Round 8

Dear Ladies, 

At least for the first few dates, try to be your most lady-like self. Burping, farting, gross jokes, etc. should be left at home. We don't want to feel like we're on a date with a man trapped in a lady's body.

Love, The Gentlemen

Dear Gentlemen,

The secret to finding the girl of your dreams is to get to know many of them and then, when you fall in love and it feels right, ask her to marry you. If she says no, you continue to search and to pray until finally you will arrive with that young woman at the altar of the temple. Just don't give up...Don't suppose that certain girls would never go out with you. Sometimes they are wondering why no one asks them out. Just ask, and be prepared to move on if the answer is no.

Love, President Uchtdorf (The Reflection in the Water, Nov 2009)

Dear Ladies, 

Be Gentle. It's all right if you turn down requests for dates or proposals for marriage. But please do it gently.

Love, President Uchtdorf (The Reflection in the Water, Nov 2009)

Stroll through Pioneer Park

Starting this Saturday the weekly Provo Farmer's Market will be held at Pioneer Park (on the corner of 500 West and Center st) From 9 AM- 2 PM. And they will have lots of vendors there to check out! 

It's a great date idea because you can spend as much money as you want or just go to browse and spend no money at all. Plus, afterwards you can play in the new Splash Pad they have there! 

(The Water is on Mon-Sat 10 AM - 8 PM)

Doesn't this look super fun??

 And don't say its only for children, because here is our Mayor enjoying the water....

Shakespeare in the Park

Currently, Utah Shakespeare in the Park is doing a free (although they take donations) production of A Midsummer Night's Dream in the Orem City Center Park (300 E. Center street) (See the cast here)

They have shows at 7 PM on May 20, 23-25, 27, 30-31 and June 1.

So grab a date, grab a blanket, and head over to the park for a great show.

I also recommend getting ice cream or something after and discussing the play, your families, what sports you like to play, or future wedding plans....

Just kidding, don't bring up wedding plans unless you don't want a second date :)

As for the Contest: Ben Osborn has taken the lead for most dates! But just a reminder it is a drawing, so even with one date you could win. So text me or email me at colleen.barry@me.com to enter!

Take a Break

Today my post will be a little different. Instead of the typical letters between ladies and gentlemen, I'm writing to all of you (and me)-- from me. This has been something that I've been thinking about a lot lately, and I hope I don't offend anyone by writing it.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today I wish to talk about cell phones.

My cell phone is possibly the greatest thing ever. It keeps me in touch with family who lives far away (I just Facetimed with my sister who is in Argentina). The GPS on my phone helped me maneuver through the streets in Northern California just last month. The fact that I can send a text message to everyone in my family, at the same time, and we can all see each other's responses, amazes me. And I, like most girls, have an addiction to Pinterest, which is readily available at the touch of a finger.
Yes, I love cell phones. But I also hate them.

I hate them because too many people hide behind them.
It is true that it is easier to ask someone out through a text because there is less interaction, the person won't see or hear your disappointment if they say no. And they won't see or hear if you are "too" excited that they said yes. You are safe. but why shouldn't they know you are disappointed or excited? Why is it so bad to let someone know "Hey, I kinda think you are awesome and I would like to get to know you better". I mean aren't you flattered when someone shows interest in you? Stop hiding! Be bold! People are more likely to say yes if you ask in person or call anyway....

I hate them because they disconnect you
I know what you're thinking, "How can you possibly think I'm disconnected when I've got Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, and my messages open at the same time? I'm connected with everyone!" And you're right, you are connected with everyone, but how much are you actually investing in these people? And are you taking the time to get to know someone knew at the ward activity, or your friend's game night? Or are you just trying to stay connected to the 1283 Facebook friends you have?

My friend Lindsey* spent her first semester of college at BYU-Idaho, and she hated it. She complained that she barely made any new friends and there was no one to date. One day, when people from her ward were at her apartment she mentioned how she wasn't making a lot of friends like she expected to in college, and one of the guys there said "Well Lindsey, you sit here on your phone the whole time people are at your apartment, do you ever try to make friends?" From that day forward she made an attempt to meet new people, and she started loving college. And I'll have you know, she ended up meeting someone and they have been happily married for 1 1/2 years.

