One balmy Sunday summer's evening I drove all the way out to Northridge to spend the last few hours of the sabbath with some friends I had recently made, one in particular had caught my eye with his smooth moves on the dance floor and general good humored nature... yes Glen was pretty adorable. Glen and I were sitting on his couch talking, I wanted to talk and get to know him better and I was in full throttle flirt mode, when it all came to a screeching halt... seriously I heard the typical TV sound effect of the DJ scratching the vinyl, when Glen confessed to me that he wanted me to set him up with my childhood friend Melody... what the EFF! I tried to not let my desire for Glen cloud my intentions when I told him quite honestly how it was a BAD idea because Melody was already dating two other guys fairly seriously and there are only so many men even Melody could juggle. Of course Glen didn't listen to me and it didn't go well... Melody is now Married to one of the other two guys... the guy who was smart enough to put a reservation ring on her maritally ambitious finger. While Glen and I were having this memorable conversation I very tall blond guy came into the apartment via climbing over the balcony rail as gracefully as he could muster... though I am pretty sure he hurt himself on the way over the rail. And thussly Tanner climbed into my life. We all sat around talking... Tanner was pretty cute and funny and strangely reminded me of my closest childhood friend Peter Barth... both tall, blond, and brawny.
We are now waist deep into summer and my dear friend and visiting teaching companion Liz Demeter is celebrating her birthday at Point Dume beach in or near Malibu, CA. We had a nice day at the beach talking, eating... sun burning... completely unaware that one of Liz's friend has been desperately trying to reach one of the party goers to find out where we were settled on the beach. Poor fellow didn't reach us till we were already heading home to clean up for the barbecue that was to follow later on in the evening at Mel's house. On the way home Liz's friend who had been kind of dating Tanner told me a bit about him... please keep in mind I had pretty much forgotten about the tall blond brawny man I had met at Glen's... and if I didn't forget his face I certainly forgot his name... it was nothing personal I just have the memory of a small bar of soap... so when this girl, let's call her, Shelly told me about this guy who had been searching for us on the beach I didn't make the connection. Later on that evening we all met at Mel's for BBQ and huge cupcakes ( Mel works at a bakery.) I then saw Tanner again the tall, blond, brawny, man from a few weeks before. I remember how amiable he had been and since I am the friendly person I am I decided to make an honest effort at a new friendship with this jovial fellow. We talked for a while and dare I say we flirted a bit. When this older guy came up and sat down next to me he joined in our conversation and soon he had dominated the conversation by asking me what I did and then brought up Project Runway, and since I am such a fashion crazy girl of course my attention was focused on this guy who seemed to care about fashion... stupid stupid stupid... first off Tanner was much better dressed than, let's call him, Pacey. But never the less I started talking more to Pacey. We finished up the party at Mel's and headed to Korea town for Karaoke! We all sang the night away and I was impressed by Tanner's Karaoke skills... it's true chicks DO dig skills. I continued to flirt with both Tanner and Pacey... I was having a GOOD time. I sang a duet with Pacey which ended up being a bit more weird than cute and at the end of the evening we all headed out to our cars. I was standing on the side walk just waiting for Pacey to ask me for my number, which I totally saw coming... and he did. What I didn't know was Tanner was right behind me apparently about to ask me for my number when once again Pacey stepped in and stole his thunder. So I said goodnight to both guys and went home... Pacey was a jerk wad... JERK WAD. Stupid stupid stupid. Pacey and my relationship ended about 2 weeks before Halloween so when I heard there was a singles costume dance down in the area that Pacey lived I thought I would dress up in my cute, sexy, yet modest nurse "GOODBODY" costume and go down there and show Pacey just what he was missin'! Well, Pacey didn't show but the evening wasn't a total waist because I saw Pacey's room mate there and he saw how cute I looked so I figured he would say something of the sort to Pacey so it was nearly as good PLUS I got to see Tanner again! He looked soo cute, he was dressed as a