One Tremendous Year
71
12/31/2011.
My wife and I went on our first date one year ago today. Obviously, the fact that I called her “wife” means we connected and, in the words of Ron Burgundy things “escalated quickly.” Here’s what happened.
In September of last year, the band I was playing in (Who shall remain nameless. They do not need nor deserve a mention in this positive story. That’s another story…) got a new drummer, Nicky. He and his wife had just moved to Portland from Bellingham, Washington. We became fast friends.
Fast forward to December of 2010, setting up for band practice, Nicky tells me that he knows a girl who wants to meet me.
“How does she know of me?”
“She’s been stalking you on Facebook. She’s a friend. From Bellingham. She’s really cute.” He showed me her picture. She was really cute. “She’s coming down to visit for New years’ Eve and she wants to meet you.”
I was skeptical because I’d been in long distance relationships before. I wasn’t interested in another one, but, he gave me her number anyway. We could always discuss the logistics of where to live later on.
I called her a couple of nights later. I was making steak. She told me she was a vegetarian. This was about the only thing we didn’t have in common. We both had black female dogs with curled tails, we had both been married to the wrong person for far too long, we both had three siblings (though I am the oldest and she is the youngest.), and we both thought the other was cute. These are important things. We also had in common the fact that we didn’t like the telephone.
We talked for six hours.
We decided to meet and, since she had friends here (not just Nicky and his wife but her best friend, Nicole, and her husband Dan) there was less pressure if there was no chemistry. There was also no stranger danger, since we’d both been vouched for. I picked her up around noon on New Year’s Eve from Portland’s Union Station, and our mutual affection for trains began, as well as our mutual affection for each other. I spotted her first. She was outside the station, looking really cute, though, sadly, I’m not good at remembering what she was wearing. I know it was cute though. When she turned around and saw me, she smiled and said “Oh, you’re so cute!” which, turns out, is one of my favorite things to have said to me.
We went to one of my friend’s houses that evening, me in my footie pajamas, her in something cute. We were inseparable. We even went to Karaoke later that weekend, and she watched me perform my staples, Bye Bye Bye by N Sync and Gin and Juice by Snoop Doggy Dogg. I’d like to think she fell in love with me then, though she claims it was much earlier.
In April, she moved to Portland, in July, I proposed to her, spontaneously in the laundry room (I drew a ring on her finger with a sharpie) and, on August 20th, in Nicole’s back yard with eight of our closest friends and four dogs, we were married, in an 80's themed wedding. For the Processional, we marched, with our dogs to Elvis Presley. For the recessional, Some Peter Gabriel. Our first dance was to Hall and Oates. I've posted videos below of the songs :-)
It’s only been a year, but it seems like I’ve always known her. She always says we were made for each other.
I have to agree.
Other Hub Love Stories
- How I met my husband!
Everybody has their own version of their Cinderella story. Sometimes it is unexpected and sometimes it is like fate has meant you two to be together. What is your story? - How I met my match
My own love story. I feel like he and I should have our own Match.com commercial. I guess this is my version of that.
The train station where we met
- Train Station Nostalgia
train stations are neat=o/ Here's a bio of Portland, Oregon's Union Station
A poem about me going to Get my wife to move to Portland
- Last Train to Bellingham
A poem about a ride on the train from Portland to Bellingham
A poem about us
- One of Those Days by PDXKaraokeGuy
I like the rain
The Processional for our Wedding was this
The Recessional for Our Wedding Was This
The first dance at our wedding was to this:
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This is such a sweet hub! Maybe this means there is hope for me after all. If not, I could always still buy some cats. Hehe. Cute hub! Voted up and interesting!
Thanks so much sooner!
Thanks, Carlon. I'm glad this brooding writer could bring a smile to your face :-)
indeed it is, Cebu. Thanks for reading!
WD, I do call her by name, but not in this piece :-) Sometimes I call her sexy names that would get my hub banned.
