Creole Wisdom

the weekend review: sun-day, sunday

•So Curtis was begging and pleading for me to go down to his town for Church, and meet his parents (okay, he didn't beg- he kindly asked, but it would of sounded better the begging way, huh?)
•He came and kindly picked me up, under the disclaimer that I would not make fun of his car (I did not, at least he has one- don't get me started ; )
•Church was good. I am 100-percent-positive I distracted Curtis enough where he could not pay attention to the speaker.  It was a great older building with pretty wooden pews, and neat ceiling work.  It was a really nice break from the 1987 wannabe fashion show that is the King Henry ward on Sundays.  I know that was mean, but come see for yourself!
•And because I know you wanted to see:

•Disclaimer: he did not wear that to Church.  This was taken by his littlest brother after dinner. 
•And how fun was it to go to Church and be able to hold hands/mug on each other bwahaha I am so bad, I mug on my very own RM (return missionary).
•I got to meet the family, eat dinner (mystery jello, ahh!), and then play games.  I won phase 10- and as a result Curtis will never play another game with me ever again.  He also has trouble eating in my presense, as he dropped not only his drumstick, but dessert on his lap.  His parents were cracking up and they say he never does that- hilarious.  Ingrained in my mind forever.
•It would not be a fun weekend without a little "crisis"- Curtis got a flat on the way home.  I pretended to "learn" how to fix one:

•Oh no, a flat.  Images of the swearing scene in A Christmas Story were rushing through my mind!

•Jacking the car up.  Look at those sexy arms?  Puny, skinny arms are not my thing, give me some workin' mans arms.  Yum!

•Because I was not really learning car care 101 from Mr. Citris, I decided to do a self-portrait in the pitch dark. 
•After that "crisis" was resolved we drove on down to the baby capital of the world, i.e. where I live, and sat by the Temple and talked for an hour.  I was tired.  Then he took me home so I could go to sleep- at 2am!
•Good Sunday!  Loved it.

curly

You know how strange things always happen to me?  Especially in the boy department?  I hope you are already laughing.

The following would never happen in Minneapolis:

Around 12pm I was standing in a massive line at the L&T in the Cougareat.  I like that place, especially all the random rolls they sell at about 3 different venues.  Anyway, I was standing in the long line...

This somewhat cute curly headed boy/man (?) walked by me twice, and then disappeared.  Like everyone else in this town he smiled at me.  People in Provo like to smile at strangers.  Consensus: nice, but kind of strange.  I mean, my cheeks kind of hurt.  I am trying to prevent wrinkles so smiling is sort of a once a week thing.  That last sentence was jokey. 

As I grabbed my tray the man/boy walked right up to me:

curly: Hi, what is your name?
me: I'm Katie
curly: I'm M.  Will you come sit by me?
me: Ok.  It might take me a while, the line is long
curly: That's ok! I'll be over there (he points to this area beyond the regular tables where there are even more tables, under a TV that is constantly on CNN (my kind of school!) and behind the service center.  Kind of hard to "get" unless you know BYU)

In Minneapolis we do not go up to strangers and ask them to eat with us.  But this is not Minneapolis, so you know, I am always trying to "when in Rome..." and adjust to new environments.  So I had to get over the knowledge that lunch would be a new experience and eat with curly.

Curly turned out to be really... um... nice, but uh-ya-uh-no. 

Is this a Provo thing? 

My co-workers were cracking up over the entire incident, and told me it would not be the last time someone uh-ya-uh-no talked to me. 

swoon/356 text messages/1 love letter later

Been busy. Talking to this cutie: 

Don't mind his "tough" look. I think that was just for show.

More spring break/non-swooning photos & stories to come (I promise).

of the blue

Uh, so you know how I was complaining last week? Well never again! I am really going to get better at that. After all, I really have nothing to complain about? I have too much to do, and that just wastes my precious time.

Sunday I was sitting in  my usual evening sorority meeting when I got a text from an unknown 801 area code. We all know where that is from, and the messages turned out to be Elder D from last year. If you don't remember he was the Elder who baptized me then went back home to Utah early do to a health reason. He is fine now, but as he said "served a sister mission." Ha! But all is okay, it was just because of a health thing, nothing juicy.

