Love Her

Thanks Eliza for the idea. I'm copying it.

How and where did you meet your wife?

We met online through an LDS dating website. We were both about to give up on the the site and the idea that it could find us anyone too. It's a good thing we didn't give up!

What was your first date?

Dinner at a park and then an outdoor movie at another park (The remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, weird flick). It was on my birthday in 2006. I didn't know why but I felt like I really should ditch my family on my own birthday. It turned out that it was a great idea. I met the woman of my dreams that day.

Our second date was on her birthday, a week later. We helped her get refreshments for her own birthday bash and went to the grand opening of the pixar movie Cars.

When and how did you know she was the girl you wanted to marry?

I think I knew by the time of our ice cream parlor date sometime in the late summer. She wasn't so sure yet. The funny thing was we hadn't kissed yet.

When and where did you first kiss?

She was beginning to wonder if I really loved her because we had been dating steadily for months and I hadn't kissed her yet. It was a full week since the conversation where she demanded that I either kiss her or stop pretending to like her. We had gone to our second Real Salt Lake game and at the end we kissed on her porch. It was quick and short.

Who said I love you first?

I don't remember. I knew I wanted to get married before she did but I don't know who said the magic phrase, "I love you" first.

How long did you date before you got married?

Six months to day.

How did you propose?

Technically, on I-15 zipping along at 80 mph toward Malad Idaho for a family dinner at my sister's house. We didn't even slow down.

Officially, I had planned to propose on an early morning hot air balloon ride in Park City. Due to poor weather, I ended up taking her to breakfast at the Waffle House in Salt Lake and proposed in front of the building. Not quite as romantic. Plan B could have used a little more attention.

How long have you been married?

Two years, two months, and twelve days.

What does she do to surprise you?

I don't know. Otherwise it wouldn't be a surprise now would it?

What is her favorite color?

Silver. She likes silver things.

What is your favorite feature of hers?

She has a beautiful smile but I have to admit that I really like her um... mammary organs. Yeah, I'm a guy.

What are your favorite qualities?

I love her testimony and that she works so hard at her callings, even when they stress her out. I like that she is down to earth and practical. I also like that she is madly in love with me even though I'm not always sure why.

Does she have a nickname for you?

She calls me "T". I think it's cute, it's better than some of my Junior high nicknames I had like "Speedy" and ""Crazy".

What is her favorite food?

I'd have to say sweets, particularly if chocolate is involved.

What is her favorite sport?

Cycling is her favorite. She'll even do it in the cold of winter. Brrr!!!! I suspect if she had a horse she'd also be doing rodeo things like barrel racing. And she likes paintball which delights me to no end.

What is her favorite music?

Country music and church music.

What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?

I don't think there's any one thing because most everything we do together is nicer than doing it alone. I like reading together, playing paintball together, cycling together, and doing ...um... married couple things... together.

How old is she?

Exactly one week younger than me, to the day.

What do you admire most about her?

I'd say her testimony and passion for the gospel. It makes getting through life so much easier when you can share it with someone who loves her savior, follows his prophets, and makes the effort to make an eternal marriage work. She inspires me.

It Feels Good To Be Running Again

As the New year rolled around, I reviewed my bucket list and resolutions for the year. The longer I waited, the harder running a marathon would get. So I started working out!

I plan to run in the Salt Lake Half Marathon in April and the Ogden Marathon in May. I've got a long way to go as I've built up years of not quite exercising enough. I'm a little over three weeks into it and I already feel much better. My inner high school cross country runner is beginning to stretch his legs again. I'm so excited!