The phone in my office, having no display screen what so ever beeped. Thinking it would be business matters of my direct superiors I answered it with my most cordial, soft-spoken, feminine "Hello.."

and the voice on the other end of the line said

"Oh hello, I don't recall you sounding like that..."

Weird. "Sorry who's on the line?"

Male voice says: "I know you but you don't know me. I want to have a date with you."

"Sir, if this concerns my #SeptSocials to contact me on my Business Line would mean you have my cell line. Fill in the form and try again."

"You sound raspy and energetic when you're angry."

WTF wei.

"Yeap, I know Halloween and all is coming but you're definitely scary. If I find out who you are, you're not getting a date with me. But thank you for calling. Any thing I can do to help you with work though?"

"You can have a date with me."

"Eh sorry no, running off now. Try not to call me on this line anymore. Thank you."

"Never mind I will call you back *puts down the phone*"

Whoever you are. DON'T CALL BACK. MWAHAHAHAH!

No one by-passes the form. Fill it in and Get in line! You all damn daring nowadays harh? Calling a girl at her office to ask for dates without revealing your name.It scares the hell out of me knowing that I have weird stalkers but you're nothing I cannot take care of.

YOU... MUST BE SOMEONE WHO GOT MY BUSINESS CARD. *snuffs*

So weird one....

          

Date 10 with Melvin. - Thanks Mel, for the Cham Ping and Pancakes

Melvin is an old friend from my Uni days. I remember the trips to Port Dickson for Dr Khoo's Seaweed collection escapades in his MyVi together with Kelly and Lin plus the want to dress him to look like Gensoumaden Saiyuki's Sanzo.

Instead of writing a 100 word description about himself, he put down in typical Melvin fashion "Aiyah...no need lah"

Though I would say that I don't know Melvin all that well, I don't really need a 100 word description from him with regards to who he is.

The date was more like a catch up session than one with romance in mind. Yet again, in true gentlemen-ship, Mel actually walked me back to the car and even in the rain without an umbrella *glares at men who do not walk me back to the car or home*

I won't go into much details except that the conversation was about body building, badminton, and dating in general LOL

Read about what Melvin has to say about the date tho!

          

Chris, is Mr Date No. 9 . He also happens to be the culprit behind making a Dare with Date No. 1 to take me out. They're the best of friends so I challenged him back via Date No. 1.

" I also dare your friend to go out with me on another date. Tell him or her to submit a form also. -Regards, April"

Chris reads blogs to pass the time and based on history, he has been reading this for quite awhile now. He took the effort to add me on MSN and asked where my dates have taken me (cuisine) so far. The original plan was to head down to the Delicious in Marc or Duo Residency but since they both were taken up for events, It was to Madam Kwans in KLCC.

Chris wasn't at all apprehensive about asking me the entire works of #SeptSocials. I found him rather curious about how I would behave for alot of what if situations...especially If I met the right guy halfway through the dates (Now you're wondering , yesh...what if???...)

Conversation was most enjoyable with Chris we were not aware of how much time had pass till we were being subtly chased out of Madam Kwan's by the dirty cutlery collections and chair stacking. We carried on in Coffee Bean Ampang point talking about bloggers in general and other stories.

On the way home, he asked me to look in the glove compartment  where there was "Something for Me". It was a rainbow colored handmade dog he had gotten from his friend with a little tag on the side that said "May" . Telling me that he named it after me Quite Clever of him! (Picture of May soon!)

Chris and I are to meet up for yum char (drinks) when ever I pass by his area in the future. We will be heading to catch 500 days of summer soon too.

Thanks Chris for the dinner, company, picking me up and May (who is sitting on my home work desk now)

          

By now you should know, I put up my own pictures when I don't have any photos from the date :/

An impromptu date to satisfy late night cravings of mint lamb (which I failed horribly to take a CLEAR picture of! gah!) Date 7 was a charming gentleman. I'm blown away by his attention to detail on his social graces. I don't discriminate against men who don't open doors, offer to carry my load or wait for me to drive off just to make sure I get out of the area alright; but the ones that do definitely leave an impression on me.

He came all the way from work to pick me up in the opposite direction to makan with me halfway between his place and mine and then send me back too!

@ChowPong surprises me as a soul championing less self-serving causes. It's not often I meet people with a mind that it's more important to touch souls and fight for them. He seems like a very free soul, someone I would definitely be able to click with.

