Pride and Prejudice and Perhaps a New Love Interest?!

In case y'all didn't know this about me, I'm a sucker for romantic stories. I can't even tell you how many times I've watched every Jane Austen movie ever made. I'm serious. I've watched them all. The black and white version of Pride and Prejudice from 1945?
My momma's favorite. The 2003 low budget film festival version made in Utah? Yep. I've even been to the house it was filmed in. Probably helped that it was across the street from my Diddy and Gammy's house when they were still with us. Slight tangent, I remember driving by their old house after they had both passed on and I suddenly longed to go running around in the back yard when the grass was being irrigated from the ditch in the back yard. I wanted to go collect walnuts from their tall walnut tree. But I couldn't because they weren't there anymore. And then I looked across the street and someone had torn down the Pride and Prejudice house and built a new one right on top of the spot. My heart was broken. BROKEN. I died to death.

Going back to my point, I love those amazingly romantic stories of misunderstanding and hope and love. I love love. And James had never watched them before, which isn't really surprising. He's a guy and a lot of guys don't watch that kind of thing. So I promised him the best home cooked meal he had ever tasted in exchange for him watching Pride and Prejudice with me. He agreed with the stipulation that if it wasn't the best home cooked meal he'd ever had that he didn't have to watch Pride and Prejudice with me and he would pick the movie instead. I agreed and he volunteered to bring the ingredients to make ice cream.

I didn't want to overwhelm him and push my luck by making him watch the very wonderful and five hour extravaganza with the lovely Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.
But I feel like the 1945 version doesn't explain the ending very well. And I LOVE the ending. And while the bollywood version is amazing, I wanted James to take the story seriously and felt that he might find the musical numbers distracting.

I settled on the new classic 2009 version with Matthew McFadyen and Kiera Knightley because it covers the story well and gives a very satisfying ending. Now, I just had to make the most delicious meal he had ever tasted.

For dinner I decided to make Chicken Alfredo over penne pasta with homemade garlic bread sticks and a green salad with Italian dressing. I also made Virgin Pina Coladas to drink (because neither of us drink alcohol). It is a meal I have spent years perfecting. I once even made noodles from scratch, but since we were watching the movie last night, I didn't have time between class and homework. But the rest of the meal was completely made from scratch! And it was amazing. James loved it.

After dinner we put the ingredients together for ice cream. James brought ingredients for a salted caramel pretzels ice cream. We made just plain vanilla and started it churning on the balcony and can't call to the living room where it was time to face the music.
"well" he told me with a look of disappointment, "I guess I'm watching this girly show because you were right, that was the best home cooked meal I've ever tasted"
I think I squeeled a little bit.

So, while the ice cream was mixing we watched Pride and Prejudice and we might have cuddled a little bit which was unexpected, but looking back it shouldn't have been because we had dinner together and then sat down to watch one of the most classically girly stories ever and I know that he was only watching it because I asked him to. I guess I just wasn't thinking of him in actual terms of a relationship. But I can't say that I hated it because it was so much fun and I love spending time with him. When we first started hanging out we would talk about people we were interested in around the area or in our classes, but lately we haven't been. It's been nice. And I've been seeing a lot more of him lately. He just stops by and we talk for hours sometimes. Guys, am I interested in James? Because I really wasn't expecting to fall for anyone, let alone James. He's become a great friend. Gah. I don't even know what's happening.

And then, after the movie was over, we mixed the caramel and chocolate covered pretzel bits into the ice cream and sat back down on the couch to talk. It was the most amazing ice cream I've ever tasted. It was the perfect end to a really great day. And James even let me rewind the end of Pride and Prejudice and rewatch the ending. "Mrs. Darcy" *sigh* I LOVE that moment when they're finally together. Looking out over the dark night treasuring each other's company. And then he kisses her and I just get a little giddy every time. James just laughed a little bit at me. I don't even care. It's happy and I love their happiness. It's like at the end of Sense and Sensibility when Edward shows up to confess his love to Eleanor. I love the version with Dan Stevens and he follows her into the kitchen and instead of even saying anything when he proposes, she just walks over and hugs him and he visibly sighs and then they kiss and then I visibly sigh and it's just wonderful.

