Lucky

My apologies to any followers of my '29 Dates'; I know it's been FOREVER since I've posted! So here's the update. Finally.

Date #19: 11 April
Jared, 22, musicologist student

As you know from Jessie's post, this day in history - April 15 - is notorious for such events as the sinking of the Titanic, the death of Lincoln, tax day, and my birthday. Oddly enough, it also happens to be the birthday of my date, Jared.

I met Jared while serving in the England Birmingham Mission. He says we met through his companion Elder Maggart, but I don't remember that; I remember meeting Jared as the new district leader in my second area. I experienced a lot while in that area - Welsh winters, Halloween, Christmas, "killing" my old comp, and training a new one. Through our 6 months there, we became great friends. We went our separate ways, and then, to our surprise, I was transferred to Leicester my last few months, as was he! He was my district leader for a second time, and it was fun to serve around each other again. We kept in touch after he went home, and my last companion and dear friend helped me realize that... I might actually like him more than just a friend! Wha?!? Never!

Anyway, long story short, we'd been on quite a few dates since December 2008, and decided we wanted to celebrate our birthday together. He goes to USU in Logan, so we celebrated while he was down for the weekend. He came to my house and made me one of my favorite homemade meals - cheese quesadillas. After dinner, I took him to Old Navy, and got him some great jeans for his birthday. From there we went to Cold Stone Creamery, where we each got free 'Like It' ice creams, just because it's our birthdays!! Awesome! Then we went back to my house and exchanged gifts (which is REALLY weird, because it's like Christmas... only, not).

As weird as it is that we share the same birthday, and a ridiculous amount of the same tastes in music, movies, food, and many other things, it's also really great to be with someone I get on so well with. He really is one of my best friends, and has been with me through thick and thin... (I hope that the future has a lot more 'thin' in it, at least where I am concerned. Ha ha.) And I hope the future has a lot of him in it, too.

You asked for it, you got it, Toyota

Date #18: a weekday in April
Josh, 31, Salesman

My office is relatively small. There are 5 warehouse guys, 4 office ladies, 3 salesmen... and a partridge in a pear tree. We are located just west of the Salt Lake International Airport. Which basically means that you better bring your lunch or expect to drive 20 minutes to the nearest food oasis. We are in the middle of nowhere. (We even had escapee cows out to pasture across the street one day.)

I got my job through a guy in my singles ward, so now we're coworkers now as well as fellow YSA. One night I told my visiting teacher about my 29 dates... who announced it at a to-do where Josh was present... who then decided to share it at work. Good grief!!

Well, I used this to my advantage one day. I was in a rush (probably from sleeping in after one of my many dates) and forgot my lunch at home. Oh the humanity! A hungry Wendy is not a pretty sight!! Josh and Justin were talking about Subway, so I said to Josh, "How about you buy me lunch and I'll call it a date?!" Josh is tall, thin, and relatively handsome. He owns his own home, and is the talk of the singles ward. He's pretty crazy, but a lot of fun... He's also not anyone I've ever even considered being interested in (despite our coworker's hopes). All these things make it so I feel I can be a lot cheekier than I would normally.

Well, imagine my surprise when he replied, "Ok. But I'm not paying for Justin's!" So we took everyone's sandwich orders (and their money) and went to the local Subway for lunch. He didn't bother opening my car door, but I wasn't bothered either. We chatted about the weather, about Google, and about the dangers of being picky with big lunch orders. It was a good time, albeit a short time! But I'm totally counting it -- we planned on it, we were paired off in going, and he paid. Done and done!

Girls Don't Like Boys, Girls Like Cars and Money

Date #17: Saturday, 11 April
Jason, 32, Physical Therapist in training


I met Jason about 5 years ago in my YSA singles ward. He had recently gotten home from his mission, and he and his brother started coming to our ward. I'd been suffering with a very stale crush, so Jason was a breath of fresh air to me! He's tall, dark, and (I think) handsome, and really charming! I befriended him right away, and tried to invite him to this and that. He often couldn't go because of his strong family ties, but would make time for me when he could. My favorite memories were talking on walks we'd take on those perfect summer nights, and driving around in his old beater of a truck.

I discovered that he had a lot of admirable qualities and a wisdom that only comes with life experience. He also had a wicked sense of humor, and I do mean wicked! He can give you a grin that makes you wonder if he's a really funny guy or a complete psychopath! (I'm pretty sure he's just really funny...)

Well, time passed. He moved away, and so did I. I'd get over my secret crush and then I'd get a random email or text from him that made it all come back again. Curses! Eventually, his impeccable timing and disarming manner drove me completely mad, and I pulled what my friends and I refer to as a "Lisa Holiday*"!