We're both dog and animal lovers and the first part of the conversation was all about our four legged adoptions

Though I dominated alot of the conversation that night (I feel terrible everytime I realise I get carried away), I'm hoping to hear more about himself the next time we meet (which will be quite soon!)

Thanks CP, I look forward to the appointment with the butcher

          

He had his attention focused to his conduct and even opened up an umbrella for me when it was a bare drizzle (Thank you!) He drove very carefully as we made our way to Gardens.

I could tell he did a little bit of research on places to eat making a passing mention that his friend told him there was a Sushi Zanmai close by. As usual, the Sushi Zanmai, being Sushi Zanmai (Sushi Zanmai! Your que sibeh long la!) had it's usual crowd and he took my recommendation to go for Italiannies just a floor down instead.

We stopped by my favourite Art store though, I wanted to clue him in that there was alot more to me than what's on my blog. I showed him the various types of fabric paints and dyes, origami, oils, pastels, the different brands, pipe cleaner art, wood work (which he would like to try out!), clay work, beading and pulled out a 40 inch by 40 inch canvas to show him one of the things I had to do before I die.

Over dinner we spoke of cameras, blogs his hobbies and how he has picked up magic tricks to pass the time! Yes this guy has a trick or two up his sleeve and I found that he was really generous to share some of them with me! I think when I practice the card tricks I will need to vet it through him to rate my performance skills!

It was such a shame that most of the retail outlets were closed during that day. Could have walked more. After a week we are still on contact on MSN chatting now and then to keep each other updated =)

Thanks Freddy for the  dinner, your demure company, picking me up all the way from Serdang and sharing those magic tricks! Let me know when you want to start on the carpentry work!

          

"I would not have had it any other way"

In all seriousness, I'm really enjoying #SeptSocials. Some of my friends still think I'm crazy; I sense mom is getting abit worried that I keep going out with random strangers; Love sharing the stories with my closest and best friends.

One night as I was talking to my girlfriend in Australia, I mentioned to her the overwhelming feeling of being a part of it all. It was like being in a candy store...spoilt with so many choices and more and more are just coming in from the delivery truck!

Each different candy with it's own personality, colors, tang and texture all essentially sweet in nature. (I hope my dates, in anyway don't get offended from me calling them candy)

One thing I know for sure, is that one meet-up is not enough to truly know a person. I take no offense or disappointment if they are not interested to hang out with me again, because I respect their decision. Everyone has a right to choose who and how they'd like to be associated with, though I am happy to report a majority of my dates have already made plans to hang out together in the very near future.

I am learning so, so much about myself and about other people.  The way women and men tick. The stories that me and my dates have shared (your secrets are safe with me), practical social gestures just to name a few.

I'd like to thank everybody who has shown support, concern, excitement and providing general feedback over #SeptSocials. I'm glad to know those of you who truly understand that #SeptSocials is in essence not to misconstrued as being cheap, definitely not a booty call, and being desperate.

To the gentlemen I have been out with, your wit, point of view, effort, time, and the pleasure of your company which has made each moment a memorable one.  Thank you for being yourself.

As September comes to an end, I'd like to state that #SeptSocials will still go on, seeing that I will have to honor the time I've promised other dates, right up to even December in Singapore .

I'm excited to accept any other future applications thinking of all the sorts of fun people I can meet!

Things are just going to get better from here onwards. =)

          

Mark is a fun and incredibly talkative guy. I really don't mind the guy being talkative cause it makes the date go by easier. I don't have to hammer my head to the table hoping that a topic would tip over from my noggin' and struggle to maintain a conversation when all I get in return are mono-syllabic responses.

The great thing about Mark is that he is incredibly relaxed, honest and casual. From the date, he openly admitted he  loves enjoying his food (and a woman who does) and his manner of fashion, relished the ribs served up for lunch. Honestly, I don't mind anybody taking their bites in life and enjoying it as it goes. Good on him for requesting me to excuse his eating habits so I won't be taken aback by him partaking in the delight of consuming his food.

He also asked for pardon for his most casual dress sense on the afternoon of our date. His apparel suggested outdoor activity, that's what I pretty much guessed Although he did tell me he's casual cause he dresses up for work most of the week, I really think he could have worked it better, even for out door activities to mark a first impression.

