"Serenity now!"

Date #7: Thursday, 19 March
Brad R., job seeker

For those of you observant blog readers:

• No, this is not a second date, but a second Brad.
• Yes, I had two dates on the same day.

I'm not very involved in my singles ward. To say the least. A year of Activities Chair who does everything burned me out. After a decade, the novelty of meeting your peers wears off. Befriending people that don't live in the same town as you makes for a lot of travel. For all these reasons, I have only a handful of friends there. So I was fellowshipping... myself. I was talking to a pretty good-looking guy in my ward at ward prayer. He's nice, not too tall, but dark and somewhat handsome. He's a computer geek (I mean that in the nicest way possible; it really is a technical term) -- he even has a degree for it! But can't seem to find a job to use it in... Why do we go to college?!

Anyway, he mentioned a movie he watched recently based on a sci-fi series called "Firefly". I have only heard of this show because of my other computer geek friends and acquaintances, but apparently it had enough of a cult following to get a motion picture made. I said I'd be interested to watch it sometime... so we did.

I called him after I'd gotten home from dinner with another friend (does it count as a date if the guy is engaged -- to someone that's NOT you?), and he picked me up at my house. We went to his apartment to watch it online, because he has a sweet monitor and sound system. But no sofas. Seriously. He has no furniture whatsoever. Just a table with his computer on it, one camp chair, and four wooden dining chairs.

He's sweet enough to insist I have the camp chair - points for him! So we watch the film, both making comments here and there (mostly me, whenever there's something I don't like or there's a death of someone I do like) and afterwards he takes me home. He opened my doors - again, more points! - but was so terrified of the doorstep scene that he didn't even make it to the front porch! About halfway up the walk, he thanks me for a good time. So I extend my hand. Oh, wait, he was going for a hug... Abort! Delete. Initiate hug. Awkward!!

But I got an email from him the next day; he's got more movies! So it must not have been that bad. Ok, but next time, we're watching it at my house! Fifty-five viewable inches, and a sofa to boot!

Have My People Call Your People - We'll Do Lunch!

Date #6: Thursday, 19 March
Trevor, 24, server/student/future filmmaker

I love my home teacher! ... Straight from the set of a bad LDS film comes the tale of my next date. Actually, I think it might be a pretty cute LDS film. But I bet that's what they all think!

For the first time in about 7 years, I have a home teacher that actually comes! Just one of the two, but I won't be greedy -- our ward's about 6:1, girls to guys. My home teacher set an appointment, came, taught a lesson, and spent a while getting to know me. Our conversation revealed that we actually have a few things in common, the love of movies being first and foremost. The next week I suggested we get together during his Spring Break, and he took me up on it!

We decide via text on a lunch scene. With the help of a very well-informed friend of mine (thank you Betsy!), we meet on location at Sawadee Thai Restaurant downtown. Like all up-and-coming directors, Trevor craves exotic foods. The scene is set. Now, "roll `em!" ...

It's a beautiful clear spring day, and Wendy arrives just a few minutes early. She walks in and is immediately seated... right behind a separation wall. She texts him and tells him where he can find her, and then she waits. She anxiously looks towards the door with each new patron, until she notices a nice car with a familiar-looking driver pull into the parking lot.

He walks in and sits across from her, wearing his cool clothes and aviators, his thick blondish hair perfectly coiffed, looking like an actor he might direct someday. They chat and catch up on life since their last conversation, and enjoy the aromatic Thai dishes in front of them. The lunch hour passes quickly, and it's with a bit of regret that they part with a quick hug outside the restaurant. Wendy drives back to work with a smile on her face, thinking that this team of two is worth preserving! She may even consider quitting her glamorous life as an admin to be his producer.

Music and the spoken word ... hold the music

Today's music isn't really music ... it's an example of "Minnesota Nice." Or "Another Reason I'm Not in Love with Minnesota."

I'm a direct person. I give yes or no answers, not 'sorta' or 'if you want' answers. I ask 'will you' instead of 'do you want to'. Generally if someone asks me, "Do you want to [fill in the blank]?" and I don't want to I'll say no.

