We're getting married!

Who knew that you could meet someone while on vacation... with your respective families! Both of our mothers were there during our chance meeting. We met during a Trivia Night while cruising the Alaskan Seas. Laurie talked her mom into going to the Trivia Night. Not to play, but because it was Motown Trivia. So if nothing else, Laurie knew there would be a few good tunes to jam to! Jim and his family were regulars at all of the other Trivia Nights. But on this occasion, they were running late. Instead of sitting up close, Jim steered his family next to Laurie's table so they could join up together. Jim knew many of the answers and surprisingly, Laurie knew a few too! Luckily cruise ships have lots to do so we managed to hang out the rest of the evening. For the first official date, Jim asked Laurie out by leaving her a note taped to the hallway door near her room... a message in a bottle! We met towards the latter half of a 10-day cruise and managed to see each other multiple times throughout those last days.

For those who have tried a long distance relationship, you know how difficult it can be. Jim became a regular with Amtrak and the Coast Starlight train. Laurie learned the roads between SF/Oakland and Morro Bay. And yes- she's a proud driver of the winding (and fun!) Old Creek Road between Hwys 46 and 1! Delayed trains and stop-and-go commute traffic couldn't keep us apart. For the time's in-between in-person dates, we turn to Google hangouts! Together we share our meals, music, and even watch movies together. Thanks Google! While it may have taken a little bit longer for us to get to this point- we wouldn't change it for the world. We are on a journey... together!

Jim is a diehard BASEBALL fan and Laurie is a diehard FOOTBALL fan! WHEW! Not much of a rivalry here. While Jim might be moving to the Bay Area you won't find him watching the Dodgers at Oracle Park (formerly AT&T park). Apparently, Giants fans aren't so welcoming to Dodger fans. Oakland A's might just pick up 2 more fans. Laurie says , "it's ok to respect both the Giants and the A's... just don't ask me to be a Raider's fan!" Together, we will explore hockey and soccer games... neutral territory for both! But we aren't just about sports! Together we enjoy hiking, walking the neighborhoods we are in, sunsets at the beach, and music! Jim has been happily introducing Laurie to his world of music. Music brought us together! On the cruise, we enjoyed the Motown Trivia Night (the night we met) and Jim even sang some karaoke. We have shared stories about 90's music and where we were in life. And how could we forget wine! Jim loves sharing his stories from working for the Wine Group on the Central Coast and Laurie... well she enjoys exploring new wines and the regions they are from. Cooking! You may have seen some of our engagement photos. We both enjoy cooking. Laurie says she's a bit more reserved and prefers to cook from recipes and Jim says he enjoys experimenting with fun flavors. No matter who will be cooking- a good meal will be had! (Let's just be real... Jim plans on cooking most nights and Laurie will be happy to do the dishes!).