Thanks for reading :-)
I will, ts and I hope you enjoy your train ride and your trip :-)
Thanks, J. I'm glad this inspired you and I look forward to reading your story as well!
Thanks Linda. I figured you'd appreciate the Elvi
Thanks, Fellow Mombaite
Robin, thanks! Me too
Great story! I wish you both well.
Wow what a beautiful love story. I love that it isn't a story but actual events of love and committment. You always lift my heart and make me smile Justin. Thank you for sharing your world with us at Hub pages. Thank your sweet wife too. Smile!
Congrats. Difficulty is a test on how strong your bond is :)
I enjoyed the story. I know more about you than I do about some of my friends in the real world. I find it interesting that you only refer tp the cute lady as "my wife". Do you ever call her by name?
There is one thing I already know about her. She has "a perfectly round ass".
(Big smile drawn on face) Thanks I felt like I was there at the wedding. I now have two fond memories (thoughts) of that train station. Well, my sister may thank you, since I really would like to meet the lady of your life - and You too (grin). Maybe I'll plan a trip to visit my sis sooner than later. Thanks for working the garden PDXK, and say Happy Valentine's day for me , , ,
PDXK....Awesome story man. Your attitude reminds me of myself. It's good to see other guys out there that respect their lady, as it should be. Too many out there have this attitude that the woman will bow down, and do whatever, whenever, however for them. They belittle them, abuse them, (emotionally, physically, etc.) You get the picture...Thank you for being one of the good guys buddy. I'll have to write a hub about my sweetie and myself soon....Not married yet, but working on it. :) God Bless ya both friend, and I hope 2012 and the following years bring you and your pretty lady all the happiness in the world! P.S. Enjoyed all the music on here as well, I was dancing around in the kitchen with my coffee...No one else was home...LOL Well, the dogs were looking at me like..."That dude is on crack for sure! Let's tell mom tonight when she gets home!" Then they high fived as usual....Ah yes, the doggie high five! Later friend!
Elvis is in the house!!! This hub is such a sweet tribute to your honey! Keep on being awesome PDX:)
Fantastic story..loved it. Congratulations to you both:)
Great story! I hope the two of you will have many more happy years together!
Thanks Sheila. That's very kind advice. Fortunately, we are both so loving, knd and respectful with eachother that even when we fight, we're quit to forgive and forget :-)
How nice....never forget why you feel in love in the first place, no matter how difficult times can get at times. I wish you both the best of luck.
Thanks, Alecia. It's nice when life has a built in soundtrack!
Thanks Dexis. I'm glad you enjoyed this and I was happy to share our story!
thanks, Kathleen. She is my darling
Thanks asmai. I appreciate the sentiment
This is sweet! And I love any story with pop music :)! Congrats and all the best!
A Love story! Isn't it great when you want to "SHOUT" it to the world. Lucky are those that find it. Congrats!! Enjoy!! (fab pics)
It certainly was! That just proves you were moved to display just how serious you were about your love for this beautiful woman. I love that!
Deep feeling with superb expression.God bles u both.
Thanks, Kathleen. if I do say so myself, the sharpie was a nice touch :-)
Thanks so much for the kind words, Matthew, and for pimpin this. I was struck by the similarities when I read the story of your love as well.
I love this story - especially the part where you drew a ring on her finger with a Sharpie! Very nice. And, of course, happy anniversary to you both! (A little late.)
PDX what a wonderful story! I see we have a lot in common in our relationship history. Your wife is beautiful and you guys look so awesome together! I love the photos-are you ever not smiling? I wish you the happiest of days and best of luck together. God bless you both! Thanks for SHARING!
JSMatthew~
you'e welcome!
lol!
Nell Rose, I'm glad you like the story. My wife likes my beard and my face without a beard. I prefer the beard because I'm lazy :-) and because it looks super awesome, especially when I'm smoking my pipe. Thanks for reading and commenting and letting me take you on our journey!
