This Day In History...

Friends...(gird your loins, the sap's running high in this post)

Seven years ago today, I convinced one Emily Taylor that I was worth dating. Five years later, after years of emotional erosion, I had her bamboozled enough to believe that I was worth marrying, so it got me thinking about sharing a nice little story about us.

We met at our undergrad pool hall our freshman year (that was way back in 1997 folks). She was playing something, probably 8 ball, with this mutual friend we had without knowing it. I joined the game, chatted to them both, and not-so-coyly ogled Emily while she played pool. I know her brothers read this blog (hiya Glenn & Andrew!) so I shan't go into detais, but anyways, at the time, she was recovering from a car accident so she was kind of loopy and didn't notice my lack of suaveness. I don't remember the banter, probably your typical 18-year-old nonsense. Chances are I swore a few times, but you know, that's my thing.

We said our goodbyes, class was calling, but when I walked away, thinking about Emily (hell, I remember what pool table I was standing next to), and I thought to myself: "I'm going to marry that girl." It sort of unnerved me a little because I didn't know who that Emily was. We played pool for about twenty minutes, what the hell was I thinking? So I tried to kick that little thought out of my head, but I couldn't. I was smitten.

I learned the next day that she had a boyfriend, so you know, smitten or not, I assumed my gut reaction was wrong and with my head down, sought out companionship in what could be best described as the irregular cut section in the discount clothing store of romance. But Emily and I became friends, and we chatted often, and as the years went by we spent more and more time with each other while I made it increasingly known that I was indeed smitten. Then finally, years after our first meeting, after both our relationships had dissolved (she was actually fresh out of her previous relationship....all of nine days I believe), after she had put up with my come-ons long enough, and after the Latin-American Studies class we had together, the stars aligned, and we officially started dating April 24, 2000. Again, details aren't necessary, but I remember what movie was playing (Stir of Echoes, starring Kevin Bacon). I remember we were sitting on her roommates nappy couch. I remember exactly what we said to each other before we kissed for the first time. And I remember that she called off from work so we could spend more time together that day.

Five years later, on June 18, 2005 we were married. Turns out I have pretty smart guts.

Now, go hug your special someone. And if you don't have one, well, is there a pool hall nearby?

VIVA EL MUSTACHE