...You know when there's that guy that you ardently admire and love, and you just want to get it off your chest and tell him?! Then you'd discover that all this time he'd felt the same, and all those what-if's would finally be answered?! Well, that's what she did. And so did I... For the record, pulling a "Lisa Holiday" may take the pressure off your chest, but in the end you'll wish that it was back on. In the form of a large rock. That will hide you from your shame. And you'll wish that you'd never taken that holiday from sanity.

Annywaay, for some reason, he was still willing to be my friend after all that. And even willing to help me on my way to 29 dates. I'd tried to connect with him, but his ridiculously busy schedule would not allow. He finally felt bad enough to squeeze in a lunch date with me, and so begins our tale.


He apologized profusely for being more than an hour late, but for some reason, I didn't mind too much. It could be that he's upgraded his vehicle to this beauty!! He says that he'll leave it to me after he dies. I told him I want that in writing.

I tried to explain that I love him as well as his car... but that may not be true! This car I lovingly refer to as the Batmobile. It. Is. AWESOME!! Not only is it gorgeous, but an incredibly smooth ride, even at 120... I mean, yeah. Back to lunch.

We went to Mimi's Cafe and had a really yummy lunch. The conversation was a bit strained because he'd scraped the car on the curb in the parking lot; I think I was almost as upset as he was! But eventually we relaxed and laughed and chatted for a long while. We were having so much fun, he asked me to spend more time with him while shopping for his friend's wedding gift, so we drove to Target and played the 'Saturday-shopping couple'. It was fun! Probably more fun as a non-couple than it is as a real one! We went back to my place, wrapped the gift, and ended up chatting the afternoon away!! Eventually, we both had to get on with our day -- to his evening plans, and to my next date!

*name has been changed

Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore.

Date #16: Friday, 10 April
Kendall, 27, soon-to-be Westminster grad and printing expert

Another wedding story: (I've been around a long time, so I have a few...) About 3 years ago, one of my best friends, Candice, met her sweetheart and planned a fabulous wedding. He had four groomsmen, she had four bridesmaids... and like something from "Picture Perfect", the happy couple noticed as they drove into the sunset that there were two of them that took a liking to each other.

Kendall and I have great chemistry. But even in our second meeting, it was evident that we are complete and total opposites. And I mean in Every. Single. Way. And though the phrase "opposites attract" may be true, it's also not a good formula for a relationship. So we never had one. Just a lot of fun flirting and hanging out.

Well, I'd planned to go out with him on this night, but got sick -- I'm sure it was divine intervention (which he doesn't believe in)! But by nightfall, I was feeling better, and I discovered that I'd previously purchased tickets to a comedy show in Provo. Well, I can't lose my ten bucks! And clearly, I can't find anyone else available on this particular night! So I called and cancelled my cancellation with Kendall.

So we went. I picked him up and we rushed down to the show... which just happened to be on the BYU Campus. (Mind you, he's not a member of my faith, or anyone else's for that matter - one of our many differences...) The group performing was called 'Divine Comedy'. Oh dear... The opening skit was about a strange LDS YSA phenomenon called Ward Prayer. *rolls eyes* Yeah... the rest of the ridiculously long performance, "Best of Divine Comedy", went from there to jokes about the BYU Honor Code, dating 'premies' (pre-mission aged boys, not boys who were born too early), and the like. It was awful. Mostly because I was sitting next to the only guy with facial hair. I mean, I like facial hair, but... "one of these things is not like the other!" And I'm pretty sure the "Best of..." could've fit into 15 minutes, instead of 130. Yikes.

We ran off campus as fast as we could -- maybe it's the age difference, or my life experience, but even I felt like we'd been abducted to another planet! -- and I took him back home to his inebriated roommates. I like those guys; they're all really nice and fun. And I like Kendall for all the fun that we have and how comfortable I am with him. But even if we're like those opposite magnets that are drawn to each other inexplicably, when it comes to anything more, I have to flip myself over and move away.

It's a small, small world!

Date #15: Thursday, 9 April
Shane, 26, SLCC Student and Server

About four years ago, two guys moved into my singles ward - Kendall and Shane. They were best friends, and really cool! Everyone liked them. Shane went on a mission, serving the same time as me. We kept in touch, writing back and forth and exchanging pictures from the mish. I'd show them to my comp, Sister Browning. After she came home, she married a guy named Jordan. He has a cousin named Kendall. Who has a best friend named Shane. Imagine the surprise when she discovered he knew someone in her mission, who just happened to be her old comp Sister Butler (that's me)! Crazy!!

