1 YEAR

Today marks the 1 Year anniversary of when Marie and I met. I remember like yesterday when we met, how radiant and energetic Marie presented herself. We met at the Chatterbox in St Paul - I had to do mapquest to figure out "where in the city I'm going" to get there. I was early - anyone who knows me knows that is a surprise!!!! I was anticipating and excited to meet this woman, Marie, who I met on match.com (it's ok to look - and I'm glad I did!!!!). We met and had appetizers and beers. It was SO EASY to chat with her, and I was struck by her intelligence, her ability to talk about many different topics. I was struck by her beauty and her smile. Marie has a radiance that captivates - if you know her, you know EXACTLY what I mean.

Well, we continued to date and talk - third day we knew each other we couldn't meet, but we talked on the phone so long my battery died. Never fear - I had a charger and was able to call her back. :) We've been together for a whole year now, and it's been a very interesting year with many ups and downs, but that's the way life is. A couple observations about our year's adventure:

• I love Marie more now than ever, and I am looking forward to the future, but enjoying the present!
• Marie is one of the strongest, smartest people I know.
• We can accomplish so much together, and we are already.
• Look out future - the future is ours (the future called and told me).
• Marie is beautiful & I love being with her.

I'm very much amazed at the past year - how the highs of life are magnified by our partnership, but more importantly how we've gotten through the bumps in the road and have stuck together through tough times we've both had. I'm there for her, and she's there for me - even when I'm not there for me....

I love you Marie!