Part 2 - Him

A few weeks passed and I wanted to take Sarah out on a real date to get to know her. I was already sold on how she looked but I needed to see if we would be compatible. I received Sarah’s number from my friend (Sterling) who was a help in bringing us together.  Usually I would be the gentleman and either talk to the girl in person (which usually was the case) or call the girl to set up a date, but this case was different. For some reason I was quite intimidated by the task of calling and talking to her. I really don’t know why to this day and will forever regret my actions of what was about to happen; instead of calling and talking, like any gentleman would do, I texted her to ask her out. Apparently it was a big mistake and my wife reminds me of this every time we bring this up…But because she had a strong enough interest in me she was quick to forgive at that moment and texted back to the point of accepting my invitation to go on a date.

The day of the date came, this was also the day of the Red and Blue scrimmage for the upcoming football season at the U of A. I went with my brother and his wife (Matt and Afton) and met my friend, Sterling and his girlfriend at the time (Ariel). It was fun to see the team back in the swing of things, even though we did terrible that year.

After the scrimmage was over, I texted Sarah again to see where she was at. Knowing that she was working I tried to make plans to see her. That day was also an event on campus called “Meet the Union” which showcased a lot of different things including food vendors, one of which Sarah worked at. She told me to meet her on the fourth floor of the union where she would be in her La Petite uniform. I made my way up with my brother and his wife to try to find her. As we looked around it was hard to make our way through, because the crowds of people were so massive. Also, it was hard to find someone that I’d only seen once while in a swimming pool (so technically half a person…). In the end I decided to give up finding her and texted her that I was going to go eat somewhere and I would text her when I was done and we could meet somewhere (man I texted her too much the more I think about it).

I met back up with Sterling and his girlfriend and we went to a pizza place not too far from campus called Old Chicago. I would eat as I would anxiously wait for her responses updating me on when she was going to be off of work. She finally told me she was off, gave me the address of where she lived and we car pooled in Sterling’s car to her apartment to pick her up.

I again got nervous to see her and see if I would still want to pursue her or even if I wanted to pursue further dates with her. She said she would meet us outside so we waited for her to come down. She looked great in her plain grey v-neck shirt and jean shorts.

We decided to go to U-Swirl, which one of my friends owns, to get some delicious frozen yogurt. We all got our flavors that we wanted and with my wallet in hand and I went to go pay for both of us. Sarah also brought her wallet with her but I was not going to let her pay. As I was trying to figure out a plan to distract her from not paying Sterling interjected and offered to pay. Me being the cheap person I am and not wanting to pass up a chance for free yogurt, I accepted his offer (apparently that was mistake #2 on my part). During our times in the car and at U-swirl it was somewhat hard to have a conversation with Sarah because of nerves on both of our parts. I was probably more nervous than she was. 

We all didn't want the date to end so we wanted to go somewhere else, but didn't know where. Sarah suggested we go to the institute and hang out since she had keys to open the doors there; we all agreed and headed over. We got to the institute and I pulled out an exercise ball which I used for F.H.E.s in the single’s ward and we played human tennis which was a game I made up on my mission. The game started out pretty slow but as I tried to show off and make the game more exciting I started to slide and more during the game. One slide particularly hurt because I got rug burn on my foot (the gym floor was carpet). It hurt like no other but I couldn't say anything because I had to act tough; but it’s kind of hard to hide a gushing sore on your foot. Eventually we all got tired and decided to stop. I of course due to my overactive sweat glands was soaked from head to toe in sweat. I was quite embarrassed and prayed that I didn't smell horrible. Luckily she didn't say anything, meaning it wasn't too bad.