lumberjack with a thick layer of testosterone. So we danced and flirted and had a great time... up until Tanner picked me up and someone took a picture which was absolutely NOT flattering on my thighs and butt... so mortifying! Not to mention when I viewed the picture it automatically zoomed in so not only did you see my thighs and butt but also my crotch! ... and Tanner was looking over my shoulder to see the picture... he swears he didn't see anything but I think he was just being a gentleman. I could have died right then and there... A few days later, it might have even been the next day, I went to this guys Halloween party, again, in Santa Monica. There I saw Tanner and I was so happy because aside from my girl friend who came with me I didn't really know any body... there was some guy who apparently lived there who was just walking around in a Speedo... and it was a little... different for me... fun but different. Plus I wanted someone to Dance with. So when I saw Tanner there I was really excited. Again we danced and flirted and had a great time together... but then Tanner told me he was probably going to leave! NOOO! I knew that if he left my fun would leave with him. He said he was going to go to a friends house and watch a movie so I tried to hint to him that I might like to spend more time with him... maybe I could come along if his friends didn't mind?? Well apparently THAT was too subtle because Tanner left... without another word... ouch baby very ouch.
My birthday is two day's after Halloween and at about 11: 30 pm or so the day before my birthday I was sending face book messages back and forth with Tanner... apparently he did still have some interest in me despite the blow off at the party because at exactly midnight on my birthday he called me singing happy birthday... no "Hi Sarah, it's Tanner," he just went right into singing... it was really cute... and the rest is pretty much history because we spent so much time together that neither of us were really sure when we became officially together so we count my birthday as our first day of our life together... with maybe a minor hiccup along the way.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Saturday, October 4, 2008
How We Met: Tanner's point of view
How Sarah and I got together is a funny story and it took many months to actually happen.
The first time we met it was at the house of our mutual friend Glen. Glen had just moved into the ward but he and I got along well right off the bat. He told me that he and some people from the ward and the surrounding area got together to cook dinner and watch an animated film. This event was called "Cartoon Sunday." I thought it sounded like fun. So, I went. There I met Sarah. She was very funny and I could tell that she had the confidence of a performer. However, to be honest, the first thing that popped in my head was, "Nice butt."
I tried to start a conversation with her. But, I could tell that she was interested in Glen. Being the swinging bachelor that I was I felt it wasn't a big deal. There were plenty of fish in the sea and that I didn't want to prevent Glen from enjoying the company of such a fine young lady. So, I let it be.
Fast forward a few months and my friend Liz Demeter told me that she was going to be having a birthday celebration all day one Saturday. Starting out at Point Dume beach and then later that evening a barbecue at her friend Mel's house and then later a Karaoke club. I was interested in a friend of Liz's at the time so I thought it would be prudent to go. I went to what I thought was Point Dume beach and I could not find anyone anywhere. I walked up and down the beach for what seemed like hours and I couldn't find anyone. I was calling people to try and find out where they were. They finally called me back only to tell me that they were leaving and that I could meet them at Mel's house for the Barbecue.
Frustrated and a little dejected I went home cleaned myself up and decided to go to the barbecue. At the barbecue I knew only 3 or 4 people including the birthday girl herself, and the girl I was interested in at the time. Liz was attending to her birthday girl duties so wasn't able to talk to any one person for very long. The girl I was interested in was completely ignoring me. So, I got the hint and didn't try to push the subject any farther... like I said "swinging bachelor." So, I was just sitting there enjoying my hamburger. And Sarah came up and talked to me for a while. I was enjoying myself and I was glad that Sarah had decided to talk to me. Then, up sidles this guy and basically... basically he queers my play. He starts injecting himself into our conversation. It kinda bugged me.
