DAY 15

what did you guys do?

Jonathan // It’s early Saturday morning. I don’t wake up this early on the weekends. I went to go run some errands and found a cute cakepop shop which explains the image above. After that I met up with Joie in West LA. We both attended a membership class at the church office which took up most of the morning. We learned about the position of the church and its history. It was interesting because I’ve always wondered about the significance of membership in general and why it’s needed. It was a great to be given insight and it’s place from Pastor Rankin, who by the way is such an amazing orator. He says: “Membership offers protection, growth, community and support on an elevated level that a person who just attends church doesn’t necessarily have.” Afterwards, on the spur of the moment, we checked out a coffee shop of her choice. She's supposed to give me an education on coffee – which is one of her passions. We chose Stumptown in Downtown only to find out that they have an impressive shop, but pretty disappointing seating area. We failed.

Joie // We had tentatively planned to go to Palm Springs today, but a church membership seminar came up and we attended that instead. Afterwards, we both had work to do and what better way than to do it over some coffee? We had been wanting to go to Stumptown, so we checked it out. The lack of a seating area was a disappointment and there was nowhere to work. So, we went to Urth Caffe instead. I enjoyed working alongside Jonathan and we just did our own thing. It was so nice to enjoy his presence. He worked on some projects while I planned my next shoot, semi-planned my upcoming trip to SF, and reviewed the reading materials I got in the morning. I sneaked a couple glances at him to watch him work and then finally when we exhausted “work time,” we shared some videos with each other which was fun. I ran into an old friend at Urth right before we left. I know her from high school and the architecture program back in college. I wonder where I would be now if I continued down that path?

what did you learn about the other person?

Jonathan // Joie is a very affectionate person, I on the other hand have been less affectionate over the years... I think she doesn’t feel that I ‘like’ her enough or affirm her in that way. While I may lack in the physical affection at the moment, I put a lot of time and thought to share things that I am passionate with her. I just think it isn’t time for me yet. Although we’ve been getting to know each other for months, we’ve technically have been dating about a month!

Joie // I learned Jonathan is good at pursuing friendships and keeping them alive. He was supposed to go to Disneyland tomorrow with two of his friends - and no surprise, was the one to initiate the hangout. He found out its not happening anymore and looked a little disappointed.

what did you learn about yourself?

Jonathan // I want to do everything at 100% all the time. I just know that’s not possible. People will be let down even myself. Time management is important to me because I value both people and projects. I tend not to procrastinate because I hate the stress of having to have time be the limit of my jobs. This has been with me ever since ArtCenter. I’ll let you in on a little secret, I’ve only pulled ONE all-nighter there.

Joie // I realized I get disappointed if plans don’t follow through. However, I think I’ve made progress *in life* with being more flexible and going with the flow. Not every moment has to be pre-planned…what’s the fun in that?

Additional thoughts?

Jonathan // I’d like for Joie take the reigns of researching these coffee shops before we go. I want to know and learn about coffee - even if it’s just a little preparation on your part. I think our nuances have significance to each of us, and I’d like to learn about it to its fullest. Even if you were to buy me a first cup of gourmet coffee, then teach me how to drink it. Teach me about the beans, the roast, the process. Tell me why coffee is such a big deal to you.

Joie // I wish he could show me a little more affection. I think I need it to show me someone else cares or is interested in me. In a previous conversation I used the word intimate and it scared him. I guess I’m just longing for the embrace or hug sometimes. Physical comfort is definitely an area that’s lacking for me right now in the relationship. I feel most loved/wanted/needed when I’m held. Anything physical kind of seems more controlled right now rather than happening organically. I wonder how this all will work out. Dunno why I’m feeling so needy. I don’t like it and it’s uncomfortable when I feel needy.

We’re seeing each other in a few more days…I got us a pair of concert tickets to the James Blake concert!!