After reconnecting at the wedding reception, Shane called me and asked me out. I was dating someone at the time, so it was put off... until now. He picked me up at my house and we went for a bite to eat. At the Cheesecake Factory! I adore the Cheesecake Factory! Forget the cheesecake, their food is amazing!! I got the Chicken Bellagio; he the Crispy Chicken... yumminess. I don't know it's real name, but I'm getting it when I go back! He's become quite the foodie from working at a restaurant, but I don't mind. I love foodies. Especially when they share! Our food came on platters; we decided to forgo all restraint, and eat half, then trade. (I'm not even going to calculate how many days worth of calories we ate! But I'm guessing too many.)

Between bites we chatted about our mission experiences, our common friends, our love of food, our quirky waitress, among other topics. It was fun, and I discovered that Shane is one of many great guys that I am privilaged to know! We got a Chocolate Raspberry cheesecake to go, and he took me to "that domey thingy in Draper". Some also know it as the "Whisper Dome" or that big gazebo in Draper park. It's really a romantic little spot, and really cool, too! You gotta try this thing! It's acoustics are better than the tabernacle! We played with that, and then ate our cheesecake, and ended the night passing on our acoustic knowledge to another couple, then driving home. It just goes to show that you don't have to have some elaborately planned to-do, to do something great on a date.

Where have they gone? I found one right here!

Date #14: Tuesday, 7 April
Lee, 26, Student and something else

What do you do when you have nothing to do? Well, if you're me, you find something to do! And with "Stimulus Tuesdays" at a local movie theatre, offering $6 tickets and $1 popcorn and drinks, you go to the cinema! For tonight, I was the leading lady to one of the sweetest guys I know, and the BEST date ever! Seriously, no matter who you are, when you are with Lee, you are the only girl in the world, and your wish is his command.

Lee and I met in a singles ward I'll refer to as the Ward of Misfit Saints. We were never close, but have kept in touch here and there, and I asked if he would participate as one of my 29 dates. He, of course, as all gallant leading men do, accepted. So, off to the theatre!

It was short notice (again, I'm good at that) so I drove. We went to the theatre and decided on "Race to Witch Mountain". Honestly, can you go wrong with "The Rock" in a film? Hello! Yum! (The answer is yes, actually, but this one was pretty good!) Since we had about half an hour before the film, we ran to A&W/KFC for a quick dinner, and then chatted in the car while we ate. Then we went inside and got our popcorn before heading into the theatre... Lee's such a good date, that Jennifer Garner tried to butt in and steal him -- See! And she's married to Ben Affleck!

There is something that makes everything that much cooler when you walk into the theatre and realize you're the only ones there! One time... Jessie and I had a whole theatre at the megaplex to ourselves! For a matinee price. You can do all sorts of fun when you're alone in a theatre... Like change seats, heckle like you're on MST3K, etc. It's awesome! And since Lee and I were all alone, we decided to sit in the middle of the middle... and maybe change seats later on (We were joined by others, so it wasn't meant to be, but it was fun while it lasted)!

The movie was pretty entertaining, and that and the movie-theatre butter was totally worth the money we paid! As I said before, Lee is the perfect date, and I hope for the day when he finds the nurturing woman he deserves, because truly, he does.

No Reason to Burn an Armchair

Date #13: Monday, 6 April
Dave, 21, BYU Student

I have a confession to make; I have a soft spot for LDS musicians. In a lot of ways, I don't consider myself a typical Mormon girl; in fact, I think I'm pretty peculiar in the weirdest sense of the word. But like most, I really enjoy seeing LDS artists in concert. I know Peter Breinholt looks funny when he sings and doesn't have the most soothing voice; I know that all of Ryan Shupe's songs sound basically the same; and I know that most of the instrumentalists and/or acapella groups are totally interchangable. But it's good clean fun, and most of their concerts are free. (I love free!)

I also love the now defunct LDS boy band Colors. There's just something that draws me to them (at first, it was the gorgeous and talented barefoot drummer)! But I like their music, too. It's fun, and reminds me of summer nights in the park. Anyway, they and their friends held a concert to benefit Paul Cardall, who is awaiting a heart transplant. -- See more about him at http://mytricuspidatresia.blogspot.com/. When I heard what it was for, and who would be there, I got tickets... Now all I needed was a date, and that would make lucky 13!