People here are evasion English speakers. It drives me insane. They also say supper. I'll rant about that later.

Here, Garrison Keillor explains how people here communicate. Take a listen.

Not on the First Date!

Date #5: Wednesday, 18 March
Adam, 28-ish, Metal-something-Engineering Student

It's not like I don't listen to what these guys are majoring in; it just so happens I can't pronounce this one!

I know Adam from high school, although we determined we never really talked to each other while we were there. We also didn't have any friends in common, really, so I don't exactly know how we know each other. All the same, we run into each other here and there, and he knows of my goal, so he called and invited me to join him for a lecture series put on at the U of U.

On this particular evening, it was 'The Yellowstone Supervolcano' that was being discussed. Adam is a tall, blond-ish, self-proclaimed "wanna-be outdoorsman", who finds this geological stuff interesting. I haven't been in school for ... well, years, but I do like to learn new things. So I found it pretty cool, albeit it was at times entirely over my head!

The main auditorium was full, so we were in a satellite presentation of the lecture nearby. The cameraman was movement happy, which was annoying, and the microphone picked up some interesting things - "the mic's pickin' up her heart-beat!" Nah, but it did sound pretty funny when he took a drink of water! My favorite part and morale of the story of Yellowstone's supervolcano -- "Visit Yellowstone, before it visits you!"

Afterward, we went to a new frozen yogurt place downtown called 'Spoon Me'. Say what?!? ... Yeah, it's a trendy little spot for the granola in everyone. Even the spoons were made out of biodegradable material, which, honestly, feels a bit funny on the tongue! But nevermind. I put rasperries and blackberries on mine, and it was quite nice!

Adam was really nice, too. He's got an enjoyable sense of humor, and makes a pretty good case for being outdoorsy with his love of rock-climbing, snowboarding, hiking, Subaru-Outback driving, etc. Needless to say, I'm... not so much. So I was glad our date just took us to a lecture about Yellowstone, and not to the supervolcano itself.

Figaro, Figaro, Fiiig-aro!

Date #4: Thursday - 12 March
Gevin, 18-19, student & premie!

Even my doting parents have gotten in on this. My mom announced my scheme to her coworkers, and enlisted the help of this sweet boy named Gevin. Like Kevin, only as if you were saying it with a head-cold. He's part of a fraternity, and is willing to offer his frat brothers as dates... Excellent! *drums fingers together*

He'd called me once before to invite me to a frat party, so I could get to know the guys. I actually had a date that night, so he called me the next time. Hm. Another date. So how could he describe a girl he's never met to his friends? Take me out himself, I guess! Fine by me!!

He had tickets to see the sneak preview (aka last dress rehearsal) of the Utah Opera in "The Marriage of Figaro" at Capitol Theatre. I don't really like opera, but beggars can't be choosers, right?! So we went. He picked me up... and he was wearing jeans. (I waited in my room and had my mom prep me on how dressy to be. So I was wearing jeans, too.) We found a free parking spot downtown and had a nice walk to the theatre. He's TALL! 6'3" And the poor chap has, like, 8 sisters. Whoa... Anyway, that also means that he's well-trained in chivalry and knows about things like musicals. I like that!

I ask on our walk there if he's ever been to Capitol Theatre before. No. "Well, next time you might want to dress up a bit more," I reply. We arrive to the older patrons and young'uns alike all decked out... but also a bus-ful of unruly teenagers, mostly in jeans. Whew! Good thing I look young; we'll just fit in with them!

Turns out that I really like the opera, when it's a comedy! (I feel the same about Shakespeare.) We had great sixth-row center seats (though it made reading the super-script a little straining)! The singers were amazing, the costumes were gorgeous, and the company was a lot of fun! Gevin's a great kid - really nice and funny, in a quirky sort of way. And I like that he shared his fruit mentos with me. It was even better that I got a pink one every time -- my luck still holds! He was amazed. ... I bet he was even more amazed when he found out I'm 10 years his senior!! But he graciously didn't even flinch when he found that out. He just got grilled by his dad afterward! Fun for him! And fun for me!

