Masquerade!

At the end of January the Utah Food Bank hosted a Masquerade ball.  I've never been to a masquerade aside from the one in high school and then I didn't understand the word; I hadn't seen Phantom of the Opera to that point.

I thought this was going to be such an awesome idea... and indeed it was.  Thanks to whomever put it on facebook.

Mike Marrett and I got dates and masks and went.  There was some slight miscommunication as to the time we were to pick up our dates, so Mike and I just showed up to some Hawaiian food shack and it wasn't half bad.  Then our dates texted us of their being ready.  We ordered them a little something and told the restaurant that we'd be back; "we forgot girls!".... ha!

We showed up and WOW! I'll tell you what, I like a girl that can play in the dirt but these girls were bombshells!  It's nice to be able to go on a date that requires dressing up, since that doesn't happen every date, right?  They had boutonnières for us.  As we were descending the stairs, there was another group going to the same dance and we joined their pictures.

The Hawaiian food was good (little restaurant behind DI called Sweet's Island...).  At the dance we went upstairs and learned some vintage ballroom dances.  These were dances straight out of a Jane Austen book, it was the highlight of the dance.  We went down to the dance floor and 45 minutes went by without a single slow song.... lame!  (speaking of that, I should contact the Food Bank and tell them that...)

We took a few pictures on the court steps and then left to AppleBee's for the Maple Butternut Blondie.  I was told this dessert was to die for.  It truly was a great dessert, I'm hoping we have something like it in heaven.  I bet it's reserved for Celestials only though, ha.

What a great night and I'm glad I was able to go to my first masquerade.

X-COUNTRY SKIING and "PLAYING" MECHANIC

I started this blog so I can have a journal online and not feel like such an omission sinner.  I need to get some of my doings up here.

About a month ago, the middle of January, I went cross country skiing for the first time since I was 16.  And in true Reed fashion, I invited a date and another couple so they could witness how terrible I was. Ha!

It was awesome! We went to Wasatch State Park.  They have a groomed course that was a perfect ~10 km loop.  There was a technical part of the course that we saved for another day (the other couple was lagging a little behind).  

It worked out perfect though.  My date stayed right with me the entire time.  I've decided that cross country skiing is a perfect date activity.  It is adventurous and relaxing enough to carry on a great conversation.

My date, Lindsay Pennock, is an amazing girl.  She is from Michigan and her family is in my Brother Richard's ward.  My sister-in-law, Melissa, got her number for me.  I typically don't like to be set up but I had a great time. Thanks Melissa!

As we were finishing up and putting our gear away in the truck, there was another vehicle having problems starting.  And being Don James' son, I have to see if there is anyway that I can help others when the need arises.  I don't really know that much about vehicles but I talked to him, had him pop the hood, and checked fluids, spark plugs, and air filter.  Not, being a mechanic I couldn't start the vehicle, but I gave them a ride to their home which was just down in Midway.

Maybe I should've let a good date end good.  But again in Reed fashion we pressed on and went shotgun shooting (off the back porch).  It was Lindsay's first time even holding a gun let a lone shooting one.  After the sunset we went inside, had some hot chocolate, and listened to others play the guitar.  

All in all it was a perfect date!

THE LIST REMOVED

I am taking this time to publicly denounce "THE LIST" publicly.  Do I still have the list?... yes.  Are there good attributes that I look for in a future companion?... yes.  However,  I may not have come across well.  Number 1 and 2 are mandatory and 3-10 are not.

I apologize if there was anyone offended by this.

I heard this quote today and Elder Russell Ballard was given credit for it: 

You'll be happier when the person you think you are is who you really are.

Any thoughts on this.  It seems really deep.

I'm not looking to change anyone.  I am so far from perfect but am on a great road to progression.  I suppose I am looking for a friend to share this path with.