where has the time gone?

Dear Mike,
Can you believe it's been six years already? It seems like only yesterday we were exchanging messages on each others myspace pages. Upon seeing your picture on there, I knew I had to talk to you, you were just too cute to pass up. Shallow yes, but I'm glad it brought us together. When I read your profile further I knew you were something special. It isn't often you come across someone that is extremely attractive and at the same time completely down to earth. I wouldn't admit it to myself but I was completely smitten with you from that point on. I tried to be rational but try as I might I did think about you more often than I dared to admit. Thankfully deep down I think you were feeling the same way. We've come a long way from our myspace days, but it really does seem like we met in person last week at that fun bar with the karaoke room an the great back patio. I can still remember the look on your face when I surprised you by coming all that way to meet you in person without you knowing. It was such a risk and honestly I'm still floored that I had the guts to do it. I don't do things like that, ever but again, I'm glad I did.

 Mike and I and his BFF, G - June 2004

Our first nigh together - June 2004 SURPRISE!

I really had no idea how far that trip alone would take us. After talking for over a year as just friends, June 2004 made this connection a reality. We both knew we were 100% real. The people we claimed we were materialized before us and we could finally relax and enjoy ourselves and I for one can say I did, completely.

It would take us almost five strained months after this to decide what we really wanted from each other. Between distance and personal matters we were both dealing with, we worried about taking the leap to be together. Being burned in the past never makes things easy for future relationships but at some point you just have to throw caution to the wind and give faith a chance. In November 2004 we did just that and I couldn't have been more over the moon!

 

The night before we made it official - November 2004

We wouldn't have made it this far without our trust, our faith in each other and our ability to get along no matter what the circumstances. I guess it's safe to admit that we never would have made it this far without the help of our friends and families. Without my Bestie T and a big night out on the town, I never would have devised a plan to come surprise you. It was all her idea, all her doing and between T, myself and your buds G and H we executed the plan perfectly and I couldn't have done it without them. I owe them everything for helping us make the first step. I think you know we also owe Miss K a huge thank you for doing everything short of slapping you in the head to tell you that you were falling for me. All it took was me taking a trip out of the country and no communication to make us both wake up and realize life is a whole lot better with us together verses apart.

When I look back I sometimes wonder how on earth two people so far from each other are brought together. I know with online dating and social networking sites have made finding love much easier, but as a girl that's dated guys she met online before, I can truly attest to the fact that it doesn't always work, regardless of whether you are looking on purpose or not, it doesn't always work out.  I was gun shy when I met you but I'm happy I took that chance, and look how far we've come.

Last night at dinner, as we stuffed our faces with great food and celebrated our big day, we discussed how it seems like only yesterday we were moving all my stuff into the amazing apartment downtown. How it felt like a tv show living there with our different neighbors. It was like Melrose Place but, without the murders or the drama. We had our friendly and silly landlord, a true Southern Lady who always welcomed us and chatted with us. Do you remember when she begged me to come watch American Idol with her? We had the quiet friendly couple that lived below us - we rarely heard a peep from them but they were always there to help us in case of a massive tornado warning and give us and our kitten, Angus shelter in a time of need. She was also the first one out the door when I fell down the icy steps and busted my tail bone that time - you of course were second but only able to stick your head out the door due to the fact that it was 7:45 AM and you were in your underwear. Note to self: never wear heels on an icy day ever again. Or what about our great neighbors that kept you company until I moved down - the couple that was always so friendly, inviting us to sit and have a few drinks with them and their lovable dog Fraiser. I'm so happy we ran into him recently and that he informed us that his wife had some tough battles with her health but that she is doing well. It's amazing how people waltz into your life, if only for a moment but still leave a mark on your heart. Then of course there were the not so pleasant neighbors but we were bound to have them. Our loud mouth annoying neighbor who didn't understand the concept of people having an early morning job - and then there was the hippie couple - I really wish her boyfriend realized how much his hair and jeans looked more like something she should wear not him. And then of course we had our local drug dealer, or at least what we thought he was doing, Mr. Sketchy across the way. We had our courtyard and our huge window over looking the downtown street below. I can't even remember how many parades we got to watch from that window in the comfort of our home with a beer in our hand - or a margarita depending on what we were celebrating. I remember all the great meals we made - when I learned to cook and could finally repay you for all the great meals you made when we first moved in together AND so that we could stop eating Hamburger Helper. I remember our lasagna nights and the nights we'd feed our friend's band before their gig. It was definitely the place to be and party. I miss that apartment and the downtown lifestyle - if it wasn't for the fact that we own so much stuff now I'd totally move back there in a heartbeat.

I really does seem like I've only blinked since we left there and moved into our first house. That place had so many plus and minuses - biggest minus was the location. Live and learn though. It's never comforting to be watching television at night and hear gun shots down the street, in the end though besides the location and the horrible utility bills I did love the inside of that house but when it's time to go, it's time to go.

Our second home was too adorable for words - a bit of a step down in the size department but the back deck made up for everything. It was like having an outdoor living room. Fully covered and screened in it was one of the best places in the house. Many nights were spent out there from hanging with friends, to watching football games to just relaxing on a Sunday afternoon - that deck saw it's share of good times. There are times that I miss that home, other than size it had everything going for it. After mom passed, and I inherited all her belongings we knew it was only a matter of time before we'd need a bigger home. We really do roam a lot don't we?

The current house we live in is yet another vessel to hold all our belongings and most importantly our memories. I can't believe how far we've come, and while saying six years sounds like a long time, it's been so much fun it's felt like it's been 6 minutes. Looking back on pictures I can see that we've grown. I don't feel old, or feel like we look old but I look back and I think - look how young we were. Even in our late 20's we still resemble young kinds - then again I guess you're only as old as you feel and you make me feel like I'm young as ever.

I wanted to take time to write this down to preserve our memories and to say to you Happy Anniversary. I love you more today than I did yesterday and I know I'll love you more tomorrow than I could have ever dreamed. We make an amazing team and there is no one else I'd rather spend my days with and my nights. Without you I know I wouldn't be has happy or as complete as I am right now. I'm so happy that I found you.

Next year, I promise not to forget our big day, if you do the same. You're right life really has been flying by and we've been so busy - I'm just really thankful that I wasn't the only one that missed the special day. Happy Anniversary! oxox

I love you, Mike.

love, k