The party moved to a karaoke club in Koreatown. Everyone was there and everyone was having a good time. Sarah and I were still flirting off and on throughout the night. But, Other Guy is also hitting on Sarah. I didn't have a lot of friends at the party but thankfully my good friend Jared Purrington showed up and I had someone to talk to. So, the party ended and we start to work our way out to our cars. I'm standing next to Sarah and I am literally about to say "Hey Sarah, could I get your number?" but on the other side of Sarah is Other Guy and I didn't notice. He says "Hey Sarah, can I get your number?" ARRRRRGH!! What the eff? What am I going to say "Oh hey, by the way, can you get me your number too?" So, me, the sadly swinging bachelor, figure that there may be more fish in the sea.
Fast forward a few months. Halloween 2007. I, against my better judgment, go to a Single's Dance out in Santa Monica. I am wearing the best costume I perhaps have ever worn, a lumberjack, and I am looking handsome and brawny. Well, I have a few friends there and so we are all dancing and having a good time. When I see a familiar face dressed as a nurse. It's Sarah and she is there with a couple of her friends. They take a few pictures with me in my awesome costume. We talked for a little bit. But, I wasn't really taking anything too serious because... let's face it girls on Halloween are known to be more... affectionate than other days of the year. Then a couple of days later I went to Dave Thompson's house for his Halloween party. And sure enough Sarah was there! We talked and flirted and danced. And, to be honest I didn't think she would sincerely be interested in me because like I said. Girls. Halloween. Nuff Said. So after the party I went home and went to sleep.
Then, the next day I get a facebook message flirt from Sarah... well here is the actually message back and forth.
Sarah: You're a special one that's for certain
Tanner: I aim to please. Did anything crazy awesome happen after I left?
Sarah: No, my friend and I left at midnight. I guess you took the party spirit with you.
Tanner: Aw. So sorry. What can I do to make it up to you?
Sarah: Well, it's my birthday in about an hour and 15 minutes. So, surprise me.
Tanner: I need to get your number. Any chance of getting that resolved?
Sarah then gave me her number. I called her at the stroke of midnight on her birthday singing "Happy Birthday" And the rest is history. She is the love of my life. And I am glad that I had several chances to meet her and make something happen. She is such a blessing in my life and I am lucky to be with her. I love you, Sarah.
The first time we met it was at the house of our mutual friend Glen. Glen had just moved into the ward but he and I got along well right off the bat. He told me that he and some people from the ward and the surrounding area got together to cook dinner and watch an animated film. This event was called "Cartoon Sunday." I thought it sounded like fun. So, I went. There I met Sarah. She was very funny and I could tell that she had the confidence of a performer. However, to be honest, the first thing that popped in my head was, "Nice butt."
I tried to start a conversation with her. But, I could tell that she was interested in Glen. Being the swinging bachelor that I was I felt it wasn't a big deal. There were plenty of fish in the sea and that I didn't want to prevent Glen from enjoying the company of such a fine young lady. So, I let it be.
Fast forward a few months and my friend Liz Demeter told me that she was going to be having a birthday celebration all day one Saturday. Starting out at Point Dume beach and then later that evening a barbecue at her friend Mel's house and then later a Karaoke club. I was interested in a friend of Liz's at the time so I thought it would be prudent to go. I went to what I thought was Point Dume beach and I could not find anyone anywhere. I walked up and down the beach for what seemed like hours and I couldn't find anyone. I was calling people to try and find out where they were. They finally called me back only to tell me that they were leaving and that I could meet them at Mel's house for the Barbecue.
Frustrated and a little dejected I went home cleaned myself up and decided to go to the barbecue. At the barbecue I knew only 3 or 4 people including the birthday girl herself, and the girl I was interested in at the time. Liz was attending to her birthday girl duties so wasn't able to talk to any one person for very long. The girl I was interested in was completely ignoring me. So, I got the hint and didn't try to push the subject any farther... like I said "swinging bachelor." So, I was just sitting there enjoying my hamburger. And Sarah came up and talked to me for a while. I was enjoying myself and I was glad that Sarah had decided to talk to me. Then, up sidles this guy and basically... basically he queers my play. He starts injecting himself into our conversation. It kinda bugged me.
