How we became "Jen & Ken" - Part 4

Ok, so now that I discovered my journal I am going to be cheating more and just using what I actually wrote back then with some new insights. The original journal will be in italics and new stuff will be in regular font.

Today I went running despite a pain in my leg. Then I read by the pool, swam laps, showered, got my bed and desk replaced, tried to find storage to no avail, colored some Disney princesses, hung my Christmas lights outside, and Andrew helped me hang the Hammock. Which is pretty sweet. I have wanted one from the moment I first laid on one. I love fulfilling dreams. It was no easy task too, and I’m glad he was there so it got done right. Julie and I decided to go to the other group’s FHE because we didn’t want to play ultimate Frisbee. So I left early to Ken’s apartment where we were meeting (I may have had another motive as well).

I did want to see Ken. I also had another excuse because Ken was the ward clerk and needed my picture for the ward menu. Again, in BYU singles ward land the ward directory has pictures of everyone by apartment so you can easily look up someone you met, or want to meet. You can look through it to see who is hot and is affectionately and fittingly called the ward menu. I even have the picture that Ken took for the menu which I will add when I get it from home.

Anyways, I got to his apartment and there was a girl sitting on their couch whom I soon learned was ken's sister Katy. I asked Ken for a drink of water and when he went to get it for me Katy also asked for a drink and he said no to her, but then brought her warm water which she hates just to annoy her. It felt good to not be the little sister. For me, he just gladly got the drink and put ice in it.

We had a lesson then I rode with Ken, Andrew, and Topher to the park. (Yes I was careful to make sure I rode with Ken). Unfortunately it worked out that half of that group played ultimate Frisbee. Julie, Melissa, and I joined the kick ball group. (When Ken went to play Frisbee instead of kickball where I was I figured he must not be interested). I actually really enjoyed that game of kickball, despite being cold and my leg still hurting. Plus it was cold to run around barefoot to the bases, but I got a run! I had left my purse in Ken’s car though and it made me nervous so I walked two fields to get it, but he had moved his car so I had to find him then try again. I had to pull him out of the game and he walked with me to his car to unlock it for me. I got my phone just in time to almost answer Wal Mart boy’s call. I stopped myself just in time.

By the time I got back to everyone we were leaving. Then we were ready for the hot tub. So I got ready and went out there and Ken came not too long after. As well as Topher and some other people from the ward. It was fun, and I was massaging my leg because it was still sore and Ken took it and started rubbing it for me. How nice. So I figured that was a good sign, but I later realized he was must be interested when he started rubbing my leg. I was sitting on the hot tub step next to him and I felt his hand stroking the back of my leg. I just continued conversation with him and everyone as usual, but I figured that was pretty clear indication.

This was an important moment for me because it removed all doubt that Ken was interested. He told me later that he was jealous when Topher helped me stretched my leg and wanted to prove that he could touch me. At the time I was was a bit shocked and wondered if I should let me do that. Was I sending the wrong message? I was also thanking my lucky stars that I had shaved that day. I asked Ken later and it was a good thing I didn't do anything to stop him because he said he would have just moved on. I was sitting on the step to the hot tub so I was half out and he was sitting on the regular bench so no one could see what he was doing and he also acted like nothing was happening, but we were both very aware. I had been telling everyone about my hammock because I was truly excited about it. (As you can see from earlier in this entry).

Then he asked to see the hammock, so we both left to change and he came over. Karen and Andrew were on the porch, (The were snuggling and making out in the hammock already, throughout the summer we would switch with them between the living room and the deck since we both had quickly developing relationships) so we checked out the attic on my room to see if it led to the roof, and when it didn’t we just went on the roof by the route I know. We stayed up there talking for quite some time. It got cold so I called down to Karen to bring us blankets which they handed up to us and we cuddled up there talking. It was pretty nice. He was easy to talk to and noted that he was enjoying being with me and that I fit in his arms. I was a little worried he would kiss me though because our faces were close and he ran his fingers through my hair. They say if a girl will let you touch her hair she’ll let you kiss her, and I would have, but I’m really glad he didn’t. I mean, I did turn my head into him a lot to make it more difficult, but I know I wouldn’t have fought too hard, but I didn’t want another one of those kissing too soon without even a date again.

I really was terrified that he would kiss me. Later I told him that I knew I would have let him because he touched my hair and he was VERY aware of that that fact too, but shocked that I knew it. Josh told me about that trick after his first date with Jamie. He could see that I was turning my face away and had no intention of kissing me yet, but liked knowing that he could. He was being such a HUGE sap up on the roof. I liked it, but it also made me nervous. I felt like he was more into me than I was with him at this point, but I was willing to see where it would go.


When we got too cold we transferred to the now free Hammock and snuggled out there. It was really nice. We had some good conversations and he said I was adorable and a very pretty girl. That never hurts. Hearing is my language. He had a hard time leaving, and said he wanted to take me on a real date. So that’s another really good sign. I was pleased. He didn’t kiss me, and actually plans to take me out. That is good. It seems we have a lot in common. We enjoy many of the same activities and have no problems with intimacy (in conversation). His name is Kenneth Alvin Baldwin by the way. I’m going to Jeanine’s tomorrow and he said I would be out of town Tuesday and he didn’t know if he was available on Wednesday, but he would at least see me. That’s another point in my book. I love it when I can see them everyday without them having a problem with that. It all goes back to the, if you like someone you actually want to see them and spend time with them. So, my conclusion thus far is that this is a good thing. Oh, I also massaged his back a little and he loved it and asked how I was still single. “This could be the start of something new.” I just have to reign in my mind from imagining the future and just living in the moment and not expecting anything. That’s when I get into trouble with myself. It was a really nice evening and I am pretty sure it’s safe to say Ken is interested. Cool. Goodnight.