Monday, September 20, 2010

{ DATE #4: Matthew Wakatsuki }


I can see why my Staffers picked Matthew for one of the 22 dates. He's kind, he has a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and he is honestly searching for someone to share the rest of eternity with.  How could I refuse someone like that?

Because it was a Sunday, I asked that Date #4 be sabbath appropriate.  Luckily Matthew got the memo and planned a casual evening with a picnic on the beach and a walk down the pier.  When I let Matthew know I was impressed with his willingness to take me on a Sunday date,  his reply was "I was actually really glad I got the Sunday date because no matter what day we went out, I wanted to take you for a picnic on the beach."  Well isn't that just too perfect.

As we walked together to the beach Matthew's obvious nervousness slowly began to subside and we engaged in the usual small talk.  Matthew is 1/2 Japanese, grew up in the San Fernando valley, spoke Mandarin Chinese on his mission to Taiwan, graduated from BYU in April, turned 26 in June, and then moved in with his Aunt and Uncle in Oxnard to start his career in Logistics at the Naval Base.

As we approached the beach with our picnic basket and blankets, I asked Matthew "After reading through my bio and watching a few of the videos, what were your initial impressions of me?"  I was shocked when I heard his answer.   Apparently he never visited the site, knew nothing about me,  hadn't seen his own interview, AND had only seem a picture of me the size of your thumbnail.  I know I should be happy that he was so open and honest about everything but really?  Maybe I'm NOT looking for such an honest and open man.  Regardless, I had a good laugh about it!

When we arrived at the beach, Matthew opened up the picnic basket and laid out a spread of meats and cheeses for Italian subs, some fresh fruits and SunChips to snack on, and Vitamin water in fancy fluted glasses.  As we ate we shared some stories from our missions and about the challenges and struggles of serving in areas where the message of the restored gospel is still fairly new.  Just listening to him talk about his mission and the people of Taiwan, I could tell he was a valiant and faithful missionary which I really admired.  Oh, and the fact that he actually ate chicken feet!!!  Now that's true dedication!  Yuck.

After dinner we strolled along the shoreline, walked down the pier, and through the streets of downtown until it was time to get back.  I could tell Matthew was a little concerned about his 2 hour drive back to Ventura County so before I let him get back on the road, I thanked him for the date.  It truly was a nice change of pace to enjoy a simple meal, a simple walk, and simple conversation.  Am I afraid Matthew's personality might be a little too sweet and simple to match up with someone like me?  Definitely. He's certainly a very soft spoken, kind-hearted individual and I hate to say it, but I think I just might smother him with my adventurous and out-spoken personality.  Maybe a second date would give me a chance to see if opposites really do attract...

6 comments:

meredith c. said...

oh, he was my fave in the interviews. yay!

Meagan @ Meagan Tells All said...

He is adorable, buuuut I am 100% team Rick Buck! I didn't really see the sparkle in your eyes in the interview after the date! He might be tooooo shy and reserved for ya.

Amanda said...

Aubrey, you are so JCrew/Anthro. Love your style. I am going to have to agree. He might be a little to timid for you.

Now Aubrey, I have a bone to pick with you, NO more asking 'why is he not married yet'. Your producers are amazing and I am sure that they weeded out the guys with issues. So rejoice in the life experience they have, their careers and how they have direction in life. I mean if you wanted to date the guys that are not in the 'why is he not married yet' category... You would be dealing with a bunch of freshly returned missionaries that just want to teach at the MTC.

Case closed, Date on Aubrey.

emily said...

Fun times. What a nice guy. I'm glad you had fun. I look forward to this every morning when I wake up! Keep having fun on your adventure of finding Mr. Right!

Sara said...

I agree with Amanda. Nine times out of ten someone isn't married because they haven't found the right person yet. Trust in the Lord's timetable for you and everyone else. Don't overthink it.

Melody's Voice said...

He does seem like very sweet with a kind, soft demeanor about him. I think it is kinda interesting that he didn't really know about the whole process. Maybe that's is why he was so chill in his interview. Good luck. I am having fun watching all these dates :)