How old did you say he was?

I don't pretend for a minute that Chad and I have the perfect marriage, but I will tell you it is quite fun. It all started approximately 11 years ago. Actually, it will be 11 years on July 30! Here's the story of the beginning of Bob and Bob....

{insert sweet kissing photo here, if I knew how to put it where I want it}

It was the summer between my sophomore and junior years at Lyon College. Luckily, I was able to work for Howe-Baker Engineers (Tyler, TX) during the summer breaks. I shared an office with a lady named Patricia. Patricia's husband worked for Dunn Transmissions, Inc. in Tyler. I was newly single from a two year relationship. Patricia kept trying to get me to meet this guy named Chad. I made it very clear to her that I was not interested in a relationship 400 miles away from school. I also was not interested in a relationship at school because that was 400 miles away from home! After several days [how stubborn was I?], I agreed to go on a date to meet Chad.

In the days leading up to "the date" Patricia told me everything she knew about this guy. We talked about his family, job, age, racing hobby, etc. So, Friday night rolled around, and I rode with Patricia and her husband to Applebee's to meet Chad. He was there waiting. She introduced the two of us, and we stood awkwardly chatting while waiting on a table. Finally, our table was ready. As we were heading to the table, I hung back with Patricia so that I could ask, "how old did you say he was?" because he looked MUCH older than I anticipated!

We enjoyed dinner, bowling, and then a game of dominoes at Patricia's house. The evening was enjoyable, even if he was old and walking funny because his back was hurting! Like a gentleman, he asked me to call him when I made it home safely. Like a fool, he kept me on the phone until 4AM before we had cell phones with no long distance charges! Yep, that was an expensive first date!

Then....