Thursday, August 18, 2011

{ DATE #17: Mike Romney }


Ashley and Mike's date tonight is sponsored by Good Frau.  To check out the most beautiful and creative invitations around visit the shop here and for a 10% discount become a fan on Facebook here.

I have never been the one to notice eye color on guys. I can’t tell you how many times in college I would come back from a date, have my roommates all gathered around asking for the scoop and one would say “Well what does he look like? What color are his eyes?” and I would have to respond “Hmm, I don’t remember what color his eyes were actually…” But Mike Romney’s eyes were something you just can’t miss. His stormy sea foam green eyes (sorry, I told I don’t normally notice so I’m struggling with how to describe them…) just glow and instantly grabbed my attention. They’re soft and kind, but can also become narrowly focused when he’s intent on something. The other thing I noticed with more time was that Mike actually looks a bit like my younger brother…truly quite a bit like my brother! Good thing my brother and I don’t look too too much alike – that just might be weird.

Mike and I started off with brunch at Mimi’s Café where we were able to chat and get to know each other. Mike is a brilliant mechanical engineer, studying at BYU. Mike will deny his brilliance, but that’s part of his charming humility. Mechanical engineer is just perfect for him, given his love for cars. He has a project car that he’s working on, and has an Audi A4 that he takes to the race track. I was thrilled to have a date that I could talk cars with. My dad grew up around cars and working on them with his dad. My dad was always intent on his daughters knowing at least the basics of cars, and for some reason I just really got interested in them. I love any kind of vehicle with power (motorcycle, quad, car) that I can rev up and try to spin out. Dad didn’t teach me that though…I was just drawn to it! Needless to say, I find it very attractive when a man knows about cars, enjoys them, and knows how to work on them. Being mechanically minded is sometimes a lost art among men today, but I think it’s so completely manly and should be brought back!

Not only is Mike into cars, he’s into anything outdoorsy and adventurous. This was evidenced by the activity he selected for us, which was going rock climbing. I took a rock climbing class back in high school and have climbed a handful of times since. So I’m pretty familiar with the basic know how of rock climbing, but when you don’t climb consistently, you have a lot of specific muscles that are not prepped for the activity. The next day you always seem to feel muscles that you forgot even existed! And during the endeavor, you realize your shortfalls pretty quickly. But Mike was really good and encouraging and helped me pull off some 5.9’s. I really liked that he would let me do my thing, and work on figuring out my route, but once he could tell I was stuck, he would offer a suggestion. Other times I’ve gone with guys who have quickly told me where to put my foot or a hold to grab, as soon as I’ve paused for even a moment. I like to be able to try and figure it out first and Mike let me do that. He was a great supporter and a great climber himself. He was getting it done by climbing 5.10’s and 5.11’s. Impressive stuff.

Mike was super chill and very easy to be around. I enjoyed the low pressure feeling and our ability to just talk and enjoy each other’s company. As I got to know Mike, one thing I liked was how close he is with his dad. His dad had even joined him for the trip to Arizona, to have a bit of a weekend getaway together. Mike sees value in traveling and the experiences you can have, which I really value as well. We could certainly have some fun adventures together! I’m intrigued by Mike. I think he could be a good balance for me as we’re quite opposite in some personality traits, but we have a lot of similar interests. He’s a solid guy and I’d like to learn more.


11 comments:

korth fam said...

haha I love the lady staring down the camera at Mimi's. He seemed nice and genuine

It Started With a Wink said...

he seems like a keeper, humble, smart, cute and sweet . . . what a great guy!

Kim Messick said...

Cute, cute, cute!

The HousewifeTravels said...

He's great. Best so far

Unknown said...

She ends the date with "Safe travels, buddy."

ouch.

Teachers Market said...

I think he's the best so far, too! She should definitely have him back!

ktaycall said...

I think they look cute together.

Anonymous said...

Um, I think they look EXACTLY alike. Like if I just saw them around I would definitely think they are twins or at least siblings.

Alisha said...

No way! I grew up with Mike Romney!!! Small world! I hope they hit it off. They are both so great! :)

Rebecca said...

k, he seriously seems like the most genuinely sweet guy. THAT's the kind guy that makes a great husband.

Melanie said...

My favorite dynamic and I'm posting after seeing them all. He's humble and kind but interesting and adventurous. He balances Ashley's more aggressive personality. Mike's got my vote!