Meant To Be?

I've often wondered if Jacob and I ever met before we actually met (anyone ever seen the first episode of Dharma and Greg? lol). We lived in the same city for awhile, and the same state for longer... it's a small world... who knows. Maybe we were, at one time, in the same restaurant at the same time. It would be really cool if we could somehow rewind time and figure out if our meeting was just eventually meant to happen. This couple actually had that opportunity! Kind of a cool story... also kinda creepy! lol

Here's the Dharma and Greg clip... I loved that show! lol

940 Days... In Review

Two years and seven months ago I was sick and tired of the life I was leading. I loved my job, but I felt like that was the only thing going anywhere for me and I needed a change. I made a leap and decided, on a whim to apply for a graduate school program in Canada. I had never heard of the school before, but discovered that it was the only one on the west coast that offered a Masters in Criminology... so I went for it.

Two years and FIVE months ago I met Jacob. Just prior to Christmas my going-nowhere relationship with my former partner ended with a screeching halt (did not make for an enjoyable Christmas season). But I was (and still am) a huge fan of the idea of "getting back on the horse", so, I made a risky move and posted a person ad online... to which Jacob responded and a week or so after Christmas we met in person for our first date.

Two years and TWO months I got my grad school acceptance letter and had to make a decision: put grad school on hold and test out this very new relationship, or pick up everything and move to Canada and try something to enhance myself. My mom and I decided to take a drive up to look at the school. I liked it. I called Jacob that night and told him that I was planning on going to school. I said that I didn't know what this meant for our relationship, but that I needed to do this for myself.

Two days later, Jacob had told his parents he was moving to Canada... scared the sh*t out of me! lol This was moving FAST and I still wasn't sure I was ready for it. But Jacob didn't seem worried, and him being so sure put me at ease (that's kind of been how our relationship has gone since the very beginning! lol).

One year and nine months ago we moved to Surrey, BC so that I could attend grad school at SFU in Burnaby. Jacob managed to telecommute to his job in Oregon and we lived together in BC for a year while I completed my coursework... then we moved back home to Oregon where I would complete my independent work.

Yesterday I completed my Masters degree with the presentation and submission of my final paper.

Jacob was not able to make the trip with me, but I still felt him there. He provided so much support for me over the last couple of years. He was so sure about our relationship and our future together that he took a fantastic risk to alter his life to be with me... and didn't once try to convince me to stay in Oregon, or, as just as easily could have been the case, said goodbye and part ways upon my move. He saw me through the entire thing, and I am so thankful, and grateful, for him. And, in 66 days this fantastic man, who was so sure about our future together after only 3 months, will become my husband.

My documents all ready for submission! Two years of work, finally coming to a close.

Two Years....

Yesterday Jacob and I celebrated our two year anniversary. I wanted to do SOMETHING special, but our budgets are tight and we couldn't really afford a fancy evening out. So, I put my thinking cap on... and had the best idea! We would relieve our first three dates in a single night!

BACKGROUND

Jacob and I met via a personal ad I posted on craigslist. We "talked" online for a few days until one evening Jacob asked me if I wanted to meet him for dinner somewhere... however, at that point it was already about 9 PM on a Wednesday so our options of open restaurants was somewhat limited. So, we decided on Shari's!

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I remember how nervous Jacob was that night... he couldn't even finish his breakfast dinner! Which, I know now, is NOT the norm! lol I, on the other hand, had absolutely no problem scarfing down whatever it was that I ordered... I've never really been the "eat a small salad on a first date" type of girl. I love food... I'm not gonna hide it! =)

Our second date was just a few days later (our early relationship moved REALLY fast). My friend (and now bridesmaid) Holly was meeting people at one of the local bowling alleys and invited me to come and bring a date... so, I did. =)

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Jacob bowled horribly that evening. I am NOT a good bowler (my goal is always to simply break 100... sometimes I do, sometimes I'm far, far away) and, if I remember correctly, I beat him every game! Though, as you will see later in this post, I'm not sure if this was completely due to nerves or if he just isn't the best bowler either! lol

After bowling, Jacob and I went next door to the Baskin Robbins. We are both HUGE fans of ice cream.

