, okay then! Starbucks and sightseeing would have to wait. I was heading to pick up Airica.

And that brings us to the latest chapter of The Hinge Experiment, featuring a steakhouse, a cheese board, some excellent conversation, and one very important question:

Why it gotta be black?

Great Minds, Steak Alike

Earlier, while I was packing for the cruise, Airica and I talked on the phone. She was driving and using Bluetooth, and we talked about where to go for dinner.

At dialysis, I'd done a little research. Airica likes steak, so I searched for steak restaurants in the Columbia area. One place kept coming up with great reviews on The Google: Black Rooster.

I mentioned it to her.

Her reaction? She was thinking the same thing!

As it turns out, she'd already been there by herself, taking herself out on a date.

I like that. Taking yourself out, enjoying a meal, and not waiting for someone else to make plans is a good thing.

But now I'm wondering: Are the planets aligned? Is the universe trying to tell me something? Did somebody at NASA change the coordinates?

Or did two people who enjoy a good meal independently come up with the same restaurant?

Let's not get carried away. I tend to overthink things, and I have a cruise to catch.

I picked up Airica, and seven minutes later, we were at Black Rooster.

Parking was easy, the interior was cool, and we were ready to eat.

The Cheese Board: A Very Important Discovery

The service was fantastic from the start.

Airica loves cheese, so we naturally ordered the cheese board.

It featured three distinctive cheeses: a soft cheese, a blue cheese, and a hard cheese. The server did an excellent job explaining and presenting everything.

I'm always impressed when someone takes the time to make the dining experience more than just putting food on a plate.

And when I’m dining with someone who appreciates cheese, I don't interfere with the cheese situation.

I just go with it.

For our entrées, Airica ordered the Steak Frites, while I chose the Shrimp and Polenta.

Both meals were enjoyable, and mine came with a little kick.

I'd asked about the heat level because one of the ingredients was a chile. I was warned, and I responded that I would "take my chances."

Famous last words.

It was bearable, but it was about as hot as I'm willing to go. Yes, I'm a wimp when it comes to spicy food. I know my limitations, and I prefer to enjoy my meal rather than have my taste buds file a formal complaint.

We also shared Brussels sprouts.

They were good, but I thought they could have used some bacon. Apparently, my culinary philosophy is that bacon can improve many vegetables.

I'm not saying that's scientifically proven.

I'm just saying the Brussels sprouts and I had a meeting, and bacon was one of the recommendations.

The Great Beverage Disappointment

Now we get to the one area where Black Rooster and I disagreed a little.

The restaurant serves Coca-Cola products, but it didn't have Coke Zero.

Strike one.

My second choice is usually San Pellegrino. No luck there, either.

Airica's preferred drink is a half-and-half. I learned that on our first date, so I already knew her go-to order.

Unfortunately, they didn't have iced tea.

Strike three!

Apparently, the beverage department and I weren't on the same page.

Of course, no restaurant can be everything to everyone. The food was good, the service was phenomenal, and we had a wonderful evening.

But if anyone from Black Rooster reads this, I'm just saying a Coke Zero would make me very happy.

And possibly a San Pellegrino.

I'm not asking for much. Just options for a man who has very specific beverage requirements.

Conversation, Connection, and a Cruise on the Horizon

The best part of the evening wasn't the cheese board or the shrimp and polenta.

It was the conversation.

We talked about our days, my upcoming cruise, all the preparation involved, and what I would be doing about dialysis while I was away.

Traveling with end-stage renal disease requires planning. Dialysis doesn't simply disappear because I want to take a vacation. I have to think about scheduling, treatment arrangements, and the potential risks involved.

I take it seriously, even when I'm joking about everything else.

We also talked about Halloween and whatever else came up naturally.

That's one of the things I've enjoyed about spending time with Airica. We can talk, laugh, ask questions, share experiences, and learn more about each other.

I'm not trying to predict the future or assign a meaning to every little thing. Well, I'm trying not to.

Sometimes I succeed.

Sometimes my brain opens a new spreadsheet.

But I appreciate that we're making time for each other and continuing to get to know one another.

The S'mores Were Calling My Name

We skipped dessert.

The S'mores dessert looked fantastic on paper, and under normal circumstances, I might have been tempted.

But after the cheese board, our entrées, and the Brussels sprouts, I had reached my food capacity.

Some moments in life require difficult decisions.

