10 Years Ago On This Day...

10 years ago on this day Derek and I had our first real 'date'. Somewhat a blind date, somewhat not, it was the beginning of what would turn into the most wonderful relationship anyone could have ever imagined.

Backing up a bit, I say somewhat not a blind date because we had actually 'met' a couple weeks prior. It was a quick encounter, nothing more than exchanging names and light conversation over some beers. It was a weekend night in college and I was going out with a friend and her boyfriend, picking up a few other guys along the route to the bar. One was Derek. I will never forget seeing his face for the first time as he jumped into the car next to me. I played it cool despite a peeked interest, not wanting to get overly flirty that early on in the evening. Once at the bar, we chatted a bit, but nothing too deep. A while later my friend and I decided to head to another bar and Derek was meeting up with other guys somewhere else. A friendly 'goodbye' ensued and we went our separate ways. 

Fast forward about a week later and you'd find me stressing over a sorority party we have each year called Prohibition where flappers, zoot suits and boas run wild. I was tired of taking guy friends and examined my options for potential dates. For a brief second, I thought of Derek but talked myself out of randomly calling a guy I had met one night and asking him to a sorority party. I knew my friend Molly was dating his friend TJ and we'd probably get along but I was still skeptical. After a bit of convincing, I figured why not? I knew Derek would have fun with TJ there even if we didn't really get along so why not just get some balls and invite him? After Molly got Derek's number from TJ, I gave him a buzz. I don't remember the conversation whatsoever other than he accepted and plans for pre-partying and outfits were made.

I don't really remembering being nervous until only a couple hours before the event that Saturday the following week. As we loaded mascara on our eyes and lipstick on our smoochers, my hands started to run with sweat. We had decided to meet at TJ's apartment to have a few cocktails with the guys beforehand and as we made our way there I remember being so excited yet scared for the unknown. I didn't know this guy and he could be a total creeper. Or a jackass. Or just a nerd in general.

Thankfully he wasn't any of those. And from the minute we arrived, our chemistry was undeniable.... like a spark literally flew. We had an absolute blast that evening, even sharing a drunken kiss on the dance floor at the party, and it marked the beginning of an inseparable, deep romance. Derek couldn't even go an entire day without me as the next morning he picked me up at my sorority for a breakfast date. I remember stressing over which shoes to wear and ultimately picked these (now completely tacky) thick, wedged white flip flops. He was trying to impress me so hard that he even let me drive his car to breakfast. What a stud!

I'm so thankful that I went with something 'new' for my date party as I would have never known my soul mate. It taught me that sometimes risks are worth taking and they could end up being the best decisions you'll ever make. It's crazy to me to think that it was 10 years ago today as I so vividly remember little details about that night. Derek turned out to be the best surprise and made it one of the most fun, memorable date parties I had in college. And 10 years later I look forward to the next 10 wondering what they will hold. What I do know, thankfully, is that there is one person who will be by my side through them all.

He was my date 10 years ago on this day.

Actual pictures from our first date - September 27th, 2002

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Also, Happy 60th Birthday to my wonderful Father-In-Law!