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We sat around eating ice cream and talking about ourselves and the similar futures that we had pictures for quite awhile until we parted ways that night (I wasn't about to ride in a car with a guy that I'd met online after just one date! lol)... only to log onto google and "talk" to each other for a few more hours!

A few days later Jacob asked me if I wanted to go out again (I told you... we probably averaged about 2-3 dates per week for the first month... and then seeing each other almost daily after that!). We decided to go see a movie, I got to choose the film, but Jacob wanted it be a gentleman and pick me up at my apartment. Since we'd now been on TWO dates, and my friend had seen his face (lol) I decided to go for it.

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I chose "The Bucket List"... it was a great movie; really enjoyed it. I also enjoyed watching Jacob continuously try to hold my hand that night... lol... I wasn't really being to helpful. I was still getting to know the guy after all! =)

TWO YEARS LATER

So those are the dates that started the "courting" part of our relationship... and I wanted to honor these. So, for our two year anniversary, I found a Shari's, a bowling alley, and a Baskin Robbins all on the same street near our apartment, and had Jacob get a copy of 'The Bucket List"... but things never do seem to go as planned when it comes to us... lol

Our evening started out well enough. We made it to Shari's and had dinner (however, I think I must have picked the trashiest location in the area... our hostess was wearing a hoodie), and then made our way to the bowling alley...

...which was having a Monte Carlo bowling night!

We asked for directions to another bowling alley, which turned out to also be on the same road, just past the Baskin Robbins that I found, so, we decided to stop for ice cream first and then head to bowling...

... but the Baskin Robbins was closed for construction!

So, we went straight to the bowling alley and played three games... I just want to show you these scores... ;)

(Sorry in advance for the quality... can only do so good in a poorly lit alley with a camera phone!)

If you'll notice... the B (me) won twice! =) Jacob wanted me to take a picture of the ONE time that he won, but this is MY blog! lol

P.S. Jacob thought it was funny to put our initials in this order on the big televised score board... you never really can take the 12-year-old boy out of the 28-year-old man, can you? lol

After we finished our third game I asked one of the alley employees if there was another ice cream place nearby... their only suggestion was DQ... which is NOT the same thing! So, we headed over to Fred Meyer, picked up some ice cream and went home to eat it while watching "The Bucket List" (still thought it was a really great movie!).

And that is how Jacob and I celebrated our two year (and last dating) anniversary! =) I really enjoyed the opportunity to spend some quality time together... we don't take nearly enough time out of our daily schedules to just enjoy each others' company. I hope we can change that in the near future!

The Story of Us...

So someone posted this survey on Myspace... generally I wouldn't fill my blog with fluff like this, however this particular survey was interesting to me as it asked questions about the relationships between couples and I thought it was relevant... plus, for those who don't know our "story" it will fill in the blanks for you! =)

In The Beginning

Your name: Brittney

Your mates name: Jacob

How we met: via a personal ad on Craigslist (mine)

Where we met: In an e-mail message. lol

What attracted you to each other: I described myself as the "girl next door" type and he said, "I'm looking for someone to spend time with that is open to change and can make me laugh"

How long before you went out: About 5 days =)

First Date: We met at Shari's for a late-night dinner

When: Jan 9, 2008

Where: Shari's in Eugene, OR

Who asked who: He suggested dinner, I suggested Shari's... I had a craving =)

Best part about the date: The fact that he was so nervous he couldn't finish his dinner! lol

Most nervous about: I was surprisingly o.k... he was the nervous one!

Who called whom first: I think he probably did

FIRST Kiss

When: our first "at home" date at his house

Where: his house while watching "The Kingdom"

Who kissed whom first: He kissed me

We will always remember: my response, "It's about time!"

Saying the LOVE word: kinda scary... didn't want to get hurt again

Who said it first: I did

When: Within a couple weeks of dating... we moved pretty fast in that area I think

Where: lying in bed

His reaction: He told me that when I said it, everything in the room stopped and the only thing he heard was my voice. =) (he meant this in a good way!)