The procrastinator that I am, I waited until the day of, and then sent out a mass text to see who could go. (I'm also now a chicken, and find rejection a lot easier to take via text. I know, I am a disgrace, even to myself.) The first to reply with a yes was yet another elder from my mission. He was one of my zone leaders and for some reason we always seemed to be arguing, but never on purpose. It's a elder/sister, love/hate thing.

Anyway, Dave came and picked me up for the concert... and boy does he clean up nice! I mean, as elders, they always look nice. But now, he looked like a Gap ad!! The Andrew McCarthy-ish pink and blue striped shirt with a light blue suit jacket, dark-wash jeans, European shoes... I was impressed! And looking forward to be spotted out with this one!

The concert was a sold-out show, and though some of the songs were a bit worn, they were all enjoyable. Kind of like a oversized sweater, or the fuzzy slippers that fit to your feet. It was long, but fun to see all those old friends on stage together, and even better knowing that your ticket price was doing some good.

The concert got out a little after 10 p.m. but Dave was still willing to stop for frosties at Wendy's. There is nothing better than a frosty! Dave thinks so, too, so he gets points for that! We parked... *gasp!* and ate our frosties in the car, while I perused his iPod library. It was fun to discuss music and school and life post-mission, with no arguments this time! I liked that he was willing to make the journey from Provo to go with me, that he didn't mind being out late to spend more time together (and spend money for something), and that he let me be radio (or rather, iPod) goddess for the time we spent in his car. He gets points for that, too! I guess now that we're not elder/sister anymore, we don't need the love/hate thing. 'Like' is a happy medium!

"I've seen that face, somewhere before..."

Date #11: Thursday, 2 April
Jake, 22, UofU Student/Cannonball employee

On my mission, I was trained by an absolutely hilarious girl named Anna! In our four and a half months together, we became great friends, and shared a lot of laughs and tears. As one of her best friends from the mish, I was asked to be her bridesmaid in February. There, I met her brother, Jake, whom I'd heard much good about already. He's hilarious, too, and a genuinely nice guy.

I got a text from her after the wedding saying he seemed to "fancy" me, so I gave him my number... and waited... and waited... and decided that I'd just get his number and invite him out! I'd been invited by a guy in my ward to attend a choir concert, and since Jake is the musical type, I thought he might like to come with me. He did, and even skipped class to do it! (Class ended up being cancelled, after the fact, but he still gets an A for effort in my book!)

So, I picked him up, and he graciously agreed to go to Chick-Fil-A for dinner, so I could satisfy my craving for the Chick-A-Flicka. Yay! And YUM!! Now that is chicken worth craving fortnightly!! It was good food, with good laughs and good company. He is so much like his sister! Which is great because we're good friends and have a blast together... In personality, looks, etc... Wow, he is so much like his sister!

After dinner, we ventured down to American 'Fark' and watched the concert; John Rutter is a great composer. `Nuff said... All that travel time back and forth gave us a good chance to chat, and on the return trip, for him to invite me to the symphony the next week - Wow! Asking for a second date before the first is over! Good form, Jake! Good form! (That always makes a girl feel good!)

Really? No, not really.

Date #10: Wednesday, 1 April
Rob, 28, IT guy for Goldman Sachs

This date I owe all to Jessie, my cohort and the owner of this blog... She is the Statler to my Waldorf, Ha-ha to my Loster. She. Is. My. Biggest Fan. She's pretty cool. She even has her very own Rob. According to her, everyone should have one. I'd have to agree. She loaned Her Rob to me for an evening out; I'm counting it as a date. And that makes ten!

He is a nice, jolly, red-headed guy, and even better - very cultured! If any of you are looking for a theatre buff, this is your guy! (Well, he's Jessie's really... but she'll share with the worthy.) On this particular night, he had his season tickets to Hale Centre Theatre. (The next night was the ballet, but that's another story I wasn't part of... can we get back to - me?!) We saw "Phantom", not the over-done Andrew Lloyd Webber, but the truer (and I think, better) version.

He picked me up and we went to Chili's - one of my favorites! We had a good time chatting over dinner and finished just in time to head next door to the theatre. We had great seats, and the show was fantastic!! The music was absolutely gorgeous, and the cast local all-stars. You really can't go wrong with taking a girl to Hale... Ha!!

After the play, he dropped me off at my house, said goodnight, yada yada yada... Next, we're going to pick out curtains!

April Fools!

What Chick Flicks Are Made Of

Date #9: Thursday, 26 March
Justin, 29, printing guru

One of my biggest fans took me out for Number 9. He is the Matty to my Jenna, the Michael to my Jules, the Harry to my Sally... I'm almost positive my family loves him more than they do me! Though we weren't close growing up, after high school we became good friends. We never dated, though one summer I wanted to. He tends to pop up between girlfriends and at important moments in my life. And through it all, he's proved himself to be perfect in all situations. I have never known more of a gentleman. (Kudos to his mom!!)

