one year ago was our first date. even though things were definitely involved before that. he told me he loved me before our first date. it all kinda started in march 2003, then we both dated other people for almost exactly the same amount of time to the hour. when things ended with those people our sporadic correspondence picked up again and we'd spend 4-5 hours a night on the phone. every night. for a couple months.

he came to seattle. i was cautious as usual (lord knows i have a history of failed attempts at things). and even for all the goodness i wasn't jumping in with both feet. he left a day late (due to that trip to the ER), and i was ready to have some time to myself again. but about an hour after he left i wanted him back here. i thought, the phone calls will probably dwindle and i'll write that off. but the wheels were spinning, and i wanted to know what would happen. a week after he left it was clear that he needed to come back. so, a couple days before his birthday i flew to charlotte to drive back with him, in an incredibly packed vw westfalia.

i am still astounded that he did that. stopped his life, made a sharp turn, and moved to seattle. for me. i am also astounded that since that time we've barely spent 4 hours apart other than our work days. and that is still such a good thing. he is a kind and generous man who i love being with. i think i'm a better person for it all. he teaches me patience. we are creative together. there's a great amount of respect between us. and we are great friends.

a month and a day ago we got engaged. b. posted a pic of the engagement ring that we are waiting for.

it's been an amazing year. life continues to surprise me. it's a good life. i wondered how my life would be when i turned 40. i can't imagine it being better. i've had such fun getting this far.

and i have a great companion and evil twin for the rest of the ride.