Tonight, the decision was between S'mores and being able to breathe comfortably.

I chose breathing.

The S'mores will have to wait for another day.

The Gift and My Suspicious Influence

After dinner, we headed back, and the drive was fantastic.

More conversation, more time together, and eventually, the inevitable goodbye.

Before we parted ways, I left Airica with a gift.

And here's where I'm going to be a little mysterious.

The gift was a hint that I'm beginning to introduce her to one of my addictions.

No, not anything illegal. Settle down!

I'm talking about one of those interests that can start innocently enough and then suddenly take over your life.

What is it?

You'll have to wait and see.

Let's just say that if she gets hooked, I may have created a monster.

And I accept absolutely no responsibility.

Okay, maybe a little.

The Return Trip Is Already on the Calendar

We also made plans for me to see Airica when I return from the cruise.

I'll fly back into Charlotte and land around 2:30 p.m. From there, it's roughly a two-hour drive, followed by dinner, some awesome conversation, and then the drive home.

Because apparently, I haven't driven enough miles lately.

My car is probably wondering why I keep calling it a vehicle when it has become my primary travel companion.

Still, I'm looking forward to seeing her again.

We have busy schedules, travel plans, and responsibilities. Finding time to spend together takes a little effort, but I'm grateful we're making it happen.

The Hinge Experiment continues, one dinner and one road trip at a time.

But Seriously... Why It Gotta Be Black?

Now, let's return to the most pressing question of the evening.

Why is it called Black Rooster?

I still don't know.

I also had no idea roosters could be black.

Of course, a quick reality check: roosters can absolutely have black feathers. Some breeds have entirely black plumage, and some even have black skin and other dark features.

So the name isn't biologically impossible.

But I still want to know the story behind the restaurant's name.

Is there a rooster involved? Was there a legendary black rooster in the neighborhood? Did somebody just think it sounded cool?

I may never know.

For now, I'll remember Black Rooster as the place where Airica and I independently thought of the same restaurant, enjoyed a great meal, had a wonderful conversation, and discovered our beverage preferences aren't entirely compatible with the menu.

Not a bad Wednesday evening!

And now, on to Tampa and the cruise.

Stay tuned. The Hinge Experiment is going places.

Literally. 🚗🚢

The Hinge Experiment Meets Cruise Mode: Dialysis, Detours, and a Last-Minute Road Trip! 🚗🚢

It's Wednesday afternoon. Normally, after dialysis, I'd catch up on sleep, recover from treatment, and prepare for the rest of the week.

But apparently, I decided that a quiet Wednesday wasn't exciting enough.

Instead, I made some last-minute changes to my travel plans, and now I'm adding another road trip to The Hinge Experiment.

Why make life simple when you can add a few extra miles, a hotel reservation, and some logistical gymnastics?

The Cruise Is Calling!

Tomorrow, I'm embarking on a cruise out of Tampa, Florida!

Originally, my travel plans were pretty straightforward. I'd fly from Charleston (CHS) to Charlotte (CLT), then connect from Charlotte to Tampa (TPA).

Simple, right?

Well, I started looking at the numbers.

What would it cost to change my flight? What about a hotel? Could I use some points to make the arrangements work? Was there a better way to get where I needed to be?

After reviewing the options, I came up with a different plan.

I'm removing the middleman.

Instead of flying from Charleston to Charlotte and then connecting to Tampa, I'm driving toward Charlotte, staying at a hotel near the airport, and flying directly to Tampa tomorrow.

A little driving, a hotel stay, and one less flight segment.

And the best part? I actually enjoy driving!

Of course, that means I have to get organized, pack everything, drive, check into the hotel, and get ready for an early airport departure.

All while coming off dialysis.

What could go wrong? 😂

But Wait... There's a Columbia Detour!

This is where The Hinge Experiment comes in.

The following weekend, Airica is heading to Las Vegas. With both of us on busy schedules and separate travel plans, I made time for another visit.

So, before heading to my hotel near Charlotte, I'm driving to Columbia, South Carolina, to spend some time with Airica.

Yes, you read that correctly.

I'm going to drive to Columbia, spend some time with her, and then head toward Charlotte to prepare for tomorrow's flight to Tampa.

Somewhere along the way, I should probably eat something, too.

I'm beginning to think that my car deserves its own frequent-flyer program. It may not fly, but it certainly accumulates the miles!

What's on the Agenda Tonight?

I'm not going to overcomplicate the plans.