At the end of the night, James got up to leave. I gave him a hug because I'm a hugger and as I pulled away his hand slipped to my elbow and I paused and kind of looked at him and he kissed me on the cheek, smiled and then walked out the door. Which is good because I think I turned a deep shade of red and lost all train of thought. Guys. I don't even know what's happening. I never felt like this with Hollander, or any of my other boyfriends. But I think I like it.

Birthday Goodness

Hey y'all!! I know it's been a while and y'all thought I forgot about you, but I didn't. Promise. I had my birthday a few weeks ago and it was a month long celebration, I think.

Whenever we were just the girls at the apartment and we'd watch Chopped on the Food Network even though none of us cook as much as they do on the show, we'd have a brilliant idea to go get slurpees or something and then we'd say something like "we can't do that. We'd have to move." then someone would yell "BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!!" And we'd all jump up and go. Most of the time. And then they would make me wear this inflatable crown that just appeared from nowhere three weeks ago and I had to wear it the entire time we were out of the apartment.

Seven eleven is such an interesting place at night. On the weekends it's a little bit sketchy, even for Provo. But, on weeknights there's usually no one there and since we're all mostly working part time jobs over the summer or taking a couple of classes, it's fun to go venturing out at midnight for a slurpee run. My favorite flavor is 2/3 Wild Cherry, 1/3 Pina Colada. I've never had a real pina colada, but the slurpees are totes delish. I can't imagine them being any better with alcohol.

My actual birthday was spent with the girls, minus Kyla. She had gotten into a fight with her boyfriend Nick a few days before and hadn't talked to him, and then he showed up with the most gorgeous flowers and the most heartfelt apology and I was almost crying it was so beautiful. He invited her to dinner, but she told him she couldn't.
"Why not?" he asked.
"Because it's Ralieigh's birthday and we have had these plans for weeks." she told him. Though I know she really wanted to go.
"Oh, for heaven's sakes. You're not staying here because of me." I told her. I pushed her out the door, Took her flowers from her and walked over to the sink.
"I'll put these in water. Have a nice night!" I yelled as the door shut. I really hope they make it. I can't think of a better couple than those two.

You know how people just fit together? That's Nick and Kyla. They just compliment each other. I love it. I love them. Together. And when Nick dropped her off, we heard whispering outside the door and muted the TV, because that's what you do. They were laughing about something and then he kissed her, I think. The door really muffled the sound coming in. And then Kyla came in and we quickly unmuted the TV and pretend that we weren't listening. Kyla blushed and then kissed Nick once more and pushed him out the door and closed it behind him. She leaned against the closed door and just looked at us with a goofy grin on her face.

"Guys, I think I love him" She told us, and all six of us squealed with delight. We watched him walk back to his apartment from our balcony door that overlooked the parking lot.

Oh! Hollander! I haven't updated y'all on him in a while. He's actually been gone the last three weeks. He wasn't here for my birthday, but he did send me a gorgous bouquet of flowers. Our apartment smelled wonderful for days. The card that came with Hollander's flowers just said "Thinking of you on your birthday. Can't wait to celebrate when I get back. -H" isn't he the sweetest? He went home because his little sister was getting married and she wanted to spend some time with him before the big day, I guess. I also don't think Hollander had gone home for a long time, so it's good that he went.

Guys, it's just been the most amazing month. I can't wait to tell you more, but I am so exhausted, I need to get some sleep!!

Night, y'all!!

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes

Alrighty, y'all, I'm just saying this now, I'm pretty sure Hollander is the man of my dreams! *sigh* I die to death! (In a good way!) He took me on a date last night because he's headed to his parent's house for Father's Day today and I swanee! I swoon whenever I see him! I have a hard time breathing sometimes! I just, I can't even! And I know this all sounds familiar, but it's the truth!!

The date. Let me just say that he is more like a dream than reality. I sometimes pinch myself to make sure I'm awake! He came over to pick me up and instead of heading to his car he took my hand and we went for a walk. I was a little surprised, especially since I was wearing ballet flats, not walking shoes. And I was wearing this gorgeous white dress with this blue printed floral design on the edges. It kind of reminded me of the Dutch Delft blue pottery, only in my gorgeous spring dress that I found on sale the other day and nearly died and HAD to buy it. But that's neither here nor there, and it definitely has nothing to do with the actual date.