Mark also dropped by a Paintball shop in Damansara. This was a chance for me to pick up on a little education about the works of Paintball and gawk  with that OMGWTFPAINTBALLGEARISSOCOOL face. (excuse me, I just let the little child in me get all excited with the thought of cool looking gear)

Thanks Mark, for introducing some great Pork Ribs, picking me up, an invitation to go paintball with Mr. Pimp Daddy soon and your company

          

Photo Courtesy of  www.spinzer.us

Since I've had a couple of requests from friendly neighbors across the causeway.

I'm gonna drop by to say Hello on from the 18th - 20th of December! Although it's horribly way off-course from the original September plan, I'm sure there are people patient enough to wait.

So, make way coming through. I've never played tourist much on your lovely Island before so that's an idea for you.

Currently the plan is that I'll arrive on 17th night & most likely be lodging at my relative's place in Toa Payoh.

As usual, please follow the following link and apply I look forward to some wonderful impressions of Singapore and their people!

          

Although this particular date was originally supposed to take place in October, but because of the constant chats (and thank goodness our offices are near each other), there was an impromptu slotted lunch date.

We met up at Jaya One and proceeded to Hanasen to satisfy our mutual craving for Salmon Sashimi... the guy can even answer questions with his head while having a California roll in his mouth!

Now although he didn't walk me to my car, which I initially insisted that he didn't need to even after he asked. (should have still walked me to my car, cause girls like to test boys like that =P ) Giving him the benefit of the doubt that he could be rushing off to his next appointment.

Since my next #SeptSocial date that night STOOD UP ON ME (that's ok, I've saved myself the trouble of making connections with a person like him) My lunch date, dropped by for coffee with me seeing I was all made up and I just wanted to go out. That makes up for the "didn't walk me to my car thing although I'm insistent and independent"  (Finicky me, but do take note tho )

I had an enjoyable chat on both occasions with him and am looking forward to see him in his best element when his shows are up.

Asides from the teasing, heavily pixelated picture (done on purpose) Here is a little clue related to who he may possibly be.

          

*Photo Credits: *stardixa

Plus points to him for taking the effort to get out of the driver's seat to open the door for me to his car. Our dinner took place in Providoré, Solaris where he was incredibly obliging to drive back and forth traveling the distance from my place to there.

I made a terrible mistake on choosing "Messy Food" for my servings and I was constantly showing signs of consciousness that my dressing soaked shredded vegetables were putting up a fight with me. Not to mention chocolate stained teeth and lips from dessert that night. I have a feeling the damage control wasn't that helpful either. So not flattering.

He's witty, intelligent and yet, half way through dinner and conversation there were tell tale signs in his tone of voice and body language that this was not going to extend beyond the night.

Being taught the power of saying "Thank You" by the most influential people in my early years (my nanny and my mother) I would never forget to send thanks to my dates during the course of action, after the course of action and not long after. Everybody would like to hear a word of appreciation and gratitude.

I sent him a thank you sms along the lines for dinner, the ride and the company. Received no reply though, I would have myself appreciated a return of acknowledgment that he has received my message. I believe some social graces are in order at times, especially when one is in contact with many people, of a certain age and even with a tight schedule.

Perhaps it's that he didn't want to present the wrong message to me, I could have offended him in some way myself without realizing it. Perhaps it is just the way he is being a busy man and all.

I do hope though, that he did receive my sms of Thanks. If not, Thank you again here.

          

Dinner was with @MrRafiq and company at @SpicyGuy 's @SpicyCorner . I was late from all the work and told them to go ahead on breaking fast. From the moment of my arrival there was good conversation on Ice Cream Naan, Pineapple Growing, Suicidal Cicaks, Pokemon, what to wear for Halloween and irritating  bald men.

Amirul happens to be one of my youngest September Socials applicants and he would really put alot of older men to shame. This fine young gentleman pulls up a chair for me, insists to pay for my roti telur and cheese naan and walked me to my car when it was only about 5 metres away!

Thank you @amirulruslan for being such a sport and going out with this older woman. XD I had loads of fun and if i get an iphone, let's trade Pokemon

          

My first #SeptSocials outing was with a very low key kind of guy. I asked his permission if he can be called as "Evil Henchman" so that it doesn't change much (Thanks very much again!)

He came all the way from Klang to join me on this date (which was initially a dare from a friend of his), researched the restaurant and yes plus points, he was extremely punctual!

