The Wonder of 13

Many people feel strongly about the number 13.  For me, the feelings are stronger than most. Of course, it didn't start that way.

On Friday, April 13, 2007, a lovely, nervous young man took me to dinner at a sushi restaurant. We'd never been there before.  We had a lovely time, but it was sort of a weird dinner.  I got the feeling this hottie I'd been dating for six months was a little uneasy.  We paid and went outside, where it was dark and raining and then and there the number 13 became a ridiculously important and significant part of my life.

Yes, the most wonderful man asked me to marry him on what many would consider the most unfortunate of dates.

Luckily for us, we don't believe in luck.  We also married on Friday the 13th and now celebrate every Friday the 13th as it arrives on the calendar.

Today is not a Friday but it is the 4th anniversary of the day I started wearing my favorite piece of jewelry. I've never been a jewelry gal but I can't imagine not wearing this ring.  It's like my special link to that special day.  Four years ago I had no idea we'd be where we are today.  But I'm really lucky the hottie asked me to marry him.  I don't have a picture of the day we got engaged but here's a photo from that winter.

I love so many things about this man, but one of my favorite current qualities is his deep desire to be a great dad.  We baby-sat for friends to get some experience last weekend, and look who was a natural.

Here's to my husband, for taking a chance on a crazy.

Thank Heavens for Friday!

Wow! This week has been so great, but I don't think my body could handle much more. I am completely worn out from work and kids club. How fun! Tonight we conclude kids club. Without unforseen rain, we should have a fun time outside with stations for the kids and their families to enjoy each others' company. Eric and I will be serving world foods. It should be a great place to make contact with lots of families.

I had a touching moment yesterday. I had a woman come apologize to me for a comment that she had made earlier. This comment was something that upset me a little at the time, but I had moved on and not really thought about it. She pulled me aside to make a formal apology, and it really touched my heart. I had read the verses in Matthew tons of times about being speedy to reconsile yourself to your neighbor and always thought that meant in BIG cases with HUGE disputes. But the kindness this woman showed and the good example she set by apologizing for something so small really had a big impact on me. It made me think about how powerful our words are and how carefully I should guard my tongue and keep all of my words in check. It was just a beautiful moment for me.

Today is a big day at work. We officially decided to stop taking applications for fall. We are already hearing plenty of comments, but I ultimately think it is a good decision. I am anxious to see how it is represented by those not in the MU community.

One last comment... I'm all over the place today... it's Friday the 13th! For some people, this may conjur up ideas of fear or superstition. For me, it is a day of love and tradition. Eric and I got engaged on a Friday the 13th, married on a different Friday the 13th, and have officially decided that Friday the 13th is our day. We celebrate the love we share on this very special day! We are planning to have dinner tonight after Kids Club to celebrate our special day.

Here's to Friday the 13th!