Because we are so comfortable with each other, it was a "What do you want to do?" intro to the date (Well, after I pried my mom away from him so I could go out with him). He quickly decided on a great little greasy spoon called Woody's Drive-In. One of my favorites! After our usual indecisiveness, we got our food and ate it in a little booth to the tunes coming from the jukebox. Awesome. Love the food, love the music, love the company... love it!

Then I ate my last bite of food, and took a bite that could've proved to be more than I could chew -- I asked him if he'd ever thought of dating me! [insert awkward pause] Turns out he had thought of it! [again-awkward pause] And decided that he cared too much about me to put me in his 'wake of destruction'... [yet another pause] Wha?? Um, thanks for that? [move to new topic!]

It's interesting to me that people are willing to miss out on potentially wonderful things in life because of a fear that they might not end wonderfully! But what if -- surprise! They do! It's sad, really. I'm sure there is truly greater rewards where greater risks (necessary ones) are taken. But I digress, and think that perhaps someday, he'll be left trying "not to think about what might've been"...

The date went from there back to our usual playful banter (some call it our constant flirting), a tour of his new home - aka construction zone, and watching a flick together on tv. A cozy evening out for a couple that never was.

Post Script

Date #8 - Epilogue

Anna called me with an update: She hadn't seen Taylor since our triple date together, but he finally caught her at her desk last week. He wanted to tell her what he thought of her sister-in-law (that's me) ... but didn't know how to say it. "Oh, here it comes. Go on, Taylor", she thought, "just give me the bad news..."

He'd expressed to her other coworker his thoughts on me a few days after our date, and said the same to her -- "I haven't been able to figure out what's wrong with her! I don't know why she's not married!..."

Wha?? Why, thank you kind sir! Cute thing doesn't even know what a great compliment that is!!
(Psst! I can answer your question, Taylor; there's nothing wrong with me! I'm just the perfect girl for too many people!)

It's just a shame he also expressed that he's "not a pursuer", because we all know that the persistent boys win! Am I right? But if it's not too insulting, he'd like to 'facebook' me. (Apparently, a new chick flick says that's an insult... Stupid chick flicks give us so many silly ideas! Don't believe them!) I say, that if he wants to be my new facebook friend, and better yet, my real-life friend, it's fine by me!

"68! 68! 68!"

Date #8: Saturday, 21 March
Taylor, 28, Church employee

For this one, my sister-in-law set me up with a coworker of hers. Apparently, he does what Anna does, but I don't know what that is exactly, hence his job description. We'd decided to double with her and my brother, and then a coworker and neighbor of theirs wanted in on the fun, too. A triple-date! Haven't had one of these since high school!

Because of logistics, it ended up that my brother and sister-in-law (Jeffrey & Anna) picked me up, and we met the others at Red Robin for dinner. I watched guy after guy come in, and looked for recognition on Anna's face to reveal Taylor's identity - Oo! Tall, dark, athletic, wedding ring... Hm, looks nice enough... Gosh, I hope not!... "Will the real date for Wendy please step forward?"

Taylor finally arrived (actually, he was very prompt and beat us there, but didn't recognize Anna as we passed by and was waiting for her call), and we went to the table. The others came later (p.s. If he looks familiar, it's because his twin is The 'Banjo Boy'). Anyway, we had a great time at dinner, and Taylor and I discovered we have a lot of tastes in common -- like our severe dislike for tomatoes, and pretty much every other veggie (Yes, I know - tomatoes are fruits - whatever). I also discovered that Taylor's absolutely hilarious!! Some of it in a Monk-ish way (the show, not the religious person or the animal), insisting on a straw with his drink and paying in cash instead of credit card. Both good ideas, if you ask me!

After dinner, we deliberated on what to do next, as there were kids and babysitters waiting on us. We chose to try our luck at bowling, the only sport Taylor will participate in. It was a great time! We all bowled badly, but it sure was fun to see Anna's gutterball lament, Jeffrey's sore swing, and Taylor's fabulous form. He wanted to know I was only recording him... If I can post it, I'll show you why.



We all had a great time, and Taylor is so fun to have around! He liked that I laughed at all his jokes, and I liked that he was entertaining enough to make me laugh. I decided that he would be perfect to watch You Tube with on a lazy Friday night or to shop for shoes with on a Saturday morning. Multi-purpose!

"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.

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!

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.