I hate them because people use them to "bond"
Every day at work my coworkers and I sit down and eat lunch together, and then we all pull our phones out and the conversations soon go like this:

"Look at this cute skirt I'm going to make. I found it on Pinterest!"
"Did you see what Jacob posted on Facebook? Can you believe it?"
"I saw the funniest YouTube video yesterday, you all have to watch this!"

Yes, we are bonding. But the bonding is kind of superficial. And I get that we are just coworkers so we don't need to be on a super personal level (although sometimes we are), but I see this happen at church activities, and when everyone is hanging out at a friends house. This isn't really a way to meet and truly get to know people that you could potentially date.

Now with all that being said, I have to say There is nothing wrong with Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube, but I think we could all benefit from using them a little less in our lives. Especially me. So this week I would like to issue a challenge. When you are in a place to socialize keep your phone in your pocket or purse. Try to talk to people without using your phone. See how many new people you can meet this week. Or how many new things you can learn about someone you already know.

Love,
Colleen

Light Graffiti

This week's date idea was submitted by one of the blog readers. Here are the instructions:

1. You go out with a camera, put it on long exposure.
2. Take out a flash light, glow stick,  or whatever and draw imaginary shapes in the air. 
3. Have fun laughing about the pictures.

It’s super fun and you get to see your date’s creativity and ability to have fun.

He said you need a camera that you can adjust the exposure time on, so fancy cameras will work and some simple digital cameras will have this option. Have a great week!

Competition Update: Tommy is now tied with Spencer for most dates! Remember anyone who is single can participate, just send in your info and I will put your name in the drawing! Good luck!

Round 7

Dear Gentlemen,
There is a reason things like this.....

...are cliché. We ladies love gestures like this.

Love, The Ladies

Dear Ladies,
Don't expect relationships to be like a chick flick all the time. Those guys have a script that they have spent months memorizing, we do not. However we are original and will try to create chick flick moments for you.
Love, The Gentlemen

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
"There are lots of limitations in all of us that we hope our sweethearts will overlook. I suppose no one is as handsome or as beautiful as he or she wishes, or as brilliant in school or as witty in speech or as wealthy as we would like, but in a world of varied talents and fortunes that we can't always command, I think that makes even more attractive the qualities we can command -- Such qualities as thoughtfulness, patience, a kind word, and true delight in the accomplishment of another. These cost us nothing and they can mean everything to the one who receives them."
Love, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (How Do I Love Thee?, February 2000)

Take A Hike

Over the past few weeks I have heard a plethora of people say things like "We should get a big group together to hike Timp!" or "lets invite everyone to go on a hike next week!" Well, I have a better idea....

Why don't you grab a date, and go on a hike together? The great thing is you can make this a date for 2, or a double date, or a group date. But make it a date. 

There are hikes for beginners and experts, and you can also make it as long or short as you would like. Hikes like Stewart Falls, and the "Y", are much shorter than a hike up to the top of Timpanogos. 

Also, since I know you are all curious, The Competition is still going on, and currently Spencer Ellis has more dates than anyone else so the odds are in his favor. Way to go Spencer!

Round 6

Dear Ladies, 
Please don't compare us with "The List" you made in a young women's class. We aren't going to be EVERYTHING on the list, but that doesn't make us bad guys.
Love, The Gentlemen

Dear Gentlemen,
We like when you hold our coat/jacket for us to help us put it on. you don't have to do it ALL the time, but its a really sweet gesture.
Love, The Ladies

Dear Ladies,
"...I would caution you single sisters not to become so independent and self-reliant that you decide marriage isn't worth it and you can do just as well on your own...This is not right. Certainly we want our single sisters to maximize their individual potential, to be well educated, and to do well at their present employment. You have much to contribute to society, to your community, and to your neighborhood. But we earnestly pray that our single sisters will desire honorable marriage in the temple to a worthy man and rear a righteous family, even though this may mean the sacrificing of degrees and careers. Our priorities are right when we realize there is no higher calling than to be an honorable wife and mother."
Love, President Ezra Taft Benson (To The Single Adult Sisters of The Church, October 1988)

Dear Gentlemen,
You don't need to feel nervous about a date, we already said "yes". Just relax and have fun and everything will be OK.
Love, The Ladies