together.

When I was younger, I didn't know what the future would hold for me...

I've never been the type of girl that dated a certain type of guy. I wasn't going for a look or an attitude, a swagger or a walk...

In fact, I wasn't really looking for anything or anyone. 

Not that I didn't want all of that gooey fairytale stuff, but I was busy with normal 20 year old life - working and going to school 24/7. There wasn't a ton of time to slow down to find the one. 

(I will say, however, that somewhere way down deep, I knew that I would marry a blonde-haired guitar player. Don't know how or why, but I did.)

Then, one day, I was where all good stories begin - at the ol' Wal-Mart. My friend and I were in the houseware isle looking for who-knows-what. 

I looked up and there, walking right towards me, was J. 

I remember it like it was yesterday. And I swear, when I think back on that moment, he was almost glowing. He stood out like a sore thumb. The best sore thumb ever. It was like time slowed down. And, for all I would have cared, everyone else could have disappeared and I wouldn't have known the difference. 

It was love at first sight and way more than anything I could have hoped for.

Right away, in true 20 year old form, I bet him that he wouldn't eat chocolate flavored dog food treats. 

I was playing the whole thing cool, you see. Before I could think he was my knight in shining armor, I needed to make sure he was man enough to step up to the dog food challenge.

And, luckily, he was. 

He ate that dog treat and I was sold. 

That night, we bought kites and invented one of the most dangerous pastimes you ever did hear of - Electro-Kiting. 

"What is this Electro-Kiting?" you may be asking yourself.  

I'm happy to tell you! It's just what it sounds like - you simply drive with your windows down, kite flying in the wind, avoiding all electric lines for as long as possible. Then, when your kite gets caught in the very wires you've so diligently been dodging (because it will get stuck in those lines), you haul tail outta there! Don't stick around to see if you can remedy the situation - just GO!

So, back to my story...We Electro-Kited for hours, then (as I have warned you about above), our Superman kite became caught in the most giant power lines ever. And that was that; we were outta there! Gone like a trio of roaches when someone flicks the lights on. (Trio? Remember, my friend was the third-wheel on what turned out to be our first date...)

Game over.

I should also tell you that is was probably as closest to being an outlaw as I've ever been. Or, to be clear, will ever be. I'm too old and nervous for that junk.

Following our Electro-Kiting adventure, as any normal folks awake at 3am would do, we went to Waffle House. 

I know, classy, right? And though it may not have been the best move 1) for my belly or 2) for my schoolin' (since I had a test coming up that very same morning), it was one of the best decisions of my life. 

(And if you're wondering about that test and how I did in the class? Well...let's just say it wasn't pretty. Stay in school, kids!)

So, why am I telling you all of this foolishness? What does this have anything to do with anything? 

Well, that day, my friend, was 10 years ago. 

That means for 10 years, I've gotten to spend each and every day with my best buddy. And I'm so grateful.

So, to those of you who have made it through this long, nutty story - *high five!* You are a trooper. I'd have been bored to tears by now...

And to J, my love, I couldn't be happier or luckier to have you. I love you more than you'll ever know and am so proud of you and the life we've made together. God couldn't have given me a better partner. Thank you for being on this crazy journey with me...

And, if you are still reading this blog, another *high five!* to you. Now you know that sparks fly best when they are ignited at Wal-Mart and followed with a little high voltage kiting...  

An Electro-Kiting cookie cake, of course.