Back in October right after Jana and I found out he went home we were pretty worried and called to see if he was feeling okay. He turned out to be much better, but didn't think he'd come back and serve the last few months. After that we didn't speak.

So fast forward to Sunday and I am getting texts from him. We talked on the phone a little bit, and he was really nice and offered to pick me up from the airport when I get there and take me to my new apt for the summer. After that conversation I just assumed we might talk in a few weeks and then again right before I came out to Utah.

Turns out he kept talking to me, a lot. Some things came out, about how he felt about me, and I was pretty shocked. I had no idea he had certain feelings, etc... I asked him if he felt this way on his mission, and he did, but of course, never acted on them. Anyway it was a lot to take in.

Last night he asked me how I felt, since he had spent nearly two days telling me his story. I told him I was overwhelmed, which is exactly how I feel. But I said that I was interested in exploring that option with him (dating), but would never want our friendship to be ruined, etc... as a result of things not working out how he wanted. And that I don't expect to be exclusive with anyone, at least not at the start of my summer. He was really good about that and said that he thinks that is okay. I guess I am having a hard time transitioning so to speak from thinking of him as an elder to that of just a regular guy.  So as I always say, we shall see we shall see.

blimp

Let this be an example of hilarious communication: New Year's Day I'm playing games with my family when... the phone rings:
Jana: Katie, I just got a call from the other Katie, who is home for break. Her third cousin is that guy who was up in your kool aid (a saying we have) at the dance yesterday.  Well he called her, and wanted to have her call me to ask to see if it would be okay if I gave her your phone number to give to him so he could ask you out." My mind races... oh yes, it was Mr. smart guy with all the prince charming questions. I laugh to myself at the craziness of this. 

fifteen minutes later... the phone rings.
Ben: Hi, may I speak to Katie
Me: This is she.
Ben: Hi! This is Ben from the dance.  How are you...

We then made plans to talk later...

So, after the games were over I called him back.  We talked for nearly three hours.  It was hilarious.  He was giving me suggestions on where to live when I go out to BYU, and telling me which places I would enjoy and not.  The verdict: good choice is King Henry and bad choice is Cinnamon Tree. He also won points by commenting that my voice mail is very sophisticated.

Later the next day... I get to meet his family, and our double date commences with a basket ball game downtown.  I don't usually like to watch sports, but I went for the conversation.

As you can see, we were sitting pretty high up. Ben kept asking when I wanted to get something to eat. But I was too entertained by this flying by:

Yes, a giant, photographing blimp. They use this to get pictures of people and find winners for any giveaways.  It flew really close by- I have never seen one of these in person. Certainly something to scrapbook about, a giant blimp!

With a stroke of luck we got upgraded to the lower level, and got to sit much closer to the court.

The man of the hour and myself. Oh, side note- he is exactly a foot taller than me.  Yes, he is six foot six inches tall! Eeek! It was funny to walk around with him in the crowd after the game and he is just towering over all (and I live in a place with lots of tall Norwegians and Germans.)

Later we ended up watching two movies: Stomp the Yard and Something New. Haha. Yep. He brought over  the first movie, and  I had to see it since all BYU people are obsessed with stepping now. ?!?  I like that it portrayed Greeks in a good light. Great film, very fun. And ya know, the later is one that I own. Ah ha ha. We eat mini chocolate souffles between the two movies, and because he eat his faster he got to sit in the corner of the couch, but later decided that I do better in that spot. Doesn't everyone vie for the corner spot on the couch?

It was a good date. I really hit it off with him.  And he has a lot of great qualities... but...

Our situations are sort of like ships passing in the night. He left this morning to go back to school, and doesn't go to spring/summer term.  The next time we'd probably see each other would be over winter break next year, and he said "you'll be married by then anyway." Let's not count our eggs now. But at least I made a new friend!

christmasy weekend 1

It was on crazy fun weekend.  I am loving the wildness that panned out.
Friday:
You know I was prepared to just give in when shopping for formal dress... and I didn't have to sacrifice too much except for my boobs.  At least it had sleeves! The ensemble line up: Free People dress, Macys everthing else, and borrowed clip- which I took out later because I did not want to look five years old.