I'm looking forward to laughing, enjoying some food, spending time with Airica, and doing a whole lot of driving.

That's a pretty good Wednesday evening if you ask me.

It's been fun getting to know Airica, sharing experiences, and finding opportunities to spend time together despite our schedules. I don't know what the next step will look like, and I'm not going to pretend I have it all figured out.

For now, I'm enjoying the journey.

And apparently, the journey involves a lot of interstate highways.

I'll be trading the Columbia roads for a Charlotte hotel, then an airport, then Tampa, and finally a cruise ship.

Not exactly a restful week, but it should give me a few stories to tell.

And you know me. If something funny happens, it’ll probably end up here on the blog.

A Quick Message to Any Would-Be Burglars

Before I go, a little public service announcement.

If you're thinking about robbing the house while I'm away, don't.

My father is still in the house.

And there's also a giant leopard.

No, I won’t explain that any further. You'll have to use your imagination. 😂

Let's say the house is occupied, and this is a very poor time to test your luck.

Consider this your friendly neighborhood travel advisory.

Stay Tuned!

For now, I've got a road trip to Columbia, some quality time to enjoy, a hotel near CLT to get to, and a flight to Tampa to catch tomorrow.

Then it's cruise time!

I'll share more as it unfolds, including the cruise, the travel logistics, and whatever other surprises life throws my way.

The Hinge Experiment meets cruise mode. 🚗❤️🚢

Stay tuned. There's more to come!

The Hinge Experiment: Meet the Family, Survive the Pumpkin Patch! 🎃❤️

After visiting Mom, I made the 120-mile trip to West Columbia, South Carolina. After about an hour and a half on Warp 1, I arrived at my destination: my invitation to Airica's nephew's birthday party.

And what an afternoon it turned out to be!

It was part birthday party, part Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?, and part, "Are you sure you want to get involved with the people who are important to me and me?"

No pressure, right? 😂

First, Let's Talk About the Family

Airica has mentioned several times that her family is out of control. All of them, including the people adopted into the family. Apparently, the tie that binds this group is thicker than blood.

I can relate.

I've chronicled my family on this blog, along with some of the dynamics I've observed and experienced over the years. Every family has its quirks, its characters, and those stories that make outsiders wonder whether somebody should call a therapist or a documentary crew.

Based on what I've seen, Airica's family isn't any crazier than mine.

They aren't wearing other people's skin. At least, as far as I know.

Nobody is praying to a pineapple named Fred who promises to transport them into the 17th dimension.

And nobody has asked me to wear a Nike tracksuit and matching shoes while drinking some mysterious juice that will put me to sleep.

So, you know, pretty normal!

I'm kidding, of course. Mostly.

The point is that families come in all shapes and sizes. Some are loud, some are quiet, some are complicated, and some have enough personalities to fill an entire streaming service. What matters is the love, the connections, and the people who show up for one another.

And I was getting the opportunity to see those connections firsthand.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

On the way to a little after-party adventure (more on that shortly), Airica and I talked about how the birthday party had gone.

Apparently, some of her family members think I'm a good guy. Others told her not to mess it up. Some couldn't quite read me.

That last group probably had the most accurate assessment.

I'm an introvert. I tend to observe what's going on around me before I jump into conversations. I'm not the guy who walks into a room and immediately becomes its entertainment director.

Give me time, and I'll open up. As I become more comfortable with people, communication gets easier, and more of my personality comes out.

It's a process.

What I appreciated was that Airica understands this about me. She knows my personality, and she doesn't seem to judge me for it or expect me to change overnight.

That's meaningful.

It's nice to have someone who understands that being quiet doesn't necessarily mean you're uncomfortable, unfriendly, or uninterested. Sometimes I'm simply taking everything in.

And when you're meeting a whole new group of people, there's a lot to take in!

I wasn't there to win a popularity contest. I was there to spend time with Airica, meet people who matter to her, and let them get to know me at their own pace.

If they need more time to figure me out, that's perfectly fine. I'm still figuring some things out myself.

Airica, the Birthday Party Hostess Extraordinaire

While all this social observation was going on, Airica was doing approximately 37 things at once.

She was jumping on a trampoline, helping her sister with the birthday party, entertaining people, and playing hostess with the mostest.

In between all that, we managed to talk, share a few moments, enjoy some cake, and eat pizza. She even brought me pizza while running around and taking care of everything.

