Monday, October 4, 2010

{ DATE #18: Rudd Hopkins }


If I could use only one word to describe Rudd Hopkins I would have to say animated! From the minute I opened the door it was like I was on a date with a cartoon character with endless energy! Maybe it was the blue bow tie and matching shoes, or the way his mouth would curl when he said something funny. Whatever it was, it was absolutely refreshing and desperately needed after the LONG and EXHAUSTING weekend I had. He certainly had enough energy for the both of us!

The date was great! He brought with him a panini press and all the fixings to make some delicious sandwiches. I'm not sure if he planned it this way or not, but he brought enough for my Staffers and asked if they'd please enjoy them with us while we watched conference, which I found very thoughtful. And the sandwiches were delicious! I hate to admit that my cooking skills are still a work in progress so it was nice to learn a tasty new recipe that didn't take forever and a day to make. I like food that's simple, quick, and tastes delicious!

As we whet our appetites with the smells of melting cheeses and fresh ripe peaches, Rudd and I took some time to get to know each other. I learned that Rudd is 26, grew up in the lovely Camarillo, CA where he still resides, graduated with a degree in marketing, "parties for a living" (you'll have to ask him more about that one!), loves all things surfing, and spent a year at BYU Hawaii honing his skills. With all our differences, I was happy to share this last interest in common. But the thing I found most interesting about Rudd is the fact that he recently started a dating blog called The Beau Tie Guy.

Evidently, my date today with Rudd was just one of 16 dates for his "dating experiment." At first I wasn't sure how to receive this information, so I probed around a little to find out Rudd's true motives behind this little "experiment" of his. I assured him that The Mormon Bachelorette was no "experiment" but rather a journey to find "true Mormon love." Surprisingly my worries were confirmed when I asked Rudd "So, is this just an experiment on dating for you, or are you really getting out there to find someone to date?" Following another one of his famous animated faces, he shrugged his shoulders and said "Weeeeeellllll....." And that's all I got.

So with the news confirmed that Date #18 was indeed a "social experiment" we grabbed our paninis and headed for the television to catch the last session of Genereal Conference.  The food was amazing (I will definitely be making those paninis again!) and the remainder of Conference was inspiring. Throughout the broadcast Rudd and I continued in our conversation, this time with a more gospel centered focus. I discovered that Rudd served a mission to the Brazil Brasilia Mission and his favorite scripture can be found in Moroni 7:48. Look it up! It's a great favorite.

As conference came to an end I helped Rudd pack up his things, walked him to the door, and thanked him for such a wonderful experiment, I mean date. I hope he enjoyed himself (mostly because I know I'll probably find a write-up about HIS thoughts on the date on his blog very soon. Maybe I'll wait to determine his standing for a second date until AFTER I've read his review...

12 comments:

Kim Messick said...

Awesome! Where have I seen this guy before?
Those sandwiches look really good! That was nice of him to bring enough for everyone - now I wish I were there!

The Glitter Sisters said...

Dating experiment meets the Mormon Bachelorette? The movie "How to Lose a Guy in 10 days" comes to mind for some reason.

Unknown said...

So fun!! Nice for you to get to relax for a day huh?!?! :)

Janey said...

I don't think you can complain about him doing a dating experiment...you ARE the bachelorette, aren't you?? :)

Geoff said...

Sorry, Rudd, the need for brightly-colored classic Vans has already been covered, though I appreciate the flattery.

Cami said...

He needs some socks.

Shayla said...

I'm so happy you got a night "off" :) He seems fun! Totally the type of guy who would be hit at BYU-Idaho... still doesn't trump my favs though.
ps. This Conference really was fantastic wasn't it!?

Erin said...

Hope you post the sandwich recipes!

Anonymous said...

Wow!!! The sandwiches looks really good.. Post the Recipe of it. Thanks! <3

elise lauren photography said...

yeah he belongs back in provo where his type of girls hang out. lots of experiments here!

The Jayroes said...

Recipe for the panini with the peaches please! ;)

The Mormon Bachelorette said...

Paninis were SUPER easy! Just use a honey whole wheat bread and fill it with turkey, cheese (we used havarti) and sliced peaches. Baste the cheese/meat with honey poppy seed dressing, put it in the press and viola!!!! SO GOOD! Enjoy.