badseed1980

If you take a look at the archives of my journal from 2003, you won't see an entry for today. I wasn't on LJ until a few days into August. But I got onto LJ because of what happened today.

Five years ago, July 28th was my father's birthday, and that was the only special thing about it. I wasn't going down to visit, because it was a Monday. Instead, I'd decided to do laundry that night. In typical Laundry Day fashion, I was wearing "no effort" clothes: a brown cotton dress that was long enough that I didn't have to shave my legs. While I was at work, I got an e-mail from a really cute guy who I'd hung out with and flirted with a few times, at various events and parties. This guy wanted to know if I'd like to come over to his place for dinner.

Uh-oh! A date! And I hadn't shaved my legs! I hadn't been on a date in ages, so I was determined to do it right. I nipped out to CVS on my lunch break, bought some disposable razors, and shaved my legs in the bathroom at the office. I primped and preened as much as I could in front of that mirror before leaving for the day. It was ridiculous enough that I was laughing at myself as I did it. Then, I took the train to Forest Hills to meet him.

He showed up still in uniform from work. Knowing full well I'd dated two military men before, he said, "I'm sorry I didn't have time to change out of my uniform." Yeah, sure you are. I assured him I was quite happy with the uniform. We went back to his place. He made me pad thai, and gave me two drinks that have since become two of my absolute favorites: Talisker scotch and a dirty martini. Then, we watched The Cell. Part of the way through the movie, I thought I had some plot points figured out, so I started eagerly explaining what I thought was going to happen. He interrupted the flow of my words with a kiss, and said, "just watch the movie!"

Well, that shut me up. With a big smile on my face, too.

Now, at that time, both of us were just hoping for a casual friendship-with-benefits arrangement that would last until we met a potential long-term partner. I had sworn off military men, for one thing. Twice. He was poly. I wasn't. But somehow, that friendship just got deeper, and the benefits just got better, and before I knew it, I was head-over-heels in love.

Most of you know the rest of the story. It hasn't always been easy, but it's gotten better and better all the time, and right now, it's pretty damned fantastic. And now, looking back at five years ago today, I am so very, very glad that I decided laundry could wait a day.

I love you so much,