So, we're walking away from my apartment building and we're about a block away when he turns down another street. I look back at my apartment, confused.

"It's just a little further" He tells me and tugs gently at my hand, so I keep going. I have walked all over Provo, and I had never noticed the small park two blocks from my apartment! But Hollander did! And he had this beautiful picnic all set up! We sat on this gorgeous hand quilted blanket that looked like it had been passed down from generation to generation since about the pioneers. It was worn, but sturdy. The colors had long since faded, but I knew it had been loved. And I couldn't help wondering how long Hollander had kept this blanket, and why we were sitting on it. But, we sat down and he had made a simple picnic of sandwiches and chips and fruit and capri sun drinks! And fruit snacks! I felt like a kid again! And then after we ate we ran over to the swing set and he pushed me so I could go so high! We were laughing so hard, guys. I LOVED every minute of it! I can't even. He's just so perfect.

And then, after the swinging, we just sat there and talked. He's the oldest of five kids. He's from Park City. When he was a kid he wanted to be a fire fighter, and then a quarterback for the Denver Broncos, and now he's going to be an accountant. There is a sincerity in his eyes that I can't get past. I love it. I love him, but not like LOVE love him....YET. *sigh*

And when he walked me home, we stood outside my apartment door on the third floor and continued talking for a while longer and just before he said goodbye, he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and then HE KISSED ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't even explain how amazing it was! It was just a simple but beautiful kiss and I loved it! I don't think I've ever been kissed like that, y'all. It was magical! Like, life altering magical!

And, we're going out again on Tuesday. I can't even wait!! I'll keep you posted on the deets as they come!!

Night, y'all!!!

Adventures in Dating

Hey y'all!!! I have THE MOST AMAZING story to tell ya!!  I'm not even kidding. Oh. My. Gosh. Okay. Guys. Hollander. He came over to my apartment the other day just to say hi. He said he saw me and Kyla out on our balcony (we're on the third floor) and wanted to get to know us better. And by us, I'm pretty sure he meant ME. I died to death. He is the man of my dreams.  MAN. OF. MY. DREAMS.!!!!!!! *sigh!!!!* oh my gosh!!! I can barely even talk I'm so excited.

So then, after he left and asked if he could come over again and I can't even remember if I spoke words, I was so twitter-patted by him.

So, a few days later, I was by the pool just working on my tan and loving my chevron patterned swim suit that I just bought. Totes adorbs, you know, and I was about to jump into the pool, and I was so glad I didn't because just as I stood, Hollander walked through the gate. I didn't even see his face when I just had this thought 'you could totes marry him'. And I could. He has a great tan that I hadn't noticed before and is really well built. He's got a six pack. I almost fainted when I saw him. And then, AND THEN, he came over by me. I was waiting for him to say hi, but I don't think he saw me because he stopped before he even got half way across the pavement. I thought I was going to die. His friend had just gotten out of the pool and they were talking. I'm so glad I didn't say anything, I would have felt like such an idiot. I was about to dive in the deep end when I heard people running behind me and then next thing I know, I feel someone's hands around my waist and then I was in the pool.
     When I finally came back up I heard guys laughing. I turned to glare and yell at whoever had just ruined my perfect dive and there he was again. Laughing. This is my rendition of the conversation that followed:
     "What are you laughing about?!?!?!?!?!!!"
     "ha ha ha ha ha, you were surprisingly easy to get in the pool!"
     "I was about dive in and you ruined my dive!!"
     "Yeah, but you didn't fight me."
     "Oh my gosh, why are guys so ridiculous?!?!?!"
     "C'mon, it was fun and you know it. Besides, you were already beside the pool, I figured I'd help you out."
     I give him a scathing look, and he pretends to be hurt.
     "Okay, okay, I'm sorry I pulled you in to the pool. I was just trying to have fun. But I am really glad you're here because I wanted to ask you something."
     All frustration and anger are gone. His baby blue eyes are sparkling. SPARKLING. I thought that was just a figure of speech, but it's not.
"Oh? And what's that?"
"Do you want to go on a date with me tomorrow night?"
"Sure" I said instantaniously. Eat your heart out, Jessica. #iwin #gorgeous #icanteven

And guys. The date. OH.EM.GEE. He said that his roommates were having a movie night, but he wanted to take me to dinner first. I was so excited.

