Meet my BFFs: Jason

After painting the ceiling in his new house, 2010.

It's Cinco de Mayo, and more importantly, Jason's birthday! I always look forward to getting the answers back for these interviews, because I usually learn something new and I'm always surprised by an answer or two. I really expected Jason's interview to be pretty straight forward, and not very wordy (although, that's pretty typical for any man.) I didn't really expect to see so much of Jason's softer, fuzzy side. Up until Jason's mission, he always was just pretty much the rational, logical one in the family. After he got back I started to see a little more of his emotional side, and since he's been married it has really developed. After finishing reading Jason's answers I said, audibly, "Awwww, that is so dang cute!!" My roommates asked me what I was talking about and I filled them in on my *favorite answer he gave. Jason has always been a good man, but Elise and marriage have made him an amazing man. I can see as he's in the beginning stages of fatherhood (Bambino due in September!) he's only becoming better. He has become so well rounded and successful in about every way possible.

Jason is another one who's really just got it together. When I think of someone I should go to for advice for so many different things in life, Jason comes to mind. He always makes smart decisions. He's responsible, very dedicated, extremely hard working, funny, balanced, honest, and, just like my sister (and other brother, for that matter), just does what's right. He does his home teaching, he magnifies his calling, he doesn't lack in work ethic. He makes a point to go around and say hello to everyone at social gatherings when it's sometimes so much easier to sit in a corner with those with whom you're comfortable. He stands up for what's right and doesn't tolerate someone rationalizing otherwise. He looks out for his family and protects those he loves. I remember a letter he wrote to me when I was a freshman in college while he was on his mission. He warned me to watch out for the wolves in sheep's clothing (regarding dating.) This is something that's stuck with me, even almost ten years later. A funny example of his protective nature (that wasn't so funny at the time) was my sophomore year of high school (he was a senior.) I was watching tv in my parents' living room with a boy I liked (that Jason didn't trust) at about 2am on a Saturday night. I'll never forget him yelling down from the hallway upstairs, "Rachel, I think it's time for bed." I. Was. Livid. How dare he embarrass me and treat me like a baby. (16?? I was a baby. Who was I kidding?) Now I look back at that moment and laugh, and hope I'll have a son who watches over my daughter that way.

I really miss the days when we were both in college and could hang out on any given weekend. Life has gone on, and now we're 3000 miles apart and have jobs and responsibilities. I'm so grateful, however, that we've been able to remain close, and have only gotten closer thanks to his choice of a wife. I'm lucky enough that Jason occasionally comes to the city and we can get together for dinners. I'm also grateful we both work in the financial industry. Jason and I don't have a lot of similar interests, however since I've worked in this industry I've found we have so much more to discuss, whether it be finances or politics. We both have CNBC on all day at work, and I love when one of us emails the other about some goofy looking person on tv. Sometimes I'll just get an email saying, "Quick, look at the tv." It makes me laugh and at the same time so happy because I feel like we're sitting in the same room, and not on opposite sides of the country.

Jason is such a good husband and the the love he has for his wife is what I dream of my husband having for me. He absolutely adores her.

Happy birthday Bay! I hope your day was awesome!! I love you! (PS I'm also grateful there's another person in the family who will root for the Yankees!!)

Taking me for a scoot in San Diego, Thanksgiving 2008

Jason and Elise, December 2009

Describe your perfect day.

Laying at the beach on a summer day with Elise, a good book, and a tan so I don't have to worry about burning. Then to Ruth's Chris for a porter house afterward.

If you only had time to watch one tv show a week, which would you choose?

Amazing Race

(Me too!)

What's something people would be surprised to know about you?

I am not a big fan of guacamole.

(Hey, me neither! I thought I was the only one in the family.)

When you've had a really bad day what makes you feel better?

Coming home to a happy wifey.

Who's your celebrity crush?

Britney Spears pre-loss of virginity.

(It's true, I think the poster of her might still be up in his old bedroom at my parents' house.)

What's one of your favorite childhood memories?

Tending to my pumpkin patch.

(Jason I had totally forgotten about this. You did definitely love that pumpkin patch so much!)

What's one of your guiltiest pleasures?

Treats. I love dessert. Chocolate molten cake, creme brulee, ice cream, chocolate chip cookies...

If you could change one thing about the female race what would it be?

Don't need new clothes constantly. I wear the same clothes I wore years ago.

(It's not our fault! Styles change more for women than they do men.)

What's one of your favorite things about living in southern California?

The weather. Does anyone live here for another reason?

What part of being a dad are you most looking forward to?

Playing with the kiddies.

What book(s) are you currently reading?

Book of Mormon and CFA study materials.

(Remember when I said he's hard working? When I talked to him tonight he was studying....on his birthday!)

What's your favorite comfort food?

Grilled cheese and tomato soup. Elise makes the best.

If I gave you $100,000 with the stipulation that you couldn't save it or invest it, and had to spend it in within a week, what would you do with it?

Put in a new kitchen. Is that an investment? I would pay someone to finish all the work on our house and yard. It'll be a never ending project.

What is a piece of modern technology you could not live without?

Blackberry/smartphone.

Where is the most beautiful place you've ever been?

Maui/Cancun. Can't decide.

What book should be required reading for every American?

Atlas Shrugged.

You've been married for almost five years. Is there anything that still surprises you?

How happy Elise always is.

You've got two round trip tickets to anywhere in the world. Where do you go and who do you take?

I take Elise to Bora Bora.

If I could give you front row tickets to any concert, which one would you go to?

Coldplay. Saw them at Cricket in San Diego. It was amazing even though our seats weren't great.

What's one of your biggest pet peeves?

Rude drivers. The amount of time you save by going 80 instead of 70 when you're driving 20 miles is like one minute. Slow down and enjoy the ride.

(Another way Jason's gotten better with age. He didn't use to be such a bad driver. Just ask his friends, I'm pretty sure I got him grounded one time for complaining about his driving and they never let me live it down. Sorry again....)

If you had an hour all to yourself, how would you spend it?

Probably watching TV. I love Entourage. Guilty pleasure I guess and also something people may not know about me. Ari is so freaking funny.

(I totally didn't know that, and have now added the first season to my Neflix que.)

What three material possessions do you value most?

I really don't have anything I guess. My house.

What are you looking forward to?

Being done with the CFA once and for all.

What are three things on your bucket list?

Machu Pichu, run a marathon, African safari.

(I will do the marathon and safari with you.)

Who is someone who has changed or shaped your life for the better?

Elise

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?

Slow down and enjoy the ride.

What do you know to be absolutely positively true?

*I love my wife. I know not just because I know, but because Elise woke up to me talking in my sleep saying, "I work so hard because I love that girl so much." You can't lie when you're asleep.

(See what I mean???)