Well, tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Of course, I have to work late (and I have a business dinner that I am trying to skip out on), so I won't be home until 9:00 or so - which means no romantic evening for us. It is fine with me... much like New Year's Eve, hubby and I don't "do" Valentine's Day very well. Not that hubby isn't romantic - he definitely is - but my belief is that Valentine's Day is one of those holidays that just serves to make people feel obligated to do something because it's something you "should" do. We're not doing gifts this year, just cards.
Anyway. In honor of St. Valentine, here's a glimpse down memory lane and how I met the love of my life.
Picture it: Springfield, NJ... May 1999 (now I sound like Sophia from the Golden Girls!). My friends Terri and Darren were getting married Memorial Day weekend and I was one of the bridesmaids in the wedding.
A week before the wedding, they decided to have a get together at their new home so the bridemaids and groomsmen could get acquainted before the big day. I walk in and see this (really cute!) guy sitting at the dining room table. We start talking and I introduce myself. He says, "I know who you are." Turns out, Terri & Darren always thought that we would be perfect together and had introduced us twice in the past (don't blame me for not remembering... I spent most of my college years in a drunken stupor).
We talked most of the evening and really hit it off. When it came up that I was moving into a new apartment that week, he offered to help me out. I took him up on his offer - mainly just to see him again - and when we were done moving everything, I offered to buy him a drink as my way of saying "thank you." He declined (as the best man, he was going to spend some time with Darren), but called me later that night.
That Friday, after the reheasal dinner, we all went out for drinks (I really was a lush back then!). He offered to drive me home and when he dropped me off, he didn't really try to kiss me or anything! I wasn't used to a true gentleman (I wasn't known for dating the nice guy), so I was kind of shocked.
Fast forward to the big day. At the reception (where Terri and Darren had coincidentally sat us together), we talked for a bit, but he was busy shmoozing the crowd (not only was he the best man, he is also the most outgoing person in the world) and I was busy trying to console one of my friends who had too many Lynchburg Lemonades and was crying on the front steps (you know who you are - I love ya!).
Then, tragedy strikes (what's a good story without a bit of drama?). A bunch of us were outside where the guys were smoking cigars, when an ambulance pulls up. Turns out, a guest at the other party being held at the time broke her hip and the paramedics were called. Most of the people went back inside, but Ari and I stayed outside. Then, with the lights of the ambulance in front of us, he finally kissed me! I swear, it was at that moment that I fell in love with him.
He took me on a marathon date the following day, where I met the whole family - his sister, her husband and his nephews out on Long Island, and his mom and his sister back in NJ. With all the time in the car, we got the chance to really talk to one another and by the end of the day, I felt like I had known him my entire life.
It has been almost seven years, and we have been together ever since. Two years ago, we were married (the happiest day of my life) and yes, Terri and Darren were both in the wedding (as well as my Lynchburg Lemonade friend, who shall remain nameless - wink, wink).
So, happy Valentine's Day to my husband, my best friend, my true companion. I love you.