And she checked on me several times.

"Are you okay?"

Thumbs up!

Another check-in.

Thumbs up!

I was doing fine. I promise.

I thought it was sweet that she kept checking on me, especially when she had approximately a million other things to do.

But one of the best parts of the afternoon was simply watching her.

She was comfortable, energetic, and free to be herself. She did what came naturally: connecting with her family, helping out, and enjoying the moment.

I liked seeing that side of her.

Sometimes, getting to know somebody isn't just about what they tell you. It's about observing them in their own environment, seeing how they interact with others, and appreciating what makes them who they are.

And yes, I was doing my usual observing.

Apparently, it's my superpower. That and driving long distances.

After the party, I helped clean up, using the cart the trampoline park had left for the occasion. I figured it was the least I could do after being welcomed into the festivities.

Then it was time to head to Airica's house.

She needed to drop off some children and presents, and I had brought a few things for her, too. There were roses, scratch-off tickets, and a few other responsible items.

Flowers and lottery tickets. Romance is alive and well in 2026! 😂

Wait a Minute... Did Someone Say Pumpkin Patch?

Somewhere along the way, Airica mentioned going to a pumpkin patch.

Now, I love the technology we have available today. I pulled out my phone, consulted The Google, and searched for a pumpkin patch near us.

Sure enough, one popped up about 25 minutes away.

When Airica finished putting things away, I told her I'd found one.

Neither of us had much idea what to expect.

So off we went!

When we arrived, I realized the place reminded me of Boone Hall, a local destination near home. It cost $3 per person to enter, and there were pumpkins, photo opportunities, concessions, and an obstacle course.

We were there for pumpkins.

At least, that was the official mission.

Social Media Influencers in the Making

As we walked around the property, I noticed several groups of young girls taking pictures for their social media accounts.

Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, or whatever name the kids have given their favorite platforms this week. I'm sure I just offended somebody by getting the names wrong.

Airica, meanwhile, was in her element.

She offered suggestions on poses, helped arrange the scenes, and gave the girls ideas for their pictures. She seemed comfortable connecting with them and helping them get the shots they wanted.

Watching her work with the younger crowd got us talking about a possible business idea: helping young people improve their social media presence through better pictures, posing, and presentation.

There's potentially something there.

A lot of people want to create content, but not everyone knows how to present themselves, arrange a scene, or make the most of a photo opportunity. Someone who understands those things could help them develop their own style.

And Airica was already doing it naturally.

Of course, I was watching and thinking about the possibilities. That's what happens when you spend enough years in the learning-and-development world. You can turn practically anything into a discussion about coaching, skills, and professional development.

I should probably start charging myself consulting fees.

And yes, Airica was also having the young people take pictures of her for social media.

I was invited to join her in a few pictures, too, so there would be proof that I actually went to a pumpkin patch and that she truly exists.

By now, my blog readers may be wondering whether Airica is a real person or an elaborate fictional character I invented to keep this dating experiment interesting.

I assure you, she exists!

And now there is photographic evidence. 📸

The Great Pumpkin Expedition

Now, let's talk pumpkins.

Remember, Airica is from Las Vegas, and I lived there for ten years.

A pumpkin patch in Las Vegas is a very different experience from one in the green surroundings of the East Coast.

Here on what I consider the best coast, you can find greenery, hay, open fields, and acres of space to wander around. It's a whole autumn experience.

We decided on seven medium-sized pumpkins for Airica and the kiddos.

She grabbed a wheelbarrow, while I took responsibility for protecting a prized medium-to-large pumpkin.

I was not about to let that pumpkin fall victim to a careless wheelbarrow maneuver.

We found six more pumpkins, paid for our selections, and headed toward the concessions.

I'm not sure when a pumpkin expedition became a pumpkin acquisition program, but apparently, we don't do anything halfway.

At least the pumpkins didn't require a second vehicle.

Hot Apple Cider and a 2026 Social Media Trend

After paying for our pumpkins, we went looking for hot apple cider.

We found some, along with caramel apple slices, and sat down to talk some more.

It was another opportunity to relax after the birthday party and the pumpkin hunt.

I also learned something new about social media trends.

Apparently, covering your face with a pumpkin is a thing in 2026.

Who knew?

I spent years trying to understand the internet, and now I have to learn pumpkin-based photo trends. I can't keep up.

Airica wasn't particularly impressed with the apple cider, and that's okay. She tried it. Not every food or drink will be a winner, and that's part of the adventure.

