A Bad First Impression

Happy birthday to my best friend.

People say that all the time about their spouse. But I really mean it. I feel so lucky to have this man in my life.

For years you’ve read my sappy posts about all of his wonderful attributes so I thought you might get a kick out of hearing about how we first met and how much we hated each other…

It was 1997. Michael was running Preston Daniels’ mayoral campaign. I was a general assignment reporter at Channel 5.

Our paths crossed multiple times in these roles and our reactions were always the same.

Ugh.

We each thought the other was stuck up and pushy. It was the very opposite of love at first sight!

Years later those unfavorable first impressions were challenged when we were forced to spend time together socially. It was during the Drake Relays.

Michael was at Peggy’s with a friend, and I was there with a friend. Our friends really hit it off and we were really annoyed. We finally started chatting and it didn’t take long for us to realize something. We actually kind of liked each other. A lot.

The next week we went on our first official date and the rest, as they say, is history.

It’s a good reminder that first impressions aren’t always accurate and you never know what might happen when you give someone another chance.

Happy birthday, Michael. I love you!

PS...thanks for the epic kitchen dance party last night.