Your reaction: Nervous... Excited

First Trip: The Oregon Coast

When was it: Valentine's Day, 2008

Where was it to: His parents beach house

Did you buy any souvenirs: Don't think so... not much shopping on the ocean

Have you been back together: A number of times

Tokens of affection: Photographs of the two of us together

First gift he gave you: I have no idea! lol We don't give a lot of gifts, we're more interested in experiences than material things

First gift you gave him: See above

When was the last time you bought or received flowers: He's never given me flowers =P

What did or will you do for Valentines day? The last two we've gone to the coast... it's a nice tradition that I'd like to continue =)

Feast on this

First meal he cooked for you: I not sure, but I'm going to guess the usual... steak and mashed potatoes =)

First meal you cooked for him: I cooked a Papa Murphy's pizza that he brought to my house before a movie... lol.. believe me, I've cooked better things since!

Foods you introduced to him: Vegetables! lol

Foods he introduced to you: A LOT of steak

Nights at home: TV... him computer games, me homework

Favorite meals: Steak and potatoes for him... (see a trend!), I like a lot of different things... from fried chicken or pork chops to sushi to pizza

Favorite treats: ICE CREAM

Favorite things to do: Take trips, explore.... even if it's just areas of our own neighborhood

Favorite Ice Cream: chocolate peanut butter I think

Out on the town: Movies, bowling, pool

Favorite restaurants: He took me to this really nice Italian place when we first started dating... we haven't been back since! lol

Favorite dance club: As a couple we don't have one... he's not a big dancer =)

Favorite theatres: Any with nice seats!

Favorite activities: Movies, dining out, exploring

Our future holds: marriage and a family

What he wishes for: To be debt-free

What you wish for: To be debt-free with a family and a good job!

Random

Our Differences: I'm more of a social butterfly, I enjoy going out and get really antsy if I'm alone for too long. He's more of a homebody and enjoys solitude and playing computer games. I drink socially and love to dance, he doesn't drink at all and will only dance on rare occasions =)

Our Similarities: We are both Virgos (birthdays 3 days apart). We are both confident, mellow, intelligent people who picture the same kind of future for ourselves.

I have always wanted to tell you: Nothing... I speak from my heart often and tell you I love you daily... I can't wait to be your wife!

Missing Him...

So Jacob and I are currently separated by about 300 miles... we have been that way for the past 13 days and I still have to make it another 12 before he comes back up for "the move".

I'm up in BC finishing up my summer term of classes, meanwhile, he is staying with his brother down in Oregon while he takes a summer term of classes. My schedule this summer has been pretty lax, I've been able to take a couple weeks here and there to go stay with him, but August is a tough month and so we have to battle out the long distance thing.

I miss him so much though! I can't stand being up here by myself (the cat doesn't count) and I miss having him here... even if it's just him sitting at his computer playing a game while I'm in the living room watching a "Friends" rerun... just having him in the same house is so comforting.

Last night, when I couldn't sleep, I started to wonder if I still had the first e-mail that he sent me. I met him when he responded to a personal ad I posted on Craigslist back in January 2008. Sure enough, I had it. I reread it; it was nice. So, today I started to wonder if I had our "chats" from the first two weeks--from our first date to the day we decided to be "exclusive". I do. =) So I re-read over all of those... hours and hours of getting to know each other. I laughed, I smiled, I just miss him more now! lol But just reading things that he'd written to me, and being able to "hear" his voice in my head saying those things, put me in such a good mood and reminded me how simple it actually is to fall in love with a person.

I Love Craigslist!

In December of 2007 Jacob and I were both recently out of pretty messy relationships and were looking for something a little more mature and "normal". I am a rather adventurous sort and thought I'd try the online dating scene but websites like match.com and eharmony wanted my money... which I sure didn't want to give them! lol So, as a frugal investment move, I posted a personal ad on Criagslist. Among a few others (some seemed like nice guys and other lunatics), Jacob responded. We "talked" for a couple of days online. He seemed like a fairly "normal" guy (comparatively speaking! lol). After a few days he asked me if I'd like to grab dinner as I was just home from work and hungry and all he'd had for dinner was a slice of Boston Creme Pie! I suggested we meet at Shari's (I like Shari's... what can I say?)

My first impression was, "hmm... we'll see", and Jacob's was, "wow... she's tall!" lol But we had a good evening, and a good dinner (though Jacob was so nervous he couldn't finish!) , and the dates continued, getting better and better each time!