Save as Draft Read online

  b. Grab a drink, find a spot at the back of the room by myself, and be a fly on the wall

  c. Introduce myself to everyone in the room and chat it up

  d. Tell my date I don’t want to go to the party

  e. (fill-in response) I’m pretty outgoing, so I think C is the best choice here. Of course, “chat it up” doesn’t mean abandon my date …

  2. What best describes your parents’ relationship towards each other:

  a. A loving marriage

  b. A compatible truce

  c. A mistake that has luckily been recognized by divorce

  d. War of the Roses

  e. (fill-in response) Thirty-one years of married & loving—a model relationship. I couldn’t have better role models.

  3. If you went out to eat with a friend, which of the following would you prefer?

  a. A family style Italian restaurant with checkered tablecloths

  b. An expensive 5 star restaurant

  c. An ethnic restaurant with spicy food

  d. A diner with great grub

  e. (fill-in response) I like to mix it up so I think all four answers have their merit. I must say in advance though that I’m a big fan of sushi, and I eat it at least twice a week.

  4. Would you rather date someone who is available:

  a. On the weekends only because he/she has a busy schedule during the week

  b. On the weekends and certain weeknights but you know when the person will be free

  c. Every single night because he/she works 9 to 5

  d. All the time any time because the person works from home

  e. (fill-in response) I’d rather date someone who is emotionally available, rather than physically available. We all have busy schedules as adults. If you feel a connection with someone, you will make time to see them, no matter what.

  5. What do you think of “Soul Mates”?

  a. There’s a special someone for everyone

  b. A person can have more than one soul mate over time

  c. With time and effort, you can make any person you truly love your soul mate

  d. There’s no such thing

  e. (fill-in response) A person COULD have several soul mates in a lifetime … but you only need to find one. ;-)

  Sent:

  Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 9:02 PM

  From:

  eHarmony

  To:

  Izabell

  Subject:

  More Answers from Your Match #6

  Dear Izabell,

  Below are more Answers from Your Match #6/ Martin. You are almost through eHarmony Guided Communications and onto the next level— talking live to your Match!

  Sincerely,

  The eHarmony Team

  1. Top Favorite Movies (and why)?

  a. Off the top of my head, and in no particular order, I enjoy The Princess Bride, The Goonies, Caddyshack, High Fidelity, and Boiler Room. I’m also a sucker for mega-dollar special effects movies and some sci-fi stuff (The Lord of the Rings). The last movie I remember seeing recently and really enjoying was Once. I do the Blockbuster Online thing (What can I say? I’m a sucker for “Online”), and I’ve become quite a fan of movies in general. How about you? What are your favorites?

  2. Describe your parents’ relationship.

  a. Fantastic. Loving. Great communication skills. Happily married.

  3. Life goal(s)?

  a. “The same thing we do every night, Pinky. Try to take over the world.” In all seriousness, I’m very ambitious, and most of my career/financial goals are generally aimed at long term philanthropy. I want to be in a position to give back either to my parents, or to my future family, or to society in general. At a basic level, my life goal is to live a long time with a smile on my face.

  Sent:

  Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 10:34 PM

  From:

  eHarmony

  To:

  Martin

  Subject:

  More Answers from Your Match #137

  Dear Martin,

  Below are more Answers from Your Match #137/Izabell. You are almost through eHarmony Guided Communications and onto the next level—talking live to your Match!

  Sincerely,

  The eHarmony Team

  1. Describe an interest you have that you truly hope your partner could share with you.

  a. My background is in theater and film (even though I’m presently an attorney, or baby attorney—I’ve only been practicing for a short while). I was an actress (or, rather, “wactress”—that’s waitress/ actress) in Hollywood for four years prior to that. I know, I know, great stories, I’ve got some GREAT stories. So, my partner would have to enjoy seeing movies and going to the theater. Put it this way: I’ve seen EVERY movie nominated for an Academy Award in all major categories for this year (except for Sweeney Todd—didn’t have time to see that one because I’m not really into people eating other people). Btw: Once was on my Top 5 list for last year—so, good choice on your part. What a film.

  2. What do you most like to do on a day off?

  a. A day off? I don’t know what that is … can you explain? ;-) I’m in the midst of working eight hours a day as an attorney and studying for the California Bar Exam by night (don’t ask why, I’m a glutton for punishment or just a one-dimensional over-achiever). So, I haven’t had a day off since Jan. 2 when I started studying. But, I do vaguely remember what a day off is, and I plan to have A LOT of days off in about a week and a half (when the exam is over), so in answer to your question, I’d say: 1) see a movie, 2) jog in Piedmont Park with my dog, 3) get my nails done with a girlfriend (yes, I’m a girl), 4) drink a Cadillac Margarita at about 7 PM (or maybe 4 PM) with friends at some funky Mexican restaurant, and 5) watch CNN (I’m obsessed with the news).

  3. What are you looking for in a relationship partner?

  a. I want what my parents have. After thirty-eight years, they still have date nights on Fridays and go to jazz clubs, wine bars, movies, etc. And, they can really talk to each other—you know?—they talk to each other and they say what they mean. They’re just the best. I want THAT, or nothing at all.

