Thursday, August 25, 2011

{ DATE #22: Rudd Hopkins }


I feel like I’ve kept things together pretty well throughout the Mormon Bachelorette, despite the late nights, demanding schedule, and ups and downs of dating put on steroids. But tonight I kind of had a breakdown. As I was getting ready, I moved some things on my bathroom counter, to make room for my makeup artist to set her stuff. Suddenly I heard something hit the floor and shatter. To my horror I looked down and saw my Venetian glass ring that I had bought in Austria just a few weeks before, now sitting in pieces. I had been planning to wear it that night, and I was so incredibly sad to see my momento from Europe now ruined. I couldn’t just go buy a replacement. I yelled out loud “Oh come on, you gotta be kidding me! Dangit!” It truly is not normal for me to have outbursts like that. I quickly realized that my bedroom door was open, and I knew that they had let my date into the house to avoid the heat and was downstairs waiting. I was mortified at the thought that this reaction would be his first impression of me, and knew that I would have to be sure to explain myself.

We quickly cleaned up the mess, finished getting me ready, and then sent my date back out the door. When I opened my door and saw Rudd Hopkins standing there, I knew I was in for a fun evening, and also felt very relieved that it was someone I knew that had heard my yelling and would therefore hopefully not be as quick to judge me for it. I made sure to explain the situation to him and he was perfectly understanding. I had met Rudd about a month before at the Huntington Beach Mid-Singles Conference (yep, at 27 you count for Mid-Single…). My buddy that I had driven out with is friends with Rudd and so he had introduced us. At that time I learned that Rudd is a fun loving guy, who can be a bit goofy, but who has a heart of gold.

Rudd’s personality came shining through right from the start. When we pulled up to his friend’s house where we’d be making dinner, he told me not to get out of the car. He then jumped out of the car and ran around to my side to open my door which just made me laugh. Laughter always helps lighten the mood and lifts the soul and I appreciated the gesture. Showing his perfect gentlemanliness, he offered me his arm as we walked. Rudd is incredibly thoughtful, as was evidenced by the fact that he had brought two aprons from California for us, and one was a Flirty Apron for me. It was really very cute and it helped me feel all girlie. The kicker – it would have perfectly matched my glass ring...How’s that for irony? We laughed about it together.

If you think Rudd looks familiar, it might be because he took Aubrey on a date on Season 1. Their date was on a Sunday, so Rudd was wearing his distinctive bow tie, and they made a fabulous looking meal. Knowing this, I figured that I was in for a treat with whatever we’d be making. Rudd did not let me down, with a Thai chicken pizza and a shrimp pesto pizza recipe for our brick oven pizzas that we were going to be making. We had a ton of fun making the pizzas, however, we didn’t exactly make them as we should. It seemed we hadn’t been given proper instruction. It really wouldn’t have mattered that we messed up the pizzas a bit, except that we were supposed to take some of them to neighbors in the area. The family whose house we were using is actually really well known in their neighborhood for their brick oven pizzas, and so there was a certain standard that we needed to live up. Fortunately, the neighbors were very gracious and grateful for the food no matter what condition it came in.

I loved that Rudd had determined a way for us to do some service on our date – rather than just feeding ourselves and calling it good. It’s very reflective of who Rudd is and how much he values people and looks to their needs. Rudd’s thoughtfulness was further showcased in his planning for the date when we had a violinist to serenade us over dinner. What a splendid experience! Our violinist was very talented.

I thought the meal was great, but Rudd had another surprise – home made vanilla ice cream with apple pie and strawberries mixed in. This stuff was really really great. While we ate, Rudd shared some quotes with me, and scriptures. He is incredibly knowledgeable in the Gospel and knows a millions quotes such that he can pull the perfect one from his memory bank at just the time it is needed. It really is incredibly impressive. This was a side that I had not had the opportunity to learn about when I first met him in California.

So not only does Rudd have this deep side to him, he’s extremely light hearted. He’s a little bit of a kid with the things he’ll do to get a smile and a laugh. Admittedly, sometimes I find it cute, other times I don’t so much. I’ve said for a long time that every guy, no matter how “cool” they seem on the surface, is a dork underneath, and it’s just a matter of whether you find it annoying, or endearing. With Rudd, I’m not quite sure yet which it is for me. I would need more time with Rudd to figure that out. But it’s time that I’d be willing to give.

10 comments:

Kim Messick said...

Oh, you gotta love a guy who cooks! Now I'm hungry for pizza and ice cream!!!
And I liked hearing the story about the bow tie!
But what was with that ending? Where did that come from?! Who was that boy playing the violin?

Sarah Keith said...

I really liked him. Who can pass up a red head who loves the scriptures and has a great sense of humor? I'd say give him a chance.

Unknown said...

I think he's great. :) Also, what is the song in the middle of the clip? It's pretty much the cutest song ever.

anniebobannie said...

YAY!!! Date #22~ He is my FAVORITE!!! Now on to the TOP EIGHT!!! Whoot!

Unknown said...

What is that song in the middle????!!!

The Williams Family said...

I love this date! So sweet and he is such a gentleman. Cooking in the brick oven with the lightening storm in the background in pretty romantic! The pizza looked yummy. This guy will make a great father and husband one day.

The Hoogland Family said...

yeah that was the last date, right? Now what happens, when will we hear about her top 8! Or do we have to wait for each second date to air? Can't wait to see if she picked who I think she will or already did...probably! Love this blog! I get to watch romance without the smut!

mimilee said...

The song in the video is called Unconditional by Courtney Cotter. You can buy it on iTunes.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/unconditioncal/id413594492?i=413594495

Every artist you hear in The Mormon Bachelorette was gracious enough to allow us to use their music completely for free. We are so grateful to these talented musicians and we are always looking for more good music to get played in an episode. :)

Brittney said...

Rudd gets a second date and kisses Ashley! Re-watch the midseason "Intermission" video:

http://www.themormonbachelorette.com/2011/07/intermission.html

Meg said...

I definitely sense some epic chemistry here!