I'm acrophobic and I love this song.

It's been a rough week. I'm tired, stressed, and playing catch up from being gone a couple days last week.

This song makes it all better. It's on the soundtrack to 'Garden State' and is a great re-make. I went to a concert by Iron & Wine last year and it was amazing. (Thanks, Dan for thinking of me as a last resort.) Check out more of their songs if you like this one.

Enjoy.

That's all I need, an order of cheese fries!

Date #3: Wednesday, 11 March
Brad, 23, Computer-[something] Student


As part of my plans to reach this goal, I swallowed my pride and enlisted the help of as many of my friends as possible. One of those, a former elder from the mish, arranged a double date for me with his roommate.

I desended to the valley known as 'happy' and met them at The Training Table for dinner. Does anyone know how that restaurant came to be? Curious place... Brad is from Washington, so he was new to the order-by-phone and the Ultimate Dipping Sauce (sweet nectar of the Gods!). My friend Trace discovered that you don't actually need to order a burger to order an additional patty from the menu. I know you all were wondering. Now you know. We named his little added patty, "the little steak that could". Anyway, back to the date... Brad has a really deep voice, very manly and all that. He has a great sense of humor and was super nice! I must say, he won me over when he agreed that tomatoes are, in fact, disgusting.


After dinner, our date benefactors (Trace and Autumn) gave us options of making a mural with sidewalk chalk, touring the Museum of Art at BYU, or... something else. (It was just as good, but not our pick since I can't even remember it!) We discovered we didn't have time for both, so we chose the MoA, with the stipulation that each piece of art be assigned to one of two themes -- intergalactic warfare and forbidden passion. We saw a lot of great things, and museums are great dates! Not only are they usually free, but an interesting way to get to know people. I had a great time getting to know Brad.


We finished up early (being a school night and all) with ice cream treats from Sonic. Gotta love sittin' in a car, eatin' food, and listening to 90's tunes over their loud speakers - "check it out now... funk's your brother..."

And The Clouds Opened and God Said...

Date #2: Friday, 27 February (so actually this one was first, but unexpected)
Jared, 25?, Student

As every weeknight passes with me sitting at home, panic sets in that this climb to 29 is virtually impossible. It's Friday night, and my options are as follows: a girls night out at my visiting teacher's place or ice skating with a friend's singles' ward. After a long week at work, I'm ready to scarf pizza and watch chick flicks... but I figure going to a new pool, albeit a frozen one, is the more advantageous bet.

Before I leave for that, I satisfy my recent craving for Arby's roast beef & curly fries. During my meal, the hand of Providence intercedes. My phone rings. It's a guy from my singles' ward, asking how spontaneous I am. "I like sponteneity!"... And it's a good thing, too! Even though I just downed far more calories than one should have in a single meal, I gladly accept his last-minute invitation to dinner. That's two!

So 20 minutes later he picks me up (opening my door, even as we emerge from the car later on -- points!), and meet two other couples at a friend's house. The guys had made dinner, and it was actually pretty good! Then we played whatever games we could dig up or make up, and I was home before I got too tired. (What's up with the half-hug at the door though?)

My favorite part of the date was actually waiting for the other two couples to arrive. It gave Jared and I the chance to talk and get to know each other a bit. He's pretty funny, although his intelligent humor makes it hard for some to recognize. He's great at doing accents too, especially British ones that I'm kind of partial to. I like that he likes history, and does what he can to 1-keep himself informed on current events and 2- make things better in the world around him. I don't know that we could find more to talk about past politics and religion, but at least we could do that without arguing!

A Nice Night for Bisque

Date #1: Monday - 2 March
Dan, 23, Pre-Med Student

(The above description looks like something off of daytime tv show. Good grief!)

I met Dan through a friend of a friend a few years ago. We were reunited at a funeral this winter. Not the happiest of meeting spots, but a good chat was had, all the same. Over a later conversation he mentioned a heavenly soup and to-die-for dessert at The Porcupine, a local eatery. The tomato-basil bit of heaven is Monday's soup of the day, so we picked that day and went for it!