Meanwhile, someone from the pumpkin patch kept an eye on our seven prized possessions while we enjoyed our refreshments.

Seven? Wait, didn't we buy thirteen?

Let's just say there were a lot of pumpkins involved, and somebody had to make sure our autumn investment was safe.

Eventually, it was time to wrap things up. Airica yawned, and we both had things to do the next day.

So I took her home.

What Does It All Mean?

After the drive back, we spent a little more time talking and getting to know each other. Then, just like that, I was back at her house, bringing another Saturday to a close.

The next day, Airica planned to clean her home, and I had committed to attending a recovery picnic.

I wasn't sure whether we'd both be free afterward, but I wondered if I might drive to Columbia again in the future.

That's the thing about this Hinge experiment.

I don't know exactly where it's going. I'm not going to pretend I have some grand plan or that every invitation carries a hidden message.

But I am enjoying getting to know Airica.

I'm grateful for the chance to spend time with her, meet the people who matter to her, and see more of who she is when she's surrounded by family and friends.

I'm also learning that sometimes you have to let yourself be part of the experience instead of standing on the sidelines trying to analyze every detail.

Yes, I still overthink things. That won't disappear overnight.

But I'm showing up. I'm participating. I'm meeting people, sharing experiences, and trying to appreciate the moments as they happen.

And I got to see Airica doing what she loves, helping people, being herself, and living her life.

That's a pretty good Saturday.

Even if it involved thirteen pumpkins.

Even if I had to meet a whole bunch of new people.

And even if my brain is still holding meetings about what it all means.

The Hinge Experiment continues. Next up: whatever adventure comes our way. And if Airica mentions another destination, I'm checking Google before I agree to anything! 😂

The Hinge Experiment: Saturday in Columbia and Meeting Actual People!

Another Saturday, another trip to Columbia, South Carolina. At this point, I should probably start looking into frequent-driver miles. 😂

After visiting Mom, I'm heading to Columbia to hang out with Airica at a birthday party. Sounds simple enough, right?

Well, there's one small detail that makes this feel a little different.

I'm being introduced to people. Actual people!

Wait, We're Meeting People Now?

When I started this Hinge experiment, I figured I'd meet someone, go on a few dates, have some interesting conversations, and maybe find a restaurant or two worth recommending.

I didn't necessarily plan on becoming a regular on the Columbia social scene.

But here I am, getting ready to attend a birthday party with Airica, meeting people in her world, and trying not to overthink what any of it means.

I said trying.

I'm not analyzing this. Or, at least, I'm trying not to analyze it. Unfortunately, the committee in my head has apparently called an emergency meeting, and nobody remembered to send me the agenda.

What does it mean when someone invites you to a birthday party? Am I just there to enjoy the party? Am I being introduced to people because we're spending time together? Is this simply another opportunity for us to get to know each other?

The possibilities are endless, and my brain wants to explore every single one.

Meanwhile, the sensible part of me is saying, "Niel, just go to the party!"

Thank you, sensible part of my brain. I'll try to get you a promotion.

Four O'Clock to Six O'Clock... And Then?

The birthday party runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

What happens afterward? I have absolutely no idea.

Maybe we'll grab something to eat. Maybe we'll spend more time together. Maybe we'll say our goodbyes and head home. I'm not going to pretend I know how the rest of the day will unfold.

And that's something I'm working on: letting things happen without trying to write the next five chapters in my head before I've finished the current one.

I'm 54 years old. I've lived enough life to know that not everything comes with a roadmap. Sometimes you just have to show up, participate, and see what happens.

Apparently, learning that lesson through online dating is part of my continuing education.

Where's my certificate?

The Part I'm Grateful For

Here's what I do know.

I'm glad I get to spend time with Airica. I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn more about her, share experiences, and meet some of the people in her life.

That matters to me.

I'm also learning that getting to know someone isn't limited to the conversations you two have over dinner. Sometimes it's seeing how they interact with friends, sharing a social experience, and getting a little glimpse into their world.

And yes, there's something else I'm looking forward to.

Airica gives awesome hugs.

There. I said it.

I'm not going to overanalyze the hugs. I'm not going to develop a spreadsheet to measure hug quality, duration, or emotional impact.

Still, given my professional background, I could probably create a performance evaluation form.

Hug quality: Exceeds expectations.

Repeatability: Highly recommended.

