when it rains, it pours

California has been in a state of emergency with a 5-year drought. This season's snow and rainfall has resulted in only 51% of the state remaining in drought compared to 95% last year. The Sierra Nevada snowpack, which provides a third of the state's water normally, was at 173% of average, the highest level since 1995. The constant rain has resulted in a leaky roof, seeping into the bedroom, as well as water levels in the basement, which resulted in taking out the pilot light of the hot water heater since the water pump could not keep up with the rising water.

It also seems to be raining men as well. Since I had deleted all my online dating accounts, I have had almost half of the people I have met in the last couple of years contact me, men I have not seen in as long as 6 months to almost 1.5 years ago - all but one were men who we went on one to three or so dates. The initial one was on January 13, which I viewed as weird happenings on Friday the 13th and remnants of the full moon so I did not respond; however, after absolution and two others this past Tuesday, it no longer seemed so coincidental.

It feels as if I have been dealt The Fool tarot card. It is either the first (#0) or last (#22) major arcana card, representing a new beginning and carefree adventure, and consequently, an end to the old life. In so doing, he lets go of all the trappings of the old with all his worldly possessions in a small sack, and has blind faith and innocence in enjoying the present moment. It seems that part of my letting go required me to perhaps get some sort of resolution with some past soul contracts that are not over.

When I met one of the men this morning, it was interesting to discover that we are both looking to make some drastic changes this year, including travel and career changes. He is also hoping to enjoy life and be more deliberate in finding happiness. One of the other guys had mentioned that he was ready to start taking "ownership of [his] life" as well.

When the other gentleman asked if I found what I was looking for as he noticed my OKCupid account was gone, he then asked whether I felt that I made a mistake meeting him as I explained that online dating was changing me and I needed to get back to the part of me that I love. I told him that I no longer see life as mistakes (11:11 (part 4)), and when things do not work out the way we want it, it is when we learn more about ourselves than if it did work out.

I was not expecting some of his following statements given our short stint together:

"...[want to be] in a place in my life to be a worthy companion for you...I think spending time with you is great for me. I like being held to a high standard. I want to grow."

With Valentine's Day coming up, there are so many relationship advice articles on my social media feeds. One had a headliner that read, "[m]en marry women thinking they won't change and they do; women marry men thinking they will change and they don't." I have never had any desire to change someone (see me love you long time (part 7)) and believe that unconditional love requires loving someone for who he/she is (e.g., beliefs, values, past, hopes and dreams), supporting him/her along his/her journey.

But I do believe that people can change, if they so desire. I seem to have been blessed in encountering some of these men in the last couple of years, who are learning more about themselves and being more honest and genuine in how they engage with others, including exhibiting their kindness with someone they barely know. I always wanted to find a partner in crime to explore life, and it would seem as if I am finding a few partners in crime to support each other in our quests. I now have a weekend coding partner...now I just need to learn how to code. 😊

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Update February 26, 2017:

Más uno más. Quizás dos.

Update March 20, 2017:

Goodness, two more but the last round includes people who do not bring positive energies.