Hi, love the story! and congrats! and I must say you look 'cuter' without the beard! ha ha!
Calico, she didn't say anything, she just started crying. I do like your idea. You should mention it to her. on the HUb... Andrea333. Thanks for reading, commenting and following...
Thank you, Stars!
Thank you Tara. She is pretty pretty. I''m a blessed man. You're welcome and thanks for readign and commenting!
thanks HV. Why isn't there a cute button? That seems silly. Maybe get rid of useful and add cute. Thanks!
Thanks Veronica. I appreciate that. so did she...
I love it! But you should know that we chics like the details! Details, details, details! I loved the story so much that I was asking out loud, "Well what did she say when you drew the ring?" I guess some things are left for the imagination. Vote up! Great hub!
Your happiness is wonderful, and wishing you and endless world of it. God Bless You.
You guys look sooooo cute together. She is really pretty. This is such a love story. You guys look so gorgeous. God bless both of you. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story. Voting up and sharing.
It is a shame that there is not a button for "cute" on these hub capsules! Congratulation on this great story about finding someone...well cute! In all seriousness, I am wishing the both of you all the best!
For a man to publicly write an ode to his wife is far beyond something special. =]
This is beautiful! Congratulations!
Thanks Daisy! I appreciate that!
Justin,
I read this article three weeks ago, and I just read it again. Your love endures, and so does this Hub.
I can't a better word to describe her then vcutre (well, at least one I can use on HUBPages ;-) ) I'm not afraid of words. Thanks for reading, etc.
PDX, So many guys have told me that they're uncomfortable for some unknown reason with the word "cute". I think it's adorably cute that you are comfortable with it. I consider "cute" to be quite the compliment! So it's great that your first impression of Andrea was one of cuteness.
It's also great that you are partial to wearing red high tops!
Wonderful photos and a perfect romance which looks like forever!
vocalcoach, I appreciate that. I like our story. I'm glad you enjoyed it too. Thanks for reading and commenting!
A beautiful and fun love story! Your Andrea is delightful and you both are the perfect match. Thanks for sharing your wonderful and heavenly story. So refreshing and I'm voting up and across the board!
vocalcoach~
Thanks Practical. it's never too late :-)
I know I'm few days late, but Happy Anniversary! I wish you both all the happiness and love in your marriage. :)
wordscribe, thanks so much. Nice to meet a fellow Portlander. I'll be stopping by your HUB soon.
Thank you so much Snakes and Celebritie.
Woohoo, congrats to you both!
Congratulations and happy anniversary! Regards, snakeslane
Congrats and happy anniversary. The two of you look nothing short of completely giddy together. I love it!
thank you, prairie princess. She's a special girl. it doesn't matter what she's wearing. She's always cute! Thanks for reading and commenting!
Awww! This story made me smile from ear to ear. You guys look perfect together, and I love how you keep mentioning how she is "cute," even though you don't remember what she is wearing! Some things are just meant to be and you guys were blessed enough to find that. Here's to many more beautiful years! Cheers.
missolive, thanks for dropping by again. it's always nice to see you!
ray, me too. thanks for the kind words and thanks for the share.
ardie, thanks. we do what we can!
susan, i was born in 1980 :-) Love to see princess diana gown though, for a second, i thought you said princess leia.
susan, that's my wife's doing. I believe dogs should be naked.
daniella, and audrey, i was so happy to share them. thanks for reading!
tammy and hyphen, thanks so much for the kind words and the support!
boomer nurse, thank you. we have so much fun together. She's the funnest person I know.
TurtleDog, I'm glad you enjoyed them. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
dee, if you've read my other hubs, you'll understand that i feel diamonds represent death and war, not love. I'm glad you liked the idea of the drawn on ring. I'll certainly be saving this story, but not fr kids. Neither of us plan or wants children of our own :-)
kidsnchocolate, i do indeed have great inspiration. Thanks for reading. sorry about your broken collar bone. That doesn't sound like much fun.