Overall satisfaction: Five stars.

Okay, maybe I shouldn't be allowed to manage this experiment without adult supervision.

But seriously, those hugs make me smile, and I'm looking forward to another one.

Letting the Hinge Experiment Happen

I've written quite a bit about dating, the awkward moments, the funny experiences, and the uncertainty that comes with getting to know someone new.

This experience with Airica has been different in ways I'm still figuring out. We've shared meals, taken trips, laughed together, and now I'm meeting people in her life.

I'm not predicting where this is going. I don't know what the future holds, and I don't need to have every answer today.

My goal is to be present, enjoy the experience, and give us both the opportunity to learn more about each other.

Will I succeed at not overthinking everything?

Let's be realistic. I'm going to overthink at least some of it. I'm me.

But I'm trying.

Today, I'm going to visit Mom, drive to Columbia, attend a birthday party, meet some actual people, spend time with Airica, and hopefully get one of those awesome hugs.

That's a pretty good Saturday if you ask me.

If my brain insists on another emergency meeting, I'll remind it the party ends at 6 p.m. There's plenty of time to overanalyze things tomorrow.

For now, I'm just glad to be invited along for the ride.

The Hinge Experiment continues. And apparently, the next phase involves meeting actual human beings. Wish me luck! 😂

The Hinge Experiment: What Have I Gotten Myself Into Now? 🧙‍♂️🌲🗽

I don't know what I did to myself. Seriously. I may come to regret this. 😂

When I started this Hinge experiment, I certainly didn't expect it to turn into road trips, Brazilian steakhouses, early-morning drives to Atlanta, Harry Potter adventures, and now... a Black Friday weekend trip to New York City.

But here we are!

It All Started With a Fraternity Brother

I've been sharing some of the time I've spent with Airica, and so far, we've had a great time together. We're exploring new places, making memories, laughing, eating entirely too much food, and seeing where this adventure takes us.

Enter one of my fraternity brothers. For this story, we'll call him Roach. That's his pledge name, among other names he's been called over the years. 🤣

Roach sent me a link to something he thought might be worth checking out:

🪄 Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience

If you're unfamiliar with it, go check out the website. It sounded like a pretty cool experience, and naturally, I mentioned it to Airica.

And guess what happened next?

We're Going to New York!

That's right. We're heading to New York City for Black Friday weekend!

Apparently, mentioning an interesting event to Airica is how I accidentally end up planning another adventure. I should probably be more careful about the links I open. 😂

Our plans are shaping up to include:

🌲 Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience — because apparently, we haven't had enough wizarding-world adventures after our trip to COSM Atlanta.

🎭 A matinee performance of The Nutcracker — a little holiday magic and culture to balance out all the Harry Potter excitement.

🍽️ Some awesome food — because let's be realistic. No trip with me is complete without figuring out where we're going to eat.

💎 A stop at a Pandora shop — because apparently, shopping is now part of the itinerary, too!

And that's how a simple link from Roach turned into a weekend in New York.

Visiting More of Airica's People

Another part of this adventure is visiting more of Airica's people.

That's a meaningful part of getting to know someone. You're not just sharing experiences with that person; you're gradually getting a glimpse into what matters to them, their places, people, and things.

I'm looking forward to the trip, the activities, the food, and making more memories together.

Of course, I also realize that traveling to New York over Black Friday weekend means dealing with holiday crowds, traffic, and the possibility that everyone else in the tri-state area has the same idea we do.

What could possibly go wrong?

I mean, I already drove more than 600 miles for Harry Potter on approximately two hours of sleep. Clearly, my decision-making process deserves further examination. 🤦‍♂️

Steve the Iguana Is Getting Nervous

For those following along with The Hinge Experiment, you may remember Steve the Iguana, my imaginary retirement plan for when I finally give up on dating.

Well, Steve might want to hold off on making any reservations.

Between the road trips, the food, the laughs, and now a Black Friday weekend in New York, this experiment is turning into quite an adventure.

I still don't know where this will lead. We're getting to know each other, enjoying our time together, and planning new experiences. That's enough for now.

But I do know one thing: I didn't expect Hinge to lead me to a Harry Potter forest, a Nutcracker matinee, and a trip to New York City.

Roach, if you're reading this, I'm blaming you. You sent the link!

And Airica? Start getting ready. We're going to New York!

Wish me luck. I have a feeling I'll need it. 😂