What’s that tingly sensation in my tummy?

As most of you may know…James is in England. Studying abroad for 6 weeks. 3 weeks down – 3 more to go.

And as most of you can tell…I miss him very much. So, let me take this time to share with you – how James and Juliet met. If you’re feeling like a sappy romantic blog right now…read on :)

In early September of 2008 (4 months after graduating from CSUF and 4 months of working in the professional world) I decided, “Hey, I totally have a full-time job…I can TOTALLY afford membership to Match.com!” I gave myself 3 months. Little did I know…I would find him in less than 3 weeks!

At the time, I was living with my college girlfriends, Gina and Emma. Great ladies. Great times. Great “first apartment” experiences. The ladies can vouch for me - a typical evening consisted of: personal training session at 24 after work, fighting for parking for 30 minutes (at our apartment), come home for dinner, check my Match.com emails, then sleep.

In between checking my emails and sleep…I would share some matches with the ladies, read them some emails, and get their input :). It was like bed-time story time!

One evening, as I was searching through my match compatible list (which was automatically updated daily) and I came across an interesting headline (not exactly what it read, but very similar): “Looking for a lady to help me take over the world!” Now there was something dorkishly hot about that headline. Then I investigated a little more: has a love for music, volunteered for Americorps, and I cannot forget…interested in CURVY women. Haha. That was a bonus- as I don’t consider myself a slender gal…I like to say that I am voluptuous :D.

With no hesitation, I emailed him. It was a short 1 liner: “Hey, I enjoyed reading your profile and am interested in getting to know you more.” The next day, I received a response (sorry babe, I have to share it with everyone…you are too cute!) This was the email that started everything:

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Hi!

Thanks for the email. I always like to meet someone who is assertive. I'm eating sour gummy worms right now and I would totally give you one.

And I can honestly say that your profile brought a big smile to my face. I can tell you have the talking bug, so do I! Although I'm a bit shy around new people... get me going... oh boy.

I'd love to hear about your Public relations job. Speech and debating were the easiest As i had in college, but never seriously looked into a job in the PR business.

Have you ever been to the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. My Grandmother is a member and I very recently went to the see the Terra Cotta Warriors made for the First Emperor of China. It was breathtaking, and would be a great reentry into museum visiting for you.

I've actually been to the Gypsy Den, and really liked the atmosphere! Funny Story about how I found it, but I'll save that for next time.

Hope this email wasn't too much information too soon. I get excited to meet a nice new person. (And an attractive one at that, am I allowed to say that?)

Nice to meet you,
James


ps - yes I'm interested in getting to know you... in case the email didn't speak for itself :)

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After 4 months into our relationship, I started cleaning up my email inbox and came across the message above. I forwarded it to James and he responded with, “Writing that email was one of the best decisions I've ever made!” :)

So, backing up to September 08’. After sharing that email with the ladies and sharing our “awwwws and how cutes,” I emailed him back (unfortunately, I don’t have that email…but I’m sure James has it…maybe he’ll share it with you all sometime). We emailed, instant messaged and texted each other frequently for about 4 days…then we eventually started talking over the phone in the evenings. It was nice :)

A few days later, he asked me if I was comfortable to meet him for a date…at the GYPSY DEN. Yes, I was ready. We met on a Thursday night around 8:30PM. Yes, friends…it was open mic night at the Den. It was the perfect night.

“What is that tingly sensation in my tummy?” that is the question that came across my mind every second, minute and hour of our date.

Towards the end of night, James decided to test out his skills. After sharing a serving of Crème brûlée, he scooted a little closer to me and whispered in my ear, “I’m not that great at making the first move, but I figured, if I TELL you what I’d like to do..then when I actually do it, it won’t be that bad…SO, I am going to move my chair a little closer to you and place my arm around you.” And so, he did as he said what he’d do. I love a man who follows through with his words :)

The rest is history <3

James, thank you for your love, support, friendship and patience. I can’t wait to see you. 3 more weeks!