It's hard to believe that thirty-five years ago today, I married James. We met at Oakwood Country Club in Enid, Oklahoma. At the time, I was overseeing the servers and banquet staff and James worked as the assistant tennis pro. As part of his compensation, the club allowed him to hit the daily lunch buffet.
Here's where it gets interesting! So, I'm working in the club's main dining room one day and in walks this tall, tanned Adonis-looking stud. I'd just ended a long-time engagement (which is how I ended up in Oklahoma in the first place!) and definitely was not looking for love—especially with someone who I knew had a bit of a rep—more on that in a minute!
"That is one fine-looking guy!" exclaimed my co-worker, Brian as we watched James blow through the mountain of food he'd piled on his plate.
"I've never seen anyone eat so much, so fast in my life!" I replied. "Do you think he even has time to chew his food?"
In less than fifteen minutes, James had finished his lunch and sauntered out of the dining room, shooting a winsome smile in my direction.
"Oooh, I think he likes you!" Brian teased.
"Yeah, right!" I replied, knowing James had gone out with a girl on my staff. (He met her when she participated in a wet t-shirt contest at a local bar) "That guy is not anyone I'd be interested in—he's a total player!" I said.
For the next three days, James continued to come in for lunch. It wasn't until Friday that he asked me out.
"Sorry," I told him. "I won't get out of here until after eleven."
"Tomorrow then?" he asked hopefully.
"Nope! Same thing. I work late every Friday and Saturday, but thanks anyway!" I said.
"Okay," he said determinedly. "When can you go out?"
I'll admit to being Impressed that he'd been so persistent in finding a day that worked for me. "My only day off is Monday," I replied.
"Then Monday it is!" James said with a grin.
"And what does one do in Enid, America on a Monday night?" I asked.
"I have an idea," he said. "Tell me where you live and I'll pick you up at seven."
We ended up going to a restaurant in downtown Enid, America. It didn't take long for me to become completely smitten with my future husband. Fortunately, he's as kind, sweet, and funny as he is handsome.
I still like to tease him about the wet t-shirt contest girl and he teases me about pretty much everything. In our years together we've shared so much joy and happiness. I know I'm truly blessed.
Happy Anniversary, James! I love you with my whole heart!
Our first apartment community - Newport Apartments in Irving, Texas!
Closet ClotheSure Update:
All dressed up and nowhere to go!
I'm going into the office tomorrow for part of the day. As our County Commissioner has ordered a "shelter in place" order for Dallas County, it's time to work 100% from home.
I had a hunch this was coming and James and I discussed what I'd do about my 2020 Closet ClotheSure Challenge earlier. I decided to keep it going after asking several close friends their opinions. Although I won't be going to the office, this challenge still provides me with the opportunity to rid my closets of any outfit that doesn't make me feel like a ten. Thus far I'm donating about one outfit a week which means more room in my closet and less STUFF!
Take care, everyone!
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