"Man"date Tuesdays

So ever since the first tuesday that I moved here, tuesday's have been designated "mandate" night for me and my brother Josh Graves. Nathan is away at college doing that whole "Schooling" thing. Sarah, Jeff, and Kim also have a class that they attend at the church on tuesday nights. So that leaves the two sexiest bachelors in the house to have what we call, "mandate."

We have had 3 of them so far, I believe.

And its awesome.

I love getting to know my brother more and more each week.

The first week we went to our local Chili's and got some chips and salsa and and our meals. I mention the chips and salsa because it seems that they are some of the most fitting food for deep conversations. Before I moved to florida, I had many "Chips and Salsa" talks with my 2nd 2nd mom(no, I didn't stutter. 2nd 2nd, just because you don't have 3 moms to juggle doesn't mean you have the right to make fun of me, so cool it mr.) These conversations helped guide me to start thinking about what I really wanted to do with my life. I cherish those conversations so much. So tradition carries on. We enjoyed our chips and salsa that night and again tonight. We just sat there and eating our awesome chips and talked. It was really cool. I sat there and got to listen to how this kid that I've always known as my little brother is really growing into an awesome young man. We talked about everything from the stuff he does with his church, the play he is super excited to have the "LEAD ROLE" in, and of course, the girls. I am taken away every time I talk to Josh. The kid has one of the biggest hearts I have ever seen. They way he sees the hurt in others lives is so astounding.

Tonight we were driving to blockbuster to pick up a movie after eating dinner and he was just talking about the way he sees the girls his age getting hurt through dating. He said to me, "I don't want to be that way. I don't want to date someone just because they're bored. I don't want to lead someone on through affection and then just drop them when someone gets bored. What I really want is someone who cares about me for me. And I want someone that I can just give all my affection to. I just want somebody to hold." Josh will probably come in my room later tonight when he reads this and give me a hit on the arm for quoting him on that, but I was floored!

What 16 year old, almost 17 year old says that?

Not many thats for sure.

It made me realize what a gem Josh Graves truly is.

Of course I knew he was made of awesomeness and that he is and has always been my friend, but I realized what an awesome guy he's going to turn out to be. All the girls that he will date will be lucky. (Don't worry Mrs. Kim, I'm not saying that is anytime soon. Don't go having a heart attack on me. haha.) But really I sat there and looked at my friend as he talked so passionately about the pain the girls endure now a days over meaningless relationships, and I couldn't help but feel proud.

I'm proud of ya Joshy boy.

I proud that you are shaping up to be one awesome dude.

And one day, soon, you will be a man.

And I no beyond a shadow of a doubt you are going to succeed in life.

In every area you are going to succeed if you keep going the way you are going now.

I'm so proud of you.

So all you ladies out there. You need to beware because in a couple of years, this guy I know Josh Graves. He's going to be looking for a wife. I don't know if you'll be able to handle his awesomeness. But if you can, it'll be well worth it.

But until that day that he finally grows up, moves out, and eventually gets married, I think we'll just stick to our man dates.

I can't wait for the next tuesday.

Where we have the ability to talk about what Paramore album is best, and of course, those things that really matter in life. I'm always there for you Josh. Thank you for our tuesday night outings. I look forward to them more and more each week.

Love ya buddy.





Media Associated With This Post:

Song: Careful
Artist: Paramore
Album: Brand New Eyes

Pictures taken by Tanner Pemelton