Wow, time drags on when it isn't rushing by!

Eleven years ago this evening, I went on a first date with the man who would become my husband.  No one would've suspected we'd be here more than a decade later.

We didn't meet online, in a chat room, on match.com, or on Facebook.  That's right, kiddos, before there was online networking, we had to meet our future spouses the old-fashioned way.  IN A BAR.  Well, actually, the sign outside said "Bar & Grill".  Although, a plastic container of soggy microwaved french fries does not a "grill" make.  But, for the sake of our children, I always throw the grill part in there.  Anyway, he stalked me several times before getting up the nerve to come over.  He admits it too.  Really.  And, when he did come over, it was while I was in the restroom.  He approached my aunt first.  HEY!  Maybe he was really after her!?  So, he finally introduced himself to the hottest chick in the "grill", then promptly lost a game of pool to some itty bitty girl.  A fact I will never let him forget.

He called me the next day at work, and we made plans to go out that night.  Not thirty seconds after I hung up the phone, I wanted to cancel the date.  He wasn't my type, and I knew that my best friend from Virginia would be calling that night.  I would've rather stayed home and talked to him than go out with the stalker from the "grill".  So, when Arturo called later that night, I tried to get out of it.  But, he wouldn't take the hint, so I had to go.

That night, he held my hand for the first time.  And, that was all he got for quite awhile.  HAHAHAHAHA.  I guess we've come full-circle!

A year and a half later, Sofia was born.  A year and a half after that, we got married.  A year and a half after that, Eva was born.  Three years later, Maya arrived.  And, now, three years later, we're still here. 

This hasn't been a relationship others would envy.  He's not the greatest husband.  I imagine I have my faults too.  However small they may be. *ahem*  But eleven years is a long time to spend with someone.  Some days longer than others.  It is, I believe, an accomplishment though.

I've often wondered about whether or not we made the right decision the night I gave my number to that stalker guy at the "grill".  The answer, like the past eleven years, isn't always pretty.  But, I did give him my number.  We did go out the next night.  We did take every one of those steps that followed.  And, we are here.  Still together.  With three extra passengers on our journey.  So what if it all started with a shot of tequila and a really bad pool game?!