It was funny as he told me his "Evil Henchman" was going to kidnap me and bring me over for lunch. Blur sotong me, kept asking him about his "Boss" until we arrived at the café...

April : Eh, order now ah? don't you want to wait for your boss?

EH: *snicker*

April : Hah? two ppl only? Your boss leh

EH: I'm the boss lor.

That really kinda took me by surprise. All in good fun though. This Java Programmer actually managed to confuse me! *LOL*. He was very obliging recalling our conversation on MSN ordering my favourite Thai Dishes! Although timid in nature, I could see that he was quite opiniated. An extremly careful driver and a person who takes note of the needs and wants of other people.

Here are some other photos of the date tho

Thank you again for the wonderful time and you know how to look me up when you're in the area when you're free

          

This isn't just some random LOL, OMG, WTF post or a sign of desperation (I assure you Mom, your girl has not yet reached the breaking point of her sanity, let alone her emotions).

I am about to dedicate the nights and days in September, to meet new people (especially the opposite sex) or to get to know the ones I'm already acquainted with a little better.

So Why should you date me?

It's hard to self promote and be humble at the same time, I'm not very good at being pretentious so I'll just roll it all up and promise you that there will be definitely some interesting take home Kodak moment OR I have a natural talent to say something that will be permanently etched in your memory. Some just witnessed me nearly setting a shisha / Ramly burger joint on fire recently, but let's save that story for when I go out with you.

You should be able to tell by now that I'm random, impish with that "Bring It On" Attitude. I will not overblow the fact that being able to pole dance gives me extra credit, because there is really more to me than just being flexible and having a good grip. I am passionate about alot of things from History to Physics, Anime to LOL Speek, Music to Charity. Politics and Cars tho, are definitely not my strong points.

I have a decent physical stature and because I aim to please most of the time, impressions mean lasting moments for me. That doesn't mean I will take ages to get ready tho!

No. I do not have a jealous other half at this moment who will pose any threat to you should you be caught with me. Make sure you don't too XD

Oh wait, I do need to go through a filtration process, with abit of background check before I proceed. I've got to be 100% positive that I don't end up being brought to some dark alley by a crazed stranger. So lets get it cracking. Download your form here and tell me when you are available for September I am locked down on Mondays tho and the 4th, 5th, 6th, 11th and 12th of September tho

Send them to aprilyim@gmail.com and successful applicants will be notified

This is going to be one heck of an experience

          

Most of our friends of course were dating people of the same age or close to their years. Then of course, we thought of the selected few... the younger females who were always dating older men... REALLY OLD men.

Oft, we wonder in a perfectly heterosexual relationship why the 22 year old guy is dating a 16 year old girl. Sounds so wrong doesn't it? Then again, when a 36 year old person is dating a 25 year old female, we suppose that's much better to the logic than the first suggestion.

We then brought up the case of couple A. He was 8 years older than her and she's about 24.

"Perfectly normal..." butts in my friend. He then says "Fits perfectly into the general 'older male in a heterosexual relationship equation"

Me and the other guy were intrigued. Well we wanted to hear it and we were after all speaking to a person who specializes in the "maximums and minimums" of life.

According to something he has read up before. The equation should be something like this:

So lets say the guy is 30 and the minimum age of girl that he'll logically, and generally should be dating would be

'30' divided by '2'; plus '7' which makes her '22'. Which sounds absolutely *Spock like voice* "Logical"

Now if the value of "X" increases, the range also increases. so if the dude is 50, it would be assumingly absolutely fine if he was holding the hand of a 32 yr old lady.

For you less math savvy ladies, here is the revised thorem for you.

Makes sense doesn't it?

          

I come home, incredibly contented with today's class making mental notes to practice my moves to show off at the next event I'm set to dance in. I gaily log in to my IMs to switch my nickname and flank it between icons of hearts because of the Valentine's day special. I couldn't wipe that sickening glee all over my face until I scrolled down my list to check who was online.

A myriad of blasphemy and vexation dedicated to the 14th of February have been plastered (some emphasized in Caps) to the nicknames of several friends.Some were guys but amongst them were my other girls who hiss like Medusa's hydras at the very existence of Valentines day. To them, the cherubs look like stunted fat kids holding weaponry, bouquets will eventually wither and die, and they'd sneer and mock at every couple in amour.