Miss Emma and I before we left in front of our spectacular Christmas tree.  Now, do you see what I mean about the clip? Kinda an awkward combo with the cleavage and all.  From there we headed to Bayview out on Lake Minnetonka.  It was so festive, so beautiful.  It is times like these where my life feels magical.

My date Matt and I.  Dad would be proud, he's a Sigma Chi, too!


Our little sorority family; "grandma," little, and big (me). All on the dance floor together.  It was hilarious.
Saturday:
Ward Christmas party at the Bishop's house.  It was themed- "tacky holiday sweaters."  Now you all know that I don't really do themes, especially if they're gonna make me look bad.  I am still trying to find a husband ya know.  So I wore this ensemble instead. 

Due to multiple invitations Jana and I had to leave early.  We headed down to Rochester for Jonathan's Christmas party.  You know it was only fair we travel that far since he came up for our "work and the glory" party last Friday... And what did I just say about themed get togethers? Haha
Well, I will just be up front.  With men throwing parties you just never know what to except.  It might be bad like the time I ended up eating dry spagetti and a burnt roll (bless his heart for effort).  But Jonathan was pretty organized.  We ended up baking cookies, and you know I can take over a kitchen! A girl was there, and here's the convo that ensued.
Girl: What cookies are you guys making
Me: You know, the traditional herseys ones with the kisses in the center
Girl: Oh, actually those are called drop cookies (followed by a detailed definition of what a drop cookie is, I was thinking: does she know who she's talkin to?)
Me: Hm, well the recipes says "blossoms."
Girl: Well, be careful about your dough- don't add to much flour or it might get dry.

People kill me sometimes, lol.  But it all turned out lovely.  Jonathan gave me three awkward hugs and Jana and I left to head home. 

Sunday:
Church as usual, then Brian "finally" as he would put it, got me to go up and have dinner with his family.  We went to his cousin's place, and let me tell you they are the FUNNEST LDS people around (that I've met in real life, not to dog you blog readers ; ) What I like about them is that they have two kids, but are still hip.  They're funny and have a positive, playful, (a little crazy, too!) attitude.  We talked for hours then ran outside in swimsuits (barefoot) in the snow to the hottub.  The stars were out and it was dreamy. 

Brian loves the sorority.  He dropped me off after church so I could change (yes, I kicked him out of the room while I did the actual changing).  Here he is wearing Easter colors!

So that was it, and now I'm looking forward to a nights of rest under my divine flannel sheets.  Three guys in one weekend.  Ya, that sounds ho-ish, but I like to call it being busy. 

it should just be fun and games

So for the past few days the new guy known as Mr. Flip (aka Jason) and I have been having these hilarious interactions via text message and phone conversation.

Since he works all the time, and is going home on Friday most likely we won't be able to hang out until I come out to UT for conference in October. 

This guy is funny.  He brings out a playful side in me.

Honestly, he's the first guy I have met since you-know-what (er. Matt) that I find worthwhile.

I feel like since Feb (the breakup, etc..) I have grown by leaps and bounds.  I had a long time to focus on myself and my spiritual life.  I have found a lot of necessary fulfillment.

Having someone around who is a priesthood holder makes a big difference, and perhaps that's just me.  Things have changed and I could honestly never see myself in a million years with someone like Matt again.  I breath a deep sigh of relief when I think about it.  Heavenly Father really knew what was best for me.

Anyway, back to the fun. 

This new guy.  There is something about him.  I don't know what it is. We have a fun connection.

And as I always say, we shall see.  We shall see.

he restored my faith in man(kind)

So this morning around 9am I had a little (well, he's about 6'4") friend stop by:  the friend known as Mr. Flip from the dance on Friday, but to the world is known as Jason.  We had originally planned for an aprés church brunch, but you know how priesthood meetings can go so we had to regroup.

On the menu:
Salmon spinach quiche
French breakfast puffs
Bacon
Lemonade/Orange Juice

He blessed the food, we eat, chatted, and then decided to walk around the neighborhood.  We chatted up all the usual subjects and then went back to the screened in porch for more chatting followed by flirting.  Yes, it was good times.  Good times.

J: "So that's your scrapbook stuff?" (I keep it on the porch)
K: "Yes."
J: "Hmm"
K: "Would you like to see one?"
J: "Yes!"

After at hug and many offerings to help me clean up which I shot down, he headed to work. 