After our human tennis game Sterling and his girlfriend went and took a walk around the institute leaving us alone. Sarah and I went to the piano in the main gathering area of the institute. I asked her if she played the piano and she asked me what my favorite hymn was and she played it on spot beautifully. Sister Nymeyer, Sterling's Mom, had already leaked the secret that I knew how to sing, so Sarah urged me to sing along as she played. On my mission I was comfortable singing in front of congregations but this night I could barely sing in front of this one girl. Eventually I summoned up the courage and was able to sing but it wasn't my best performance. As Sarah played the piano she would sing along as well and we did this for the next 2.5 hours of the night while talking about everything under the sun in between songs. She sounded like an angel with perfect pitch and vibrato. ugh!  It was fantastic!

After my voice was hoarse from singing so much we went into the foyer of the institute to find Sterling and his girlfriend sleeping on the couches because we had been singing for so long. Whoops! Totally worth it! As we arrived at Sarah’s apartment, Sterling insisted that I walk her to her apartment before I could even get the thought out, which kind of made me look bad and made everything awkward… We both got out of the car and she walked in front of me not really saying anything. As we got to her door she opened it and the awkward silence came. “I got new couch covers” she said and I replied “that’s cool”. We hugged said our goodbyes and then she quickly walked into her apartment and shut the door.

If I had called her instead of texting her and paid for her yogurt this whole thing would have been called an official date (which I still do) but according to Sarah’s definition it is, to her, called “the awkward non-date”.

Part 2 - Her

The pool party ended. The sideways nudges and constant questions did not. Friends were constantly trying to get him and I to hang out again.

"I gave him your number, I hope that's ok" came one text.
"Oh, ok" {nothing I can do now} was the response.

It was a big day. There was a football game of some sorts {I've never been a genius at sports.} and I was working a couple extra hours at my job at the crepe place for a "meet the union" event. Basically I got to stand at a booth and tell people to come buy overpriced crepes {which were admittedly delicous}. 

He texted me.
I reluctantly texted him back.
He texted me.
I reluctantly texted him back.

Seeing a trend?

"What are you doing tonight?"
"Working an event on campus for my job."
"I'll be on campus too!"
"Cool. What for?"
"I'm going to the game with my brother and his wife."
{I am not meeting your family man. Ain't no way.}
"Sweet. I hope you have a fun time!"
"Mind if we find you afterwards?"
"I guess not, I'll be on the fourth floor of the student union."
"Ok, I'll see you there!"

The roar of the crowd wasn't hard to miss as this game (which I later learned was merely a scrimmage) went on. I gave away crepes like crazy...I may have even sang a song or two for the lovely little freshmen there.

"Hey I'm on my way over. You still on the 4th floor?"
"Yep, I'm still here. Hurry and there might still be food left."

The anticipation grew quite a bit in my little tummy. Why? I kept thinking to myself. I need to maintain my composure. He's not even that cute I told myself. And he's bringing his family?! Can we talk about how much of a no-no that is?

But he never showed up.

"I can't find you!"
"Are you sure, I'm really not that hard to miss. I'm the one at the booth with the sign "La Petite" over it."
"Yah, I looked everywhere!"
"Oh well. I'm sorry." {no loss here}

A little while later I received another text...

"Sterling, Ariel and I are going to go get pizza, want to come?"
"I have an hour left of work, the event is done, but we still have cleanup." {maybe that will deter him}
"Well can we pick you up in an hour?"

And just like that I was the subject of inner turmoil.
You see, Ariel and Sterling were newly dating. Steven at this point was an awkward third wheel. Add me and it was a double date. But Steven had never called me. He had never called it a date. He had just asked me to "join" them in what was presumably a "hangout."

I couldn't have it. Dates I was not opposed to. But you had to do it right, I finally knew what I deserved, and I was going to demand it gosh darn it.

"If I can come out tonight I'll meet you three wherever you are." I replied. That way I still had the control of the situation.

