News

Singles Out: Dawn Kendrick

by Beth Stallings, Carly Toyzan, Christina Ipavec, Brittany Moffat, Emily Garvey, Lauren Hennen, Kristin Majcher, Aaron Yeager, Rebecca Meiser | Jan. 20, 2010 | 5:00 AM

Dawn Kendrick, 39
Reporter, 19 Action News 
 
The perfect date: One where he doesn't leave before it's over. I think a perfect date is one that's both casual and simple. I like going to a restaurant The Strip in Avon.

Something most people don't know about me: I shook Ronald Reagan's hand when I was 7 years old.

My cell phone: I have a BlackBerry. I still don't know how to use it.

Biggest turn-on: When you can tell that a guy loves God and his mom. That's going to get you past the first date.

Biggest turnoff: Wimpy handshakes, man jewelry and loud grunters at the gym.

I own too many: Shoes, shoes, shoes and more shoes. My mom tells me, "We raised two kids on less money than you make." I said, "Yeah, but your shoes weren't nearly as cute as mine."

My favorite • place in Cleveland: I spend a ton of time in the Metroparks. I roller blade there, I bike there, I run there. I also love sitting by the lake with a good book. • sports team: St. Louis Cardinals. I'm from St. Louis. I lived there when Mark McGwire hit the home run record. That happened right before I moved here, in fact. •  book: The bible. I also love Tuesdays with Morrie. It's a good manual to read for life perspectives, and it's very well-written. • vacation destination: I love Charleston, S.C. I was born there, and I've gone back there once. I love the antebellum styles and the quaint, old-school feel of the place. • dessert: The bread pudding at Sushi Rock. I've never had anything like it. It's nothing at all like your grandmother's bread pudding. • blog: It's written by my dear friend who I love like a sister. She anchors the morning news in Columbus and gives funny insights into being a parent. 

Facebook: yes or no? I just recently got on. I fought it tooth and nails for years because it reminds me of high school: "Can you be my friend?" I'm like: "You weren't even nice in real life!" I also don't like this Facebook tagging because I don't get to pick the pictures!

My usual hangout: I go to Sushi Rock quite a bit — the irony is I don't like sushi. I order their spinach rolls, or their salmon, or bread pudding.

In high school I was • voted most friendly and personality. Plus ironically my first love, Brian, and I were voted cutest couple, which is funny because now I'm doing a singles interview.

My passion: Telling stories about people to people. I love finding good stories that are moving and compelling and insightful. I'm lucky I get paid to do it.

My best feature: My personality. I can pretty much get along with just about anyone.

My bad habit: I snack too much. I've got a sweet tooth.

My first kiss: It was in eighth grade, and it was not all it was cracked up to be.

My guilty pleasure: Spending too much money on sales at DSW. I know I don't need another pair of shoes, but there's something about finding a great pair at 75 percent off that just makes me so happy.

How my ex would describe me: Outgoing, warm, compassionate toward kids and elderly, and an animal lover

Blonds or brunets: Definitely dark

Going out or staying in: Staying in — 100 times over, staying in. A perfect New Year's Eve, for me, is hanging out with my friends and their kids and playing Wii. I spend all day under three layers of makeup. When I get home, I want to relax.

Early, late or right on time: I'm going to have to go with late. I'd be lying if I said anything else. It's my New Year's resolution this year to be on time more though that was my resolution last year, too.

Dogs or cats: I love them both. Ironically, I'm allergic to both though it doesn't stop me from owning them. I have a huge soft spot for abandoned and neglected animals.

My longest relationship: Four and a half years. It was with one of the greatest guys I know.

Beer, wine or martinis: Wine — unless I'm out on a boat on a summer day — then beer for sure.

Roses or chocolates: Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. I have a huge sweet tooth.

My No. 1 dating rule: Just to keep it real. In general, it's not a good idea to have too many rules.

My deal-breaker: He has to love kids. He has to have soft spot for kids and animals. Bonus points if he has older relatives he treats well.

I hate when a date orders • seafood. I can't even look at seafood.

Worst pickup line: "Do I know you from somewhere?"

If you could marry anyone: Ben Stiller. He's like the guy version of me.

On a first date I never • eat what I really want to. I order salad with no dressing. Then I come home and have cheesecake.

Best place to meet someone: The best place to meet someone is doing stories — just not the jailhouse interviews.

Most unusual place I've met someone: At the Feast [of the Assumption] in Little Italy. I was reporting on the parade, and down came this really handsome guy on a float. He was like, "What are you doing after the parade? Want to have dinner?" We did end up having dinner.

My take on Cleveland's single scene: It is what you make it. I get sick and tired of people saying it's terrible. What I say to them is move. I think there are plenty of good people here just like everywhere else. It's up to you to find them.
 

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