J: "My co-workers will all want to know if I kissed you."  Haha.  What jokes.  Killing me.

In one word it was: blissful.

Sorry: promise to have a Stephenie Meyer post, but my dating adventures are just more fun to blog about. 

everyday is a holiday

Divine weekend. So sweet, so perfect, so fabulous. Loving the weather, loving my girl Jana, loving two (!) make that three (!) dates, planning more enrichment stuff, staying up way too late and being tired for work (who cares, sleep will be there once the semester starts), and fantastic food (always a necessary ingredient in the life of Katie):

Activity 1:
Saturday around 12pm in the afternoon.
Taste of Minnesota with three lovely ladies.

Two ferris wheel rides later a picture to be proud of (I was almost too scared to turn around and take this).  Please explain to me why I go on rides that I know will scare me?

Activity 2:
Tennis match with Mr. A-H from church. It was good times.  Back up- I forget to mention we spent 2 hours talking Friday night when a big group went out to see a free concert downtown and eat at an Irish Pub.

Mr. A-H "You and Jana are very easy to be friends with.  You two always seem so happy"
Me: "Hahah, that's because you don't hear us in alone bwahah"

Activity 3:
Grocery store boy.  Yeah, this whole conception of this one is really funny so I'm not going to indulge you in details, well... since you are dying to know here's what happened. There's a store, a grocery store, near my parent's home. There was a cute guy there, he would always say "hi" and be friendly, but you know girls cannot be just talkin' up folks when they need to make 3 key lime pies in 1 hour. Well, mom said "I could give him your phone number for you, since you are shy."  Awesome.  That way you can reject my mom, not me. 

Wednesday last week mom calls to say, "So you know he said he had tried to look you up on facebook (er. sidenote we attend the same university) and he could not find you (clever little anti-search feature!) and when I told him he came bounding, really bounding, if it had been any faster it would of been running to get your number." 

Fast forward to Friday and there's two messages from Mr. A.  Divine.  We watched "Annie" on Saturday night and he was cracking up, thought it was hilarious.  Our favorite line from the movie was "you're full of applesauce."

Then there was Sunday.  Aprés églisé (after church) he picked me up and we headed to uptown.  There were Italian ices had by all at the most darling Victorian house turned coffee shop:

Then a lovely walk down to the beach, and it was so wonderful. We had ice cream and just talked and talked. Prior we saw a massive dog, we thought it necessary to photograph the event since, you know, big dogs like these are neat:

All in all the best two dates of my life. So much fun. Mr. A was funny after looking through my scrapbooks.
A: "Oh, are you Mormon?"
K: "Yeah"
A: (still looking at a page with a picture of a temple) "Did you know it's not a church, but a temple" LOL
K: "Yes, but we have regular church buildings, too"
A: "They do a really great job of converting people"
K: "I'll say so" (turning page to one of Jana's baptism)
A: "Oh how nice, your friend got baptized, too?"

Don't you just love it when people are not hateful or jaded or judgmental?

bad com{man}icator

Let's talk about my man problems for a quick moment, because we know like the sun and moon above that I have them. It seems like since grade school I have been unable to attract sane folks of the opposite sex.  Perhaps they do not exist, if they do I am unaware of their whereabouts. Furthermore, I am so tired of dealing with man communication problems.  Why is it so hard for them to communicate normally?!?!?!?!?!?

(I know those punctuation marks were in excess, but you can't get tone of voice over a blog so just deal with it).  I really hate the guy games so much.

A certain gentleman and I have been sort of talking.  When I mean "sort of" I mean texting.  He's busy with work, and so am I.  That is okay.  However, I am so sick of his off and on communication.  It's sort of a yes or no thing, if you want to hang out with me fine, but don't text me at 1am when I am sleeping!  Also, please get over yourself, and stop being so high maintenance.  This is the guy who does not answer his phone after about 9pm (lol), but texts until the morning!  I heard on some show that men like texting more because it is less nerve wrecking.  ? I am curious, what is so stressful about talking on the phone with someone instead of sending 1,000 texts? 

I broke down tonight after text number two.  I wrote back and it was good my friends, and I have yet to get a response.  I put it all out there, and was honest.  These communication issues are problematic!

Lord help me.