I was off work in  45 minutes. I busted my bum home on my trusty rusty bike and explained to my roommates in a whirlwind of hot mess what was going on. Danielle stepped up and was willing to drive me to wherever Steven, Sterling and Ariel were. I hopped in the shower and within 20 minutes of getting off of work, I was ready to go. {Someone give me a medal. That was crazy.}

"We're on our way to pick you up!" he texted.
What?! No! This isn't what I planned! If they pick me up then it's definitely a "date" but without the necessary formalities. There's no way.
"I can just meet you wherever you are."
"Actually we're outside your apartments."
Awkward.

Spewing my gratitude toward Danielle and freaking out over how awkward this all was, I composed myself and walked out the door.

As I got in that car, in the back seat passenger's side, I knew I needed to gain control back of the situation.

"Where should we go now?" asked Sterling.
"How about froyo?" came my quick reply.
"Yah, we can go to U-Swirl." Steven said.

And just like that we were off. On what I later named our "Awkward Non-Date."

Everything I did that night was with a purpose. I wanted to let him know I was a woman who could take care of herself. And who deserved to be asked on a proper date.

As we walked into U-Swirl I teamed up with Ariel, we went first through the pick-your-flavor-and-toppings maze. I worked ahead of her, so that by the time I reached the register I was there first. That way I could pay for myself. Because that's what you do when you're just 'hanging out' with friends, you pay for yourself.

Sterling saw right through my plan. "Hey, I need more punches on my card! I'll pay for all four of us!" he called out to the cashier.

No way. He really just figured out how to not let me pay for myself. He's turning this into a date! And Steven doesn't even have to pay?! This is incredulous.

The froyo was free for me, and delicious. Although, having thought I was paying for myself I had put significantly less in the cup than I would have otherwise...

"Where should we go next?" Ariel inquired as she scraped the bottom of her cup.
I was on top of it, like a snow cap on a mountain.
"I have keys to the institute, we could go there."
"I know a great game we can play, if there are any big playground-type balls there." Steven piped up.
"We can at least go check it out." said Sterling.

So off to the institute we went; I was feeling particularly proud of myself. This avoided any awkward let's-go-to-the-movies-or-somewhere-else-dark-and-snuggly-because-obviously-everyone-wants-Sarah-and-Steven-to-get-cozy.

When we got to the institute, like a dream, everything we needed to play Steven's game "Human Tennis" was available. The game included tables through the middle of the gym (simulating a tennis net) and hitting the big ball over these tables, all while following generic tennis rules. Easy enough. At one point Steven hurt himself, a little rug burn on his foot it sounded like, but I wasn't too concerned.

I don't remember who won. But I think it was Sterling and Ariel?

I had enjoyed playing on a team with this short curly head boy. And everyone had said I should get to know him better. But I still wasn't really excited to "get to know" any boys.

"Sarah, did you know Steven is musical?" -Sterling
"Oh really? Want to show off your skills, Steven?" -Me
"Wait Sarah, aren't you musical tooooo?" -Ariel {with extra ooo's on the too because she was totally setting this up.}
"Kinda. I'll play piano if you sing." -Me

I intended to play like one song, call it good and get home. Sterling and Ariel (of course) said they needed to go "sit down in the foyer." Which was code for "We just started dating and we want alone time. And we want you two to spend time together."

We sang one song. It felt good.
We sang another song. It felt better.
We sang basically the entire hymn book and then some and found out that we sound great together and Steven had sat down next to me on that ever-so-small piano bench. It felt great.

Maybe I can just have him as a best guy friend. I really do need friends right now. I'm feeling really alone. And he is nice. I'm not romantically inclined to him. But maybe God is giving me a friend.

I did really need a friend. Especially with Eileen leaving for Idaho around this time and me being torn between like 4 different social circles, none of which I truly belonged to.

We went and got Sterling and Ariel, who had fallen asleep in the foyer, and then went home.