I made several attempts to set some sights in a pleasing direction, I was not going to let a day named after saints and fertility festivals of early civilisation ruin a perfectly good 24 hours (or more) of someone's life.

Now it wouldn't make sense for me to send this post out as a guide if I weren't single myself hmm? Being what I'm about to write about makes the guide a...much more feasible one *winks*

If there is one rule I will live by it's

Love yourself and you will become lovable

And if there is anything I'm really good at myself, is being a narcissist. Some of you would find me quite endearing by the end of the post
Spoil yourself.

Take this as an excellent time for a makeover for YOURSELF. I'd head down to my favourite Salon and tell my stylist to do go crazy to make me feel gorgeous, I go down to every nail parlor and test out 10 different colours on my finger nails just to get the right shade. There is really nothing more appealing than a girl who feels confident with herself. A girl made that way (and especially if she took the effort to do it by herself) will naturally flaunt it in attractive fashion. I personally plan to come out with a new hair do soon

Silence noisy relatives.

Typical of the Asian Society to have family that just irritate you with the same question over and over again. This time, snicker and sneer at relatives who jeer at you for being single. My personal favourites are "I discovered my lesbian side", "I can't seem to find a man with more balls big enough to fit in my hand that's good enough." and "I can do whatever I want without reporting to another..can you?" They'll get the picture. Trust me.

Celebrate Freedom

Relationships are hard work. Celebrate the fact that you're not committed to someone that you can jump in your own bed of roses. You can do whatever you want, not wasting your time to compromise to where you go for dinner, you don't have to worry your head out to make sure that everything is ok with another; And just be that beautiful butterfly you are free and without much of a care in just a shirt and a pair of your favourite worn out jeans.

Be INCREDIBLY THANKFUL

Be thankful that you don't have to spend the evening stuck in a horrid jam (Especially since it's a working day and the massive KL jam). Be thankful that you don't have to be potentially cheated by restaurants who are out to kill you that night. Be thankful that you don't have to spend money on a man. Be thankful that if it was just your luck to receive an awful gift it wouldn't affect you. Be thankful that you can wear shorts and still not give a damn because you had not have enough time to shave your legs that day. Be thankful you don't have to stand another hour of dreaded contact lens in your eyes just to look less nerdy to a man. Best of all, BE FREAKING THANKFUL YOU DON'T HAVE TO STRESS YOURSELF UP IF HE DOESN'T PERFORM THAT DAY.

I don't need a man

Definitely don't need one to put a smile on my face. I've got so many girlfriends, I may just hit the clubs that night with hot single women. Then again I may be tempted to a valentines day gift exchange spree with my closest girlfriends, maybe go shopping and trade compliments on how good we look whilst we try on the latest spring lingerie.

Looking forward to so many firsts

Romance can develop later. I'm really interested in putting myself first, Why tie yourself down when you can make your firsts in the best of situations? Some of the best things aren't planned. Don't rush that first kiss, first relationship, first hug, first pillow fight. Me? I'm looking for my first hilarious pick up line at the mamak.

Learn to be happy for others

For my friends who are attached, I indulge in their joy as well, because what makes them happy, seeing them so blissful makes me happy myself. I've learnt to be happy for those who are fortunate enough to find someone so kind. Hatred only begets to the darkside

Try to stay in

Living in the Klang Valley, I would prefer to escape all the mayhem that night. I'd rather sit down to watch Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion, go to the nearest Starbucks to blog or have fun cooking up a storm in the kitchen with friends. Maybe I'll tah pau Yong Tau Foo. No point going out when everything you do is just going to burn a hole in your wallet or just give you further stress.

Post Valentine day treats...

ON CHOCOLATES! GO SPEND THAT MONEY ON REALLY GOOD DISCOUNTED CHOCOLATES!!!! *CHEERS AND THROWS CONFFETTI IN THE AIR!*

All right, I may have made one or two snide remarks and laughing at people who are succumbing to the overpriced hi-jinx of clever marketing tactics, However;On a very personal note, I feel that it is completely bloody averse to bottle all the love and sincerity for care into one day. Commercialised? Yes. Then again with the waves of flowers, origami, pink and red stationary how can a girl ignore it? I celebrate it myself. But in my own manner or flavoured with a dash of cynicism and a pinch of sarcasm. I should stop writing or I'll further deface the day when a Saint was Killed!

I'd just make the best of it Now, where did I put my favourite camwhoring camera?