The party moved to a karaoke club in Koreatown. Everyone was there and everyone was having a good time. Sarah and I were still flirting off and on throughout the night. But, Other Guy is also hitting on Sarah. I didn't have a lot of friends at the party but thankfully my good friend Jared Purrington showed up and I had someone to talk to. So, the party ended and we start to work our way out to our cars. I'm standing next to Sarah and I am literally about to say "Hey Sarah, could I get your number?" but on the other side of Sarah is Other Guy and I didn't notice. He says "Hey Sarah, can I get your number?" ARRRRRGH!! What the eff? What am I going to say "Oh hey, by the way, can you get me your number too?" So, me, the sadly swinging bachelor, figure that there may be more fish in the sea.
Fast forward a few months. Halloween 2007. I, against my better judgment, go to a Single's Dance out in Santa Monica. I am wearing the best costume I perhaps have ever worn, a lumberjack, and I am looking handsome and brawny. Well, I have a few friends there and so we are all dancing and having a good time. When I see a familiar face dressed as a nurse. It's Sarah and she is there with a couple of her friends. They take a few pictures with me in my awesome costume. We talked for a little bit. But, I wasn't really taking anything too serious because... let's face it girls on Halloween are known to be more... affectionate than other days of the year. Then a couple of days later I went to Dave Thompson's house for his Halloween party. And sure enough Sarah was there! We talked and flirted and danced. And, to be honest I didn't think she would sincerely be interested in me because like I said. Girls. Halloween. Nuff Said. So after the party I went home and went to sleep.
Then, the next day I get a facebook message flirt from Sarah... well here is the actually message back and forth.
Sarah: You're a special one that's for certain
Tanner: I aim to please. Did anything crazy awesome happen after I left?
Sarah: No, my friend and I left at midnight. I guess you took the party spirit with you.
Tanner: Aw. So sorry. What can I do to make it up to you?
Sarah: Well, it's my birthday in about an hour and 15 minutes. So, surprise me.
Tanner: I need to get your number. Any chance of getting that resolved?
Sarah then gave me her number. I called her at the stroke of midnight on her birthday singing "Happy Birthday" And the rest is history. She is the love of my life. And I am glad that I had several chances to meet her and make something happen. She is such a blessing in my life and I am lucky to be with her. I love you, Sarah.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Somebody's Getting Married!
In case some of you don't know, on August 30th, 2008, Sarah Hunter, the love of my life, agreed to marry me for time and all eternity. Thus, making me the luckiest man on the face of the earth... Screw you Lou Gehrig!
Sarah had planned a big birthday bash for me and I knew that would be the day that I would ask her to be my wife. We were having a totally awesome yacht rock extravaganza at the home of Matt Youngberg, Todd Peterson, and Dave Thompson. Everyone was dancing and playing around and having a great time. And I saw Sarah getting the cake ready. I knew that it was the time. So I ran out to my car and grabbed the ring box that I had hidden in the driver side door well. And was back before anyone had noticed that I was gone. The DJ stopped the music and everyone began to sing "Happy Birthday" to me. Sarah brought out the cake and it was time for me to make my wish... "What should I wish for?" I wondered aloud. Then I got down on one knee, popped out the bad boy seen above and asked Sarah "Will you marry me?"
Now, I had been going over in my head what I was going to say. I was going to go into this big schmaltzy speech about how much I love her. How she is the greatest gift I could ever ask for.(all of which is true) But, when it came down to the moment all I could squeeze out was the simple "Will you marry me?"
Sarah was flummoxed she seriously sat there totally gobsmacked for what seemed like an eternity. I was looking her straight in the eye trying to communicate to her that I was totally serious about this. She still continued to try to get her head around what I was asking her. She then just said "yes." And a mighty cheer went up.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)