"Walk her to the door" Sterling prodded Steven.
Ugh really? You're going to make us have an awkward door scene? On something that isn't even a date?!
"I'm fine, really."
"No, it's cool, I can walk you to the door, make sure you get there safe."
Well I'm never one to pass up being cautious. I'll just make sure I stay ahead of him. What should I say when we get to the door instead of the typical "Thanks for the date!" because this is NOT a date? 

We walked to the door. Apart. I stayed at least 5 feet in front of him the whole time.

"I got new couch covers!" I proudly announced. "See? Aren't they grand?"
"Yah, they look great." He replied.
"See you again someday! Ok, bye!"
And then I closed the door while he was saying something which I assume was also a farewell.

'What a weird night' I thought to myself. It wasn't a date, but it sort of was. But I refuse to let him think that was a date. I'll just call it an awkward non-date. And so it was.

Part 1 - Him

I had been home from my mission for about 5-6 months near the end of July 2011. I had already been in one relationship that ended in heartbreak on one side (hers), but was a decision that ended up being an answer to both of our prayers.

I had been invited to this party by one of my friends (Todd) whose intentions were to set me up with this girl that I had never met before. I spent almost every night at this house, where the party was, during the summer-so I was in my comfort zone.

As I arrived, Todd immediately pointed out this girl and we awkwardly looked at her in the pool from afar. My heart immediately started to beat faster, but this is my "home turf", so I did what I do best... I shot some hoops with my brown friend, Daniel. Usually I'm decently good at playing water basketball, but this night I was especially bad. I could not make a shot in my life. Every time I missed a shot I would look over at her to see if she saw me.

Eventually she made her way over to me, and as we started to talk I first noticed her lisp. I thought it was the cutest thing in the world, second to that were her freckles on her shoulders. After seeing her freckles I was sold.

I told her I wanted to be a physical therapist. She had a more complicated route. She was majoring in business management with a minor in music and a a dream to go to Boston for occupational therapy. I thought it was odd that she didn't have a strong science undergrad degree but, not wanting to sound stupid, I asked her if she wanted to own her own practice in the end. She told me that I was one of the few people to put that together. Whew! I felt like I passed her first test and I didn't sound like an idiot. Obviously it would lead to more in the end.

Part 1 - Her

Summer of 2011 was hard. Really hard. And it wasn't just because I took calculus 2. However, that probably didn't help.

In and out of relationship problems, I was trying to take life by the horns and have the best summer ever with my sister as my roommate in good old Tucson.

"I'm done with boys for a long time" you could hear me say at the beginning of every day. And in the middle. And especially the end.

Can you imagine how frustrated I got when I heard those words "there's someone I want to set you up on a blind date with"? Ummm no. Grad school for Occupational Therapy in Boston and a study abroad in Nottingham isn't worth any boy. No way.

I put off that blind date. It never happened. That doesn't mean they didn't set us up though. We were totally unaware. Or at least, I was.

It was a late July night, and time for a good old fashioned pool party. Bring on the sodas. I heard my ex (who had cheated on me 2 months earlier) was going to be there....so I went and bought a new swimsuit. Just like any modest girl would do.

He was shooting hoops, or attempting to, when they pointed him out to me. "Why not"  I thought to myself. Not like this was going anywhere. I wasn't going to let it go anywhere. I was done.

"What are you going into?" he asked.
"Occupational Therapy. And you?"
"Physical Therapy."

I felt like I had met a kindred spirit. Who couldn't shoot a hoop to save his life. Just like me.

And that brown guy was there too.
We love us some Daniel Brown, the winner of awkward pool conversations and awesome frisbee-catching-Sarah-crushing-moments.

It feels like Tomorrow

Yesterday as Steven and I sat studying for exams I mentioned how it "felt like tomorrow."

Steven laughed and then pointed at the clock.

It was 12:00am. On the dot.

Time might go a little faster than I realized.

And I think it's just about time we start documenting it.

This is my blog. I'm Sarah. Sarah Struthers. Steven will make guest appearances, I'm sure. But I am the missionary sister. You'll figure out what that means later.