He picked me up (and opened the door for me, as always - points for him!) and we headed up toward the canyon. At The Porcupine, we were led to sit opposite each other at a very long table for two. We laughed and chatted about this and that while waiting for our twinner meals -- I love being able to say "I'll have the same" after he orders; like we're one of those annoying couples in the movies.

The soup - that is not a bisque, I stand corrected - was smooth and creamy and perfect! To follow, we shared their signature dessert - a chocolate cream cake covered in chocolate and made to resemble a porcupine... Oohhhh... To share, naturally he had to move around the side of the table, to be closer and "more romantic", he said.

We'd only planned on dinner, but on the spur of the moment ended up going back to his place... where I watched him jam on Guitar Hero (I'm not coordinated enough to do it myself) and then shared our secret passion... No, not that, sick-o's! I'm talking about watching old episodes of 'Star Trek' series. You don't have to attend conventions or learn Klingon to appreciate the pop culture phenom of Star Trek. So we did. And it's not really a passion... but good clean fun.

More points for him for making sure I got home early enough to be ready for work the next day. I love that he respects me enough to care about my time and responsibilities... mostly. He's pretty cute - dark hair, good build, super funny! Think Jack Black. Only cuter.

This date brought to you by: http://www.porcupinepub.com/

29 Dates by 29 Years!

So here it is, the grand idea I heard and borrowed and modified just for me -- 29 Dates by 29 Years Old!

Contrary to popular speculation, I am 28 years old, almost 29. I am not too young to enter contests, nor rent a car, even. I did not have my 22nd birthday while on my mission, nor did I graduate in a year after the millennium. (I know. I'm trying to get over it, too.)

As such, I have been on more than 29 dates in my lifetime. Many more. But as stated in the wisdom of U2, "I still haven't found what I'm looking for".

See, dating is like shoe shopping. You can't just pick one pair in one store and buy it! You have to try it on, walk with it for a while, see if it's comfortable, if it fits you properly, and if it's the right price! You can go to another store, see if you find something you like better, and if not, go back to your original pick. It may still be there, it may not be... But wait! Who says you can't get a bunch of boxes down at once and try a lot of shoes all in one store? I like the store I'm in; I like the shoes I've found... but to expedite the decision and purchasing process, I've set a goal and made plans. My goal is 29 dates before my 29th birthday this year.

And you get to read all about it. Lucky you.

They Are... Spartacus.

First off, thanks to the Shrinking Betties for letting me join their blog!

I am here for two reasons. I will call them Spartacus. Both of them.

So, our good friend Jana told me of a 31-year old journalist who went on 31 dates in 31 days. Seems a bit ridiculous, but the girl blogged all about it and it sounds like a good time! I myself recently decided to 'date other people'... but found them both to be few and far between. Herein an idea was born. Or borrowed, rather. Jana started it. She is Spartacus.

As stated in my intro, Jessie and I have been cohorts since the beginning of time. Or the beginning of Kindergarten, whichever came first. Naturally I ran my knocked-off idea by her, and she suggested I blog about it. This is her blog. She brought me here. She is Spartacus.

And so it begins...

Overheard in my office

Wendy and I were chatting and she typed out this nugget of comedy:

Yeah, I've heard of that idea before... it's the last half of a good idea/bad idea segment.

The same old song and dance routine

How can you not like this? It's funny and peppy. I listen to/watch this when I need a little pick me up.

And it makes me wish I could dance.

We’re welcoming a new addition

Wendy has joined The Shrinking Betties blog. I’m super excited!

Wendy and I met in the late summer of 1985. We rescued Mickey and Minnie while on recess and I still remember when Miss Know It All Wendy got up in class and pointed to the line between Utah and Colorado and said: If you live here you live in two states. It was kindergarten and I was shocked there were things I didn’t yet know.

Back to Wendy. She’s super funny but hasn’t ever blogged before. I’m anxious to read her genius posts.

Ready … blog!