How we met: part 2
Erin has been asking me to write a guest column in her blog for months, so with our second anniversary approaching, I thought it might be the right time.
One of the many things I love about my wife is her ability to plan. In all aspects of her life, she knows where she’s going and what she is going to need to get her there. Like my guest column for instance, I was given the topic and told I needed to get it to her by the end of the day. Like a good soldier, I write.
I remember the first day I met Erin. It was May 10, 2004. I was working at a non-profit organization and during the previous week, my co-worker had told me he hired a new woman to run our events. He told me that she was young and that I needed to stay away from her. “Why, is she hot?” I asked. “No, not really” he said. I had the reputation around the office that I was a ladies man, one that wasn’t true, but I still liked to perpetuate. I didn’t give it another thought.
The following Monday, my co-worker walked into my office trailed by a stranger. He said, “Chris, this is Erin. She will be working on our events.” I made some small talk, but the whole time I was thinking, that this guy is either blind or gay. She was beautiful.
Erin and her then boss Curtis, who is not blind or gay. He is happily married with a beautiful son and remains one of our good friends to this day.
Over the next year and a half, we became friends and bonded over stories of our failed relationships. Slowly she chipped away at the ice that had formed around my heart. She was 100 times more beautiful on the inside than on the outside and I realized I was falling in love with my co-worker. Yikes.
Fast-forward to a year and a half later in a quiet Quebec City café. It was one of the greatest moments of my life. I had searched most of the morning to find the perfect place to propose marriage and I found it…
Cafe 71, where I proposed
Like Erin, it was understated yet with the perfect touch of class. I slowly pulled the ring from my pocket and uttered the words “Will you marry me?” as tears filled both our eyes.
Erin with her new jewelry
There are three things about Erin that make me love and admire her. The first is that her heart is true. She is a loving wife, a great friend and partner, and often the other half of my conscience. Someone once said that the true measure of a person is what they do when no one is watching. Erin’s conviction and authenticity are inspiring.
The second quality is her focus. Erin is one of the most focused people I have ever met. No matter the task, she attacks it with veracity. Whether it is in the course of duty of her job, this blog, or performing her domestic adventures, Erin throws herself into everything completely. I envy her diligence.
Finally, one of Erin’s best characteristics is her wit and her charm. She is as funny as she is beautiful. Our house is always filled with laughter and is a happy sanctuary for us both. Erin can be a real goofball and knows not to take herself too seriously. I love just hanging out with her and laughing and talking.
Simply put, I am a very lucky man, but that probably isn’t news to any of you. Happy anniversary, baby. I love you.
?P.S. If you missed Erin’s (much less sentimental) version of this tale, you can check it out here.
Chris and Erin,
It was truly lovely to read both your versions of how you met and fell in love. You both sound like truly inspiring and good people. I hope 2010 is a fantastic year for you both.
Love and best wishes
Janis in cold, cold Scotland – well actually Glasgow in Scotland which is not quite as cold as the rest of the country i.e. we are 2 degrees here at the moment but have been alerted to the fact that it will be -4 on Hogmanay – New Year’s Eve.
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I am all warm and smooshy…thank you for sharing this with us…I have the very best sisters- and brother-in-law in the whole world! I love you both so very very much. Happy almost Anniversary!
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It’s a great post, though I must defend my husband. He never said any such thing to me about Erin. In fact, he came home and went on and on about how great his new assistant was. After I met her and saw how not only smart, efficient, kind and fun-loving she was, but also really attractive, I went on about all her attributes to Curtis. I believe I said something along the lines of, “And she’s really cute, too, isn’t she??” Balancing honesty with the fact that he was speaking to his wife at the time, he casually nodded his head and said, “Yup.” But we talked many times after that about what an incredible “find” she was in so many ways. He knew how very lucky he was. So I’m pretty sure that he told you, Chris, that she wasn’t “hot” precisely because of the reputation you mention having had around the office! (Which we are all happy turned out not to be true.)
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What sweet stories (I read both)! You two seem to be a great match
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Erin Reply:
December 30th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Thanks everyone! We enjoyed writing our versions and reminiscing!
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Apologies, apologies, apologies……….totally forgot to wish you both a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY:)
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Hey guys!
Well, Erin…I have managaed to get addicted to reading your blogs! Big awwww to this one and yours about meeting each other! I was just telling Chris the other day that your wedding was one I was sad to have missed out on and would have liked to be at…he recalled what a blast it was and made sure I had seen the pics!
To think Chris had invited…pics will have to do for the memories!
I hope you guys are having a wonderful trip and I will certainly enjoy continuing to read your blogs! It is also exciting for me because I am working on this whole domestic things…SLOWLY but surely!
Happy blogging!
*Gina*
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Will try this again. I am having trouble posting a response for some reason. But had to tell you I LOVED this post. Erin you must be weak in the knees!!! And I agree with him about all of your lovliness. I am so glad we are friends. You are a remarkable person. I love your wedding photos. So beautiful.
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