This is a great love story. I complete;y agree with the others above me- it is a story worth telling to your children an grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Plus the fact that you 2 make a gorgeous couple!!! Keep writing, looks as if you have great inspiration!!
Never ever throw this story away...show it to your children one day. My absolute favorite part was drawing the engagement ring on her finger...goes to show that 50 carat rings does not prove anything....I am sure that the sparkle in your eyes and in your smile was proof positive of your love for Andrea. Happy Anniversary...many blessings to both of you. Voted up and beautiful.
Very good post and great pictures of your time together as well. Nice job.
What an awesome love story. I loved the photos in this hub- you both look so happy together and like you're always having fun together.
May you have many more magical, loving and fun years in the future.
I loved this tale of true love. It is beautiful and heartwarming. Thank you for sharing your happiness with all of us.
This is as adorbable as it can be! I hope you will cherish eachother forever.. love like that is hard to find! Well done.. Voted WAAAAYYY up!
This is so cute! You two look so happy together. Happy anniversary and blessed be!
Sweet, sweet hub and I loved seeing pictures of you and your wife--happy anniversary!!
Aww this is such a cute and beautiful story. I really enjoyed reading this and Happy Anniversary to both of you.
P.S. Dogs in Wedding Dresses "Love It"!
I love your story!! Thanks for sharing it. Voted up and across. I loved the 80s theme - makes me feel old though. LOL I was married in '83. I had a Princess Diana gown. :-) Sharing this one, for sure, because it is TOTALLY awesome!
Happy anniversary to the sweetest looking couple alive!!!!
Very cool story! :) I'm glad you found someone and that you're happy. Voted up and shared with followers! :) I hope you two stay together for a very long time. :)
This is such a happy love story - I just had to come and read it again! I also wanted to check out the videos.
Voted up and across :)
cogerson, thank you very much
Debby, that's very impressive. congratulations!
Deborah, thank you very much!
Homesteadbound, thank you very much. I hope your new years is fantastic as well!
What an awesome story! Love truly does make everything better. Congratulations on finding each other - with a little help from your friends! Here's to long life and happiness. May this new year together be filled with many wonderful surprises!
What an awesome story! Congratulations to you both.
Married 38 years.
Thanks for sharing such a nice wonderful story. I am truly happy that you have found happiness. Voted awesome.
tammy, thank you for saying so. That makes sense, of course, because she also happens to love my writing :-) we're a good pair.
Thanks Till. not sure how cute I am, but I know she's super cute.
Thanks April. So very very true.
Thanks Sunnie. I figured this would be a more meaningful gift to her then anything else I could go out and by. I made her cry. I assume tears of joy.
Minnetonka, let me ask you, if you had access to footie pajamas would you not wear them? I bought her footie jams for Christmas this year :-)
yt, nice to see you. she's worth all the time in the world and it was my pleasure to write about her. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. I'm glad you enjoyed this, and the tunes!
Debby, you're half way to being married 75 years, or halfway to being 75 years old?
missolive, I am smitten and I'm glad you liked my "sneaks" that makes me think of this song" "Yeah, i got sneaks, but I need a new pair/cuz basketball courts int he summer's got girls there."
Christine, it is I who am lucky. I'm sorry I made you cry.
thank you all for reading and commenting!
Awwww, what a sweet, romantic hub! Your wife is a very lucky girl. :) Seriously, this story is so sweet and cute. *sniffle.. sniffle, grabs tissue*
This is a great hub and an extra nice dedication to your wife. What an awesome journey the two of you have had. It is evident in the tone of your words that you are nothing less than smitten by this lovely lady. Isn't love grand? I really liked the idea of an 80's theme wedding and your red sneaks rock and match her dress perfectly :) Lot's of neat little 'awww moments' for those of us that are hopeless romantics.