  Sent:

  Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 10:40 PM

  From:

  Marty

  To:

  Izabell

  Subject:

  Hello

  Nice to get through “guided communication” and onto real e-mails!

  I’m impressed with your love of the arts. I go to lots of movies, shows, etc. (sometimes all by my lonesome), and it would be great to have a partner in crime with similar interests.

  I did some speech and drama way back in high school, and that obviously helped to transition me into a career of real estate and investments. Wait … never mind. ;-)

  I’m probably a fan of music like you are of movies. After watching Once, I couldn’t put down the (Martin) guitar (pardon the pun). Great film, even better ending, even if it wasn’t a conventionally “happy” one.

  It sounds like you are busy with your exam prep! I’ve got a couple of friends who passed the Bar, and they still talk about how stressful that time was for them. I’ll think some happy thoughts for you in your endeavor.

  What sparked the switch from Hollywood to law?

  If you can rack enough “cool points” in your reply, perhaps we can meet up for a drink to celebrate you passing the Bar. (Btw, you’ve already got 10 points for the great smile. You got another 10 for those big brown eyes. And, that long curly black hair … I’ll give you another 10! In other words, thanks for sending the pix! We’re off to a good start!).

  Looking forward to next time.

  —Marty

  Draft:

  Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 11:59 PM

  From:

  Marty

  To:

  Izabell

  Subject:

  Hello

  This e-mail was written but not sent and will save as Draft until further action.

  So, sc
ratch that last e-mail, or at least the part about you having to rack up enough cool points to meet up for a drink. You’ve already racked up those points. And, since you like movies, “You had me at hello.” What do you say?

  A cup of coffee tomorrow night? Let’s do this.

  —Marty

  Sent:

  Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 8:05 PM

  From:

  Izabell

  To:

  Marty

  Subject:

  RE: Hello

  You just earned a bunch of bonus points for your hysterical sense of humor. No joke. (hahahaha)

  Anyway, yes, I’m immersed in studying for the Bar. But, it’s all over in less than two weeks. Feb. 28th, to be exact. I’m from SF originally (but not really the reason why I’m taking the CA Bar—mostly, because, well, to be honest, I’m bored stiff at my law firm job and I thought “why not torture myself for two months to pass another Bar which I probably won’t pass since it’s nearly impossible to pass”—think 37% passage rate impossible—and also because yes, I may want to go home someday since “there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home …”).

  In any event, yes, I would def be up for drinks to “celebrate” my (non) passage of the CA Bar. In the meantime, I guess we can act out some scenes from You’ve Got Mail. Being the movie expert that you seem to be, I’m assuming you’ve seen that one …

  Where are you from originally? Real estate development, huh? What else? I’m new to eHarmony (as in “two weeks new”) so I don’t really know how to do this!!!!!!! You’re only my sixth “match” so far!

  Am I doing it right???

  —Izabell (the eHarmony Virgin—oh snap! did I just put “Virgin” in writing?!)

  Sent:

  Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 9:46 PM

  From:

  Marty

  To:

  Izabell

  Subject:

  You’ve Got Mail?

  Sixth “match,” huh? You’re my … well … never mind, I’ve been doing this a little longer than three weeks. :-)

  As for points, you actually lost 3 of them for going with You’ve Got Mail if only because it should have been called Sleepless in Seattle 2: The Search for More Money.

  It’s okay … you got 8 points for your cheery, positive outlook on passing the Bar(s)—Georgia and (soon-to-be) California??? Nice work there. You’re obviously not a one-dimensional overachiever, but a two-dimensional one. ;-)

  Before you know it, you’ll be up to the 500 points needed to get my phone number.

  Kidding.

  To answer some questions … I grew up in Kentucky, then took a job in Orlando where I lived for the past three-ish years. I moved to Atlanta, and just bought a house around New Year’s.

  My job here is more real estate acquisition than development. I work for a real estate fund. Basically, a bunch of rich guys pool their money, and then my group and I spend their money on large office buildings in predominantly downtown areas. My region is Denver and everything west of there. I was in Hollywood last week, which became interesting when we sat two tables down from Fabio. Gotta love your B-list movie star sightings.

  Should be a nice weekend for the Oyster Fest on Saturday. Hopefully the weather cooperates. I’ll be sure to hoist an adult beverage in honor of your test prep.

  Btw, I can’t get eHarmony on my BB, but I do have access to my personal e-mail on there: [email protected]. That’s probably the best way to get ahold of me.

  Only 485 points to go …

  —Marty

  Sent:

  Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 1:34 PM

  From:

  Izabell

  To:

  Marty

  Subject:

  485 Points

  “485 Points” could be a great movie title. Dontcha think?

  This is Izabell, btw, a.k.a. “Izzy” to my best friends, and, other times, just “Iz.” Call me anything you want.

  I’m presently fighting a cold while working while e-mailing. Multitasking at its best.

