Jul 19, 2010

Happy Birthday



It's Ashlee's Birthday today and whenever her birthday comes it always reminds me of about three years ago when I took Ash on what I considered our first date. I had known Ashlee for a few months, we met at Pizza Factory where we both worked. We had spent some time outside of work but not nearly enough by my watch. In spite of the limited time we spent together, I was already absolutely crazy about her. I would attempt to find any excuse I could to see her. I wouldn't be surprised if my hours doubled during the time she worked with me. I was dying to take her out so I used the excuse of her birthday to get me a date. One day after our shifts were over I asked her If she wanted to go to dinner to celebrate her birthday. I asked almost expecting an excuse to why she couldn't go, it was nothing short of impossible to get her to commit to one night, but to my surprise she said yes.

We planned on going to dinner on a Saturday. I remember I went on an overnight fishing trip to fish lake with my friends that weekend, and we were planning on coming back the Saturday of our date. I don't think I thought about anything but taking Ashlee out the entire time I was out fishing. Saturday afternoon came and I couldn't help pack up fast enough. I had so much anxiety about not making it home in time and missing out on my chance to spend the night with Ashlee, I was willing to start hitchhiking my way home if we weren't able to leave that campground on time. You had never seen someone pack as up as fast as I did that afternoon. Luckily, I think my friends could see my sense of panic and we were able to leave the lake on time.

After I made it home from camping I got all cleaned up for the night and I moved onto my next step of preparation.. a lot of nervous pacing. I thought this night was my chance to let Ashlee see just how much I liked her and things would really take off. After my vigorous pacing session I went over and picked Ash up from her house. I still remember two things very clearly... As cliche as it to say.. I still remember what she was wearing and how she looked (black and white striped shirt and incredible)... but what I recall just as clearly is looking in her house and seeing just how many bouquets of flowers were sitting in there. I found this very troubling at the time (I was also a little troubled with the amount of Captain Jack Sparrow memorabilia in her room, it was already hard enough to win Ash over without including fictional characters.) I knew I had competition, but I underestimated just how much. After that the night was a blur it went by way too quick like any night with a pretty girl does and it was capped off with a hug as I said goodbye. I spent the night lying in bed wishing i could spend every night like that. The funny thing is that night didn't make things "take off" for us, it wasn't until about two years later that we started dating. But, this is the night I can't help but think of when Ash's birthday rolls around.

Today is supposed to be the day I spend spoiling Ash, but more than anything else today serves as a reminder to me how spoiled I am to be able to call her my wife. I couldn't imagine someone more perfect for me. You have no idea how happy it made me to leave her some flowers on the kitchen table and know they were the only bouquet I had to worry about.

8 comments:

missy said...

Happy Birthday Ashlee. I can't believe it was about 14 years ago that we became friends. And I can't wait to keep sharing birthdays with you. You're the best. And I hope your day was wonderful. You deserve it.

This is the sweetest thing I've ever read. Nick you are amazing to Ashlee, and if you weren't I'd beat you up. hehe. I'm so happy you two have found each other.

Anonymous said...

Okay, that was the cutest thing I have ever read!! You two are such a sweet couple!

Happy Birthday Ashlee!

Whitney Bonnett Taylor said...

You two are so cute and perfect for each other! Good thing the PF brought you together!
Happy Birthday Ashley!!!! You look gorgeous in this picture!
I watched your wedding video by the way.. love it!

Erin said...

Geez Nick that almost made me cry. You guys are so cute!

Terry said...

Happy Birthday Ash, You are a wonderful daughter and have always been the light of my life. Nick you are not only a great son in law but a fabulous writer. Thank you for loving my sweet daughter and being so good to her. She is a lucky girl. YOu are a lucky boy. love to both of you
mom

Heather said...

Alright, that's adorable!!

djzmcallister said...

I love the plate wall

Anonymous said...

That made me cry. That's the most adorable sentimental thing I ever read! Happy Birthday Ashlee!!!