Howdy n' hello!

I remember meeting Michaela at a theater function. I’d taken improv classes with her then-boyfriend, and they introduced us. She was a vision: Striking blonde, with expressive, green eyes, wearing bright red lipstick. I thought to myself seeing her, this is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. In my memory, she said “hello” in a way that only a very impressive, interesting person would say “hello.” We talked only for a bit, but it was memorable. She was so smart, and so funny, such a spectacular person. I was thinking about her as I took the train home that night, wondering if I’d ever see her again. Months later, Michaela invited me to a staged reading of her play. I walked 40 minutes on the day of that show (long walks, good for nerves), and was one of the first people to arrive. She looked surprised to see me there. I didn’t want to be intrusive - I knew she was seeing someone, and I really had come because I thought the reading would be exciting. I was also extremely taken by her, TRUE. But I thought, based on our first conversation, the show had a high chance of rocking. The show DID rock. I met with Michaela many times over 2016 - always under the guise of talking about something art-related. She’s wonderful to talk to - smart, funny, but when something stinks she’s not afraid to throw shade. Every time I got to see her was such a huge thrill. When Maggie told me that she had broken up with her boyfriend, I think I had to put my phone down and take some deep breaths. I felt like I’d been smacked in the head. NOW IS YOUR ONLY CHANCE, YOU ARE GOING TO ASK HER OUT. Weeks later, we went to see a play. Afterward, we went to her favorite dive. As we crossed the street, I kissed her. I almost got hit by a car. She asked me “So how long have you felt this way?” From the moment I saw her. I was in love with her then, and I love her more every day. Since we’ve been together, I’ve never felt happier in my life.

We met through the person I was seeing at the time. Oops. We were both seeing a show called 50 Shades of Shakespeare, in which our dear friend (and bridesmaid) Shaina was performing. He had long hair and big blue eyes which were alight with passion, veracity, and interesting ideas. I waited a month or so to add him on Facebook. I didn’t want to seem overeager and uncool, okay! We saw each other occasionally around town as we have mutual friends and interests. Every time I saw him was absolutely thrilling. But I was dating someone. I invited him to a staged reading of a play I wrote in October 2016. He showed up early I remember looking at him and thinking, “Uh oh, I’m in trouble.” Woooof, how to describe the vision before me at that moment? Looking like a real punk: long hair, tattered jean jacket, worn black cowboy boots, flashing his unbelievable smile, with those gorgeous eyes. How could anyone be that good-looking and still be that kind, brilliant, and hilarious? It remains a mystery. Oh, at that moment, I was a goner. We would occasionally meet for drinks to talk about this project or that, and I was always struck by how easy it was to talk to him. We delighted in the same things and could talk for hours and hours about any weird little thing. I had never felt so comfortable simply being myself. We finally went on an official date and had our first kiss across the street from Keenan O’Reily’s, the best bar in Chicago. It’s true, he did almost walk into oncoming traffic after he kissed me. We have been together ever since, and I’m frankly at a loss for words to describe how wonderful it’s been. It’s been an absolute blast. Even on the darkest days, we belly laugh. He continues to surprise and amaze me. I love him more than I ever thought possible, and I love him more and more every day. My beautiful spaceman, beloved father to our two kitty girls, my future husband.