  So, where did you stay in LA last week? What restaurant did you dine at while seated near Fabio? (I lived in LA for eight years and made it a point to eat out as much as possible even though I was flat-a** broke at all times. I know all the restaurants, unless it’s a new one.) Did you hit up the bar scene (yep, know the bars, too—oh Lordy, is that a bad thing?)? My two favorite bars of all time are in LA—El Carmen and Lava Lounge (in a neon-lit strip mall on La Brea and Hollywood, no less). Ah, El Carmen brings back such fond memories of dancing on table tops … ;-) They have these crazy paintings of Mexican wrestlers on the walls. Luv it.

  Re. the Oyster Fest, I am envious you’re going this weekend … I had planned on going, but I’ve got to study. All of my friends will be there. You may just run into them and not even know it (Try not to pick up any of my girlfriends, OK? That could be complicated, LOL)! I, unfortunately, will be at home doing a last-minute cram session. This totally sucks, btw—working and studying. I am the most social and active person you may ever meet—so, for me to give up my social life since Jan. 2nd hasn’t been easy.

  What else? Hmm. I don’t know. Do I still have 485 points to go? I think I should, at the very least, be at 350 since I know all the fun spots in LA, right?

  Sent:

  Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 3:34 PM

  From:

  E-cards from Hallmark

  To:

  Izabell

  Subject:

  A Hallmark E-card from Martin Fuller

  Martin Fuller has sent you a Hallmark E-card.

  If you recognize this name, click the link to see your E-card. http://www.hallmark.com/ECardWeb/ECV.jsp?a=EG172755499M2567&product_id=

  Want to send an E-card too? Visit www.hallmark.com/ecards

  Sent:

  Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 5:55 PM

  From:

  Izabell

  To:

  Marty

  Subject:

  Re: A Hallmark E-card from Marty

  Nice move. If I’m at 350 points, then you’re at 500 hands down. Love the Valentine’s Day e-card. That was bold.

  —Izzy

  Sent:

  Friday, February 15, 2008 at 10:00 AM

  From:

  Marty

  To:

  Izabell

  Subject:

  Re: 485 Points

  Izzy, huh? It reminds me of “dizzy” a bit too much (although you guarantee that you’re “not quite as frivolous” as you may appear), so I think I’ll stick with Iz for now.

  It seems like the season for fighting colds. I’ve been taking Airborne as a daily supplement to ward off any evil spirits, and so far so good. Unfortunately, I’ve got a feeling I will be imbibing a different kind of evil spirit this weekend at Oyster Fest. Someone in my office just mentioned the possibility that there won’t even be any oysters this year, only shrimp. That’s strange.

  To answer your question, we were at Crustacean on Santa Monica Blvd when we saw Fabio. Our hotel was six blocks or so down the street. It was pretty neat to stay in “90210,” and also to see La Cienega, the road mentioned in the Ryan Adams song. Unfortunately, we were out entertaining some colleagues, so we kept our adventures to the restaurant scene rather than the bars.

  If you’re feeling better, or need a break from cramming, feel free to give me a ring (my cell is at the bottom). I should be out with some friends in Little Five Points tonight, and then Oyster Fest tomorrow. Here’s hoping you feel better.

  —Marty!

  Producer, Director, and Star of 485 Points: The Musical

  813-555-0341

  Sent:

  Friday, February 15, 2008 at 3:31 PM

  From:

  Facebook

  To:

  Izabell

  Subject:

  Martin Fuller added you as a friend on Facebook …

  Hi Izabell,

  Martin Fuller added you as a frie
nd on Facebook. We need to confirm that you know Martin in order for you to be friends on Facebook.

  To confirm this friend request, follow the link below: http://facebook.com/?profilid&ed=274556685=feed&story=e942nidiv34

  Thanks,

  The Facebook Team

  Sent:

  Friday, February 15, 2008 at 3:34 PM

  From:

  Facebook

  To:

  Martin

  Subject:

  Izabell Chin confirmed you as a friend on Facebook …

  Hi Martin,

  Izabell Chin confirmed you as a friend on Facebook.

  To view Izabell’s profile or write on her Wall, follow this link: http://facebook.com/?profilid&ed=25603946685=feed&story=e942nidiv34

  Thanks,

  The Facebook Team

  Sent:

  Friday, February 15, 2008 at 5:04 PM

  From:

  Izabell

  To:

  Marty

  Subject:

  Re: 485 Points

  I’m taking a quick break from drafting a Motion to Dismiss to say the following:

  1) I LOVE Crustacean. How cool are the fish swimming underneath the floor?

  2) You just got an extra 10 points for knowing about the Ryan Adams’ song. One of my faves, because it’s a great song and also because I lived two blocks from La Cienega while in LA. Did you see him perform at the Fox recently, perchance?

  3) I feel crappy all around, and I’ve just about overdosed on Airborne and zinc lozenges (if that’s possible).

  4) I’ll call you this weekend on a study break. Probably Sunday. I have a feeling I’ll be in bed all day long. Totally sucks.

  5) Have I mentioned that I like lists???