Thank you for sharing and congratulations on meeting your beautiful soulmate - cheers to you and yours
nice vids too!
Hi Justin ~ I'm halfway there and time sure does fly.
Awwww, I think it's awesome you took the time to write about your meaningful wife and relationship. Thumbs up for that. Happy way, happy day. And Hall & Oates, oh that brings back memories. Best of good times for you both always.
PDX-Absolutely loved the story of how you met your soul mate. I had to laugh when you said one of things you had in common was not liking to talk on the phone, yet you ended up on the phone for six hours. Too cute! I agree with the hubber that said your love for her shines through in your words. P.S.-What's with the feetie pajamas on your first date? LOL
PDX this is simply adorable. I loved that you wrote about your wife and showed the world how much you love her. You two make such a sweet couple.
Happy One year anniversary..May all your dreams come true.
Sunnie
Love this hub! Sometimes, you just know it's right and you just need to go for it. Congrats to you and your wife on your wonderful year.
A loving tribute to your wife. I must say you are both cute ;) May one year lead to two and two to three and so on and so on. God Bless.
I am so happy for you both. Your love for her shines on all you write. Cherish it!
Debby, 75 years would be pretty amazing. I'd be pretty stinkin old then too.
b malin, I agree. we are best friends and we're pretty content just being with each other. Our quiet times are nice too ;-)
Such a Cute story KaraokeGuy and you do make such a Cute couple. My second marriage to Lover Man (and his as well) is truly a Good one, as we are also BEST FRIENDS, and actually Enjoying spending time together...and Never run out of things to say...But our Quiet times are Good too!
Happy, Healthy, New Year to you...you CUTE couple you!
Justin ~ You both are so darn CUTE! What a fairy tale story of true love and I do wish and hope that this lasts for the next 75 years, at least. What a happy, happy New Year anniversary. Blessings, Debby
Thank you, Sue. very kind words. I knew I didn't want her to get away...
Hi PDX
What a beautiful love story.
Andrea is not only beautiful but smart as she knew what she wanted and pursued you and you were smart enough to marry her and not let her get away. ;-)
I wish you both a life filled with happiness.
Voted up up and away!
Gypsy Lee, thank you. I appreciate your comment.
Kelly, she really is beautiful, inside and out.
Thank you all for taking the time to visit. I hope your new year is beginning nicely!
PDX - I love this hub:). Super up and awesome....still smiling! Cheers to your BEAUTIFUL wife and you - I know you are having a Happy New Year but I'm wishing it anyway!!
Happy 2012 to you both!
Happy, Happy New Year and Happy Anniversary! That's a wonderful story and it's always great when two soulmates meet. Wishing lots and lots of years of happiness. Best wishes to the four footed ones too. Love the pics.
North Wind, thank you. I'm glad you were able to laugh and I appreciate your mind words!
Melanie, it was great to meet you and i look forward to meeting the rest of your family as well. My other blog is pdxjpricefirstblog.blogspot.com, although most of what is there is also on this page. I look forward to checking out yours as well!
Heather, I love being a part of your fantastic family! Thanks for commenting an reading and being supportive.
ruby, i think we were and thank you. Take care
Happy new year all of you!
I'm so happy for you..You both look like you were meant to be together and so cute.. Thank's for sharing with us. Drawing the ring on her finger, unique!
Wow! What a year and what a couple! So happy for both of you and our family as well for you are truly a great addition. 2012 will be good-Blessings on the two of you. God is good!
Justin,
It was so nice to meet you recently! I love how much you love Andrea and think she is so cute!
Next time, you will have to meet my husband Donny and our two kids: Annamarie and Isaac.
Check out my blog: www.CountryCottageLiving.com and let me know your blog address - I'd love to check it out!
