Monday nights in Provo usually mean one thing: FHE. The Santa Barbara 10th Ward was no exception to this FHE rule and we had an opening BBQ in September. At this point in time, I was determined to be a vegetarian for at least 6 months so going to a BBQ was rather pointless considering I only ate grapes. After scoping out the potential dating market, there were only 2 boys there that even caught my eye- unfortunately, one was seriously dating a girl in the ward and the other was busily engaged in a conversation with my roommate. Based on the unwritten Girl Code, I assumed Whitney had the hots for him, and that he returned this interest since I didn't see them talk to anyone else at the entire BBQ. All hope was lost, and I resigned back to my initial rule: don't pee in the ward pool, thus, I went back to looking elsewhere.
During this time, I was casually dating a boy who was a typical 'Provo All-Star' wanting the benefits of dating without commitment. Finally, I got the courage to have the dreaded 'chat' with this boy informing him to poop or get off the pot, [crudely put, I know, but fitting for the situation].
Sunday, September 26, 2011 drastically altered my fate for eternity. I had the worst morning trying to get ready for church because I felt like every dress I owned didn't look good on me, so I finally settled on my A-lined, black and white seersucker dress with a black cloth flower pined in my hair. Whitney and I walked into Sunday School and we sat next to her Hot BBQ friend, Ryan, and his roommates. They were nice, but seemed a bit obnoxious and gave off the 'Provo All-Star' vibe, causing me to loose interest, quick.
After class, Whit and I migrated to an empty back row in the Sacrament room. She needed to freshen up, so I quietly sat thumbing through the hymn book waiting for her to return. Suddenly, I was startled by the Hot BBQ Boy asking, "Is this seat next to you taken?" Dumbfounded, I told him Whitney was sitting there, but if he wanted to sit next to me, I could always, exchange seats with her. [What a lame response to a boy you're trying to impress, "if you want to sit next to me, Whit and I can switch seats"...who even says that?] I pretended like I didn't know his name as to not sound like a complete creeper since I looked through the Ward Directory. After exchanging names, we naturally burst into conversation that lasted through Sacrament meeting and into the hallway of the Widstoe while waiting to get set apart for our new callings. I remember Ryan as a complete gentleman because he graciously got me a cushioned rolly chair to sit on. I graciously thanked him and added, "Are you aware you have a substance on your chin?"
Later that Sunday, I went home, and the boy I was casually dating came over for a walk before my Ward Prayer. I distinctly remember telling him two statements during our 'break-up': 1. What really sucks is the fact that you will probably find someone soon who is the real deal for you, and I will be back to square one, alone, as usual, even though I was the girl who freed you from your shell. 2. I am going to find someone who wants to date me for me for my personality, my quarks, and my independent nature, not just because I'm convenient. After telling him this, I walked to my ward prayer and to my surprise, the very first person who talked to me was, Ryan. He asked me how my day was and what I had been doing. I replied, "I shrugged off a boy tonight," thinking I'd inadvertently tell Ryan that I was wanted by boys, so he'd have to pursue me and that I wouldn't be treated poorly by a boy [this tactic backfired, giving me the 'player' aura].
Ryan, asked me to go to a ward member's house to watch, Road to El Dorado and also asked for my phone number so he could take me to the "Devil's Anus." I was shocked to hear those words come out of his mouth, and I found myself questioning what the heck the 'Devil's Anus' was and why in the world would he take me there? Luckily, I wasn't too afraid of his colorful words after I found out it was an old mine shaft to throw gasoline bombs down-a perfect date for pyromaniacs.
We watched the movie, and I tried SO hard not to fall asleep because I was drained. He walked me home, and I knew, he was a boy I wanted to pursue.
The following Tuesday, I planned an 'accidental' gym run in. I made sure I didn't talk to him first or work out near him because I didn't want him to suspect my plottings or think I was too forward. Ryan of course came over to chat and flirt with me. After I left, he sent me a text asking me if I would be available for dinner that night. I was ecstatic! The Dreamy BBQ actually asked me on a date! I was really impressed Ryan acknowledged that a text was a lame way to ask a girl out on a date and that he'd call me to set up a time and place.
Ryan was very considerate to take me to Zuppa's for soup and salad because he remembered I was a 'vegetarian.' Nearly 3 hours flew by as we exchanged childhood memories, pet peeves, and a myriad of other personal details. I was very sad after our date ended, and couldn't wait to see him again!
Thursday Ryan called me to up go fishing. This was quite the adventure indeed. Ryan bought a blue masculine fishing pole to match my exquisite hot pink pole! We attempted to sit on the shore, but there was a deadly mosquito swarm which chased us from location to location, and eventually caused us to give up completely. Although we suffered many bites and severe itching, Ryan made our fishing attempt a blast- leaving me wanting more dates and time together.
That weekend was General Conference Weekend. My family and I had plans to leave Friday evening to the cabin. Ryan sent me the sweetest text telling me he, 'had to see me before I left for 3 days.' So, we planned a fun date to watch Lost and make delicious apple cake together. Of course, we had an epic food fight where Ryan flung me around like a limp rag doll, and I shoved batter deep into his ear canal. While watching Lost, Ryan put his arm around me, almost making my heart leap out. Sadly, I had to leave Ryan behind, and go to the cabin with my family. I knew I was absolutely crazy about Ryan, when I couldn't stop thinking about him or when I drastically tried to find cell phone service in the most random spots.
From that day on, I couldn't resist spending every spare minute I had with Ryan. I love him to death, and I will be forever grateful for Ryan coming into my life, when I was on the verge of losing all hope and giving up on dating. Ryan completes me, and makes me want to be a better person. We are yin and yang, and compliment each other in every way. We are two happy peas in a pod and work together like peanut butter and jelly.
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