I looked amazing! I wore my favorite skinny jeans and this great polka dot top. I found my favorite pair of strappy sandals that matched perfectly! I did that whole beachy waves loose curl with my hair that looked GREAT. I was totes adorbs. #dontbejelly #totesadorbs #socute
I put on some shimmery lip gloss as I heard a knock on the door. EEK! He was there to pick me up!!

And there he was. Hollander. And his smile made me melt. I just. I can't even. And he took me to Los Hermanos for dinner, which is the best mexican food place around. I love their food. And I loved talking to him. And I don't even remember what movie we watched after because I just loved hanging out with him. And at the end of the date, he walked me home and kissed my hand and said he'd come by the next day, which was yesterday, and he did and that's a whole different story, though. In a totes good way. Ahhhh!!! It's been the most amazing summer of my entire life and it's only JUNE!!!

The Roomies

Hey y'all!! So, I just wanted to write a little bit about me and my roomies today! So, my name is Raleigh, as previously mentioned, and I live with my two best friends Shannon and Kyla. And we have three other room mates Katelyn, Shelly, and Jax.

I grew up in North Carolina and decided to come out to BYU after I graduated high school. All of my family is back in NoCo, but that's okay because I LOVE it here! I am getting my degree in Interior Design and also love to bake cupcakes. Pinterest is my current addiction and I can't get enough of it.

I'm SUPER obsessed with the TV show Once Upon A Time and am totally loving all the #captainswan storyline. #sorrynotsorry.

Shannon and Kyla moved in together. Kyla is from California and we three have been roommates for about six months. Shannon is from Idaho, so we sometimes go up to her family's potato farm on the weekends. Yes, they really do grow potatoes!!

Kyla grew up about two hours away from LA and lives, like, right next to the ocean. Okay, not, like RIGHT next to the ocean, but close. Like, a few miles away? I think? Probably. Any way, She is going into nursing and is always studying. I don't think she's been on a date the entire time I've lived with her, but not for a lack of trying! Guys are ALWAYS asking her out. It's super cute. Until she turns them down. And then they're souls are crushed. Poor guys. But that's when Shannon chimes in and cheers them up again.

I don't think I can recall the last time Shannon did NOT have a date on a Friday or Saturday evening. That girl dates all the boys. And can never settle on just one. Shannon is going into psychology and is super great at reading people. It's crazy how well she knows me sometimes. But I love her for it!! She's so so great!!

Jax is probably our most mysterious roommate. Mostly because she's an introvert and doesn't come out and socialize with us very often. But she does come out occasionally and I love talking to her. She is an art history major and wants to work at The Met one day. I think she'll make it there. She's wonderfully amazing. She's super quiet, but if you can get her to open up, she's has the sweetest spirit. And I mean that in the literal sense, not the "sweet spirit" sense. haha.

Katelyn and Shelly are sisters and they do everything together. I think half of their classes are the same. And the other half are always close by. Katelyn is undeclared at the moment but leaning towards Physics. I think she'd do great as a physicist. She's so so smart. Like, unbelievably smart. Love her.

I'm pretty sure Shelly is going into Elementary Education and wants to teach kindergarten. Wouldn't that be, like, the sweetest thing ever? #totesadorbs #teacherslife She's so so so good with kids. She's going to change the world someday, I just know it!!!!

Any way, that's us in a nutshell!!! Can't wait to tell you more about our lives here in Apartment 314!!

Hey Y'all

Hey e'erybody!! My name is Raleigh (it's pronounced Riley). I had this crazy idea that a blog could be fun! I just want to write about the ups and downs of college life with me and my room mates. I live in the heart of Provo, UT in an all girls apartment with five roommates. Summer is in full swing and I can't wait to get to know y'all a little better!!!

Any way, it's off to the pool for me!! Talk to you soon!!

Love Ya!!
Raleigh *hugs*