Our Love Story

In all honesty, I kind of forgot that Valentine's Day was coming up.  I've never been much of a celebrate-r of this day (with the exception of a box of chocolates and/or a heart shaped Papa Murphy's pizza).  But, when I saw that Shannon at From Match to Marriage posted this questionnaire, I thought it would be a good way to honor the awesome relationship that I am so happy to be a part of.

1. How long have you and your significant other been together?

January marked 4 years.

2. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story?}

We "met" in late December of 2007.  I had just gotten out of a relationship and was anxious to get back into the dating scene.  So, I did what any independent girl of the 21st century would do... I posted a personal ad on Craigslist.  =)  Among all of the creepers that responded, was one "normal" guy.... Jacob. =)  We sent a couple of e-mails back and forth for about a week, and then go together for our first official date at the beginning of January 2008.

3. If married, how long have you been married?

  Valentine's Day will mark our 1.5 year "anniversary".  We were married in the sand on the Oregon coast on August 14, 2010.

4. If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding?  

We were married at Governor Patterson Memorial State Park on the Oregon coast outside of Waldport.  We had roughly 80 people celebrating with us.  I think the size was just right!

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? 

Yes.... but they aren't appropriate for publication. lol  (Has anyone seen the movie "Away We Go"?  We really enjoyed the airplane scene....;) )  Though, in recent months Jacob has been calling me "Spaghetti Sauce"  (get it?  Prego?)

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.

I don't know if I can separate it down into three things... he is just generally a great man.  He's kind and thoughtful.  He has goals and is good at making things happen for himself and our family.  He doesn't question things NEARLY has much as I do... he keeps me in check in that way. =)  He's easy going and not afraid to try a new experience (just don't feed him tomatoes).

7. Tell us how he proposed? 

In July of 2009 I was living in Vancouver, BC finishing up my coursework for my Master's program.  Jacob had returned to Oregon for the summer.  Things were rough.  I was feeling very lonely and questioning how our relationship would survive the summer months with such a great distance between us.  For the 4th of July weekend I returned to Oregon to go to the coast for the holiday with Jacob.  We stayed in his parent's beach house and headed down to the sand to watch the fireworks.  It was a little cold and misty out... not at all uncommon for Oregon, but not the most comfortable either.  After the show was over we returned to the beach house.  I was freezing so Jacob ran some hot water in the bathtub and I sat on the edge of the tub and warmed my feet in the water.  All of a sudden, Jacob was down on the ground next to me, with a ring box.  He opened the box and asked me to marry him.  At first I couldn't help but thing that he was joking.  I mean, we were in the BATHROOM after all... he was pretty much kneeling in front of the toilet. lol  But, after several minutes of my staring at the ring, asking if he was serious, he finally convinced me that he was and I said "yes". =)

On the beach prior to his proposal

8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals?

Neither... like myself, he doesn't really see the need to celebrate Valentine's Day... at least, any more than a kiss and acknowledgement. =)  As far as gifts in general, he's more of a chocolate kind of guy... which I am a-okay with!

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?

For a special occasion, definitely the dinner on the beach.  I LOVE the beach... and dinner. lol  But, for any random Saturday night, I am usually up for cuddling on the couch with a movie.

10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?

Travel, travel, travel.  I LOVE to travel!  We spent our honeymoon roaming around the south island of New Zealand.  It was AWESOME and I would love to be able to do some more trips like that in the future.  I think our next "big" trip will be somewhere like Ireland...

Gunn Lake on the way to Milford Sound

11. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine's Day.

I have an OB appointment, and then Jacob and I will probably have dinner together before he works (his at-home second job) and I catch up on some computer stuff for work that I missed since I had to leave early for my Dr. appointment... we're a couple of wild ones over here. ;)

12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine's day?

Nope.  But he did give a nice necklace a couple of weeks back.  No special occasion... just 'cause. =)  And it matches my wedding/engagement rings.

13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love.

Make time for the relationship.  It's important to have your own interests and activities, but make SURE that you also set aside time to spend/communicate/experience life with your partner.

14.  Show us a picture of what love means to you.

I have two that represent what love means to me.... laughter.