Your new fan,
Melanie
In paragraph seven you said, "These are very important things." I had to laugh :) It sounds like it was love at first sight for the both of you and you both look very happy. It was a tremendous year for you indeed and I wish you a just as great next year too!
goego, thank you very much. I appreciate it!
singernurse, what a fantastically amazing comment. Very kind. All the best to you and yours as well!
Movie Master, thank you. Lovely is the perfect word to describe her and she is quite worthy of tribute!
Lionda, of course. You guys are my friends and colleagues. I love sharing my life with you guys and I'm so thankful you took time out of your day to read it.
Daisy, thank you. We upgraded to silver bands. One of the things we both have in common is a passion to raise awareness about blood diamonds. I've written a poem (Nice Rock) and a book review (Blood Diamonds) on the issue. In short, no, it's not still drawn on and yes we've upgraded :-) Thanks for commenting and reading!
Marriedwithdebt, it was very Portland indeed. we even had lots of vegan/vegetarian food and craft and microbrews. Plus, it was in the Mt. Tabor neighborhood, which is one of my faves.
Eid, thanks for the kind words! All the best to you and yours as well!
Sharyn, thank you. I love our story! I'm glad to share it with you.
Ph, that's a great comment. Very true as well! Thanks for reading!
barber, we have and there is nothing better then an 80's wedding. If we're friends on facebook, you can see more pictures from the wedding, and see how 80's it was.
Vinaya, greatstuff and Lucy, thanks so much. I'm happy to have people to share this with.
Andrea, my love, you've outed yourself. I look forward to a lifetime with you!
Well, my love. It has been a tremendous year indeed! I'm so proud to be your wife. You are the real deal and I love you so much. Prior to meeting you, when people asked me the #1 trait I was looking for in a man, I always answered, "authenticity". Honey, I found that in you. That encapsulates who you are. I found that...and many other wondrous joys: a man who is creative, original, passionate, FUNNY, kind, patient, loving...I could go on and on. But you know what? I think instead of listing all the things I love about you, I'll just spend a lifetime telling you.
A wonderful story. I really enjoyed reading it. I am glad you two are. So happy!
Hi PDXKG..Congratulation & Happy Anniversary. Nice story & photos.
PDX, I enjoyed reading your work. Happy New year.
What a great story. I love love stories like this. And the 80's themed wedding... that must have been so much fun. YOu both look very much in love througout all the pictures. YOu can tell you truly meet your soul mate!
Great Hub! Funny, personal, touching, emotional, musical. All the ingredients for a great movie. :) Happy Anniversary and I hope there are many more ahead of you. :)
Such an adorable, love-filled story. May you have a life time of tremendous years together!
Hi PDXK
What a wonderful hub, I wish you both all the best for years to come.
What a read to end off my old year and I award this one an up up and away.
Take care and I wish you both a very Happy New Year.
Eddy.
Congratulations! Definitely a Portland wedding. Best wishes for many more years together
What a beautiful story! Happy anniversary of your first date with the woman you so obviously love.
Is the ring still drawn on your wife's finger with the Sharpie? Or have you upgraded the ring?
Happy Anniversary!! Thank you Justin for sharing your lovely journey with your fellow hubbers!!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful story of love!
This is a beautiful tribute to your lovely wife, you look so happy together, I wish you both a very happy 2012, best wishes MM
Aw... that was so sweet. You were married in the 20th of August and I found my soul mate and fiance on the same date... We are planning to get married as soon as everything's stable...
You look great together, really made for heaven. Congratulations to the both of you and I know with the strong bond you guys have, you'll endure just about anything. :D Best of luck!
congrats bro, may this bee the first of many... best wishes to a new year and a new family
Thanks Ardie. it's been a great year indeed :-)
This story of you and your wife is so cute! I wish you many many happy years together. You both look so happy in the photos :) happy anniversary!
PDXKaraokeGuy Hub Author 3 months ago
Jeannie... thanks! There's hope for everyone. never give up... and never buy cats. dogs are better