Our Chemistry clicked when we first met...

This is the statement that Cheryl refuses to let me use to describe how we met. But hey, if I type it here and everyone knows about it... I may not need to verbally say it again! :-) This entry is birthed because I think it will be nice to highlight the part of our story that is less known to most.

Cheryl and I met in Materials Chemistry. I had noticed that she was a course mate that never really sat at the back of the room because she really knew her stuff... I on the other hand, took the class because there wasn't any other subject available for that semester to make up the units needed. Note: I did fail that subject - But managed to get a fiancee out of it... so that was no big loss!

Cheryl for some reason always hung out at the Students' Association of UC, a place I worked at for a stint during that semester. She loved the Women's Room. Supposedly it was to avoid a 'boy' friend who really liked her (I guess I won!). Anyway, the 'how we did got together' bit was when I was late for a lab one day and our lecturer Ian, made me work with Cheryl and her lab partner. Now her reputation in the class was amazing. She could be the last to start the lab but always the first to finish. So I thought, great! I can do this and get out quickly. How wrong I was... :( That day, we were last that day and she nearly killed me because of it. Well, after that I started working with her in our weekly lab sessions. Soon, I decided even to take her out to a movie, on the hunch that this could turn into something. The first movie I took her to was Phonebooth. (Note to all guys... NOT THE BEST FILM to take a potential girlfriend to see).

On other occasions, I took her around Canberra, to attractions like the War Memorial, Questacon etc. Here is the kicker... I drive an auto car. Once, we parked along Lake Burley Griffin, took a stroll and when we wanted to leave, my car wouldn't start. I made several attempts but the car stayed silent. I rang NRMA for help and after a 1.5hour wait, the guy came. With all his gear in hand, he checked the parts under the hood out. Batteries were fine, he told me.

Then he asked, 'So... How do you usually start the car?'
I thought to myself, what an odd question.
So I told him, 'Open the door, get in and start the car...'
He then said, 'You obviously don't check if you are in the right gear do you?'
Cheryl's first reaction was, 'Oh my goodness...'

It was from that day that I knew we would get along really well. Chemistry was happening! Since that event, I saw her pretty much every day. Once, I even made her wake up at 6am to take her to an airport so that she could meet Monica.

We've been emailling, smsing and racking up high phone bills ever since. Many ask what is the secret to a long distance relationship. Our answer: Honesty and being open about EVERYTHING. Yes, the girl may sometimes put herself in a shell but if we guys have the patience to push and probe, we can work through everything together.

So that's how we met. We still have debates as to the first day we started going out but we know it's either the 21st or the 24th. That's good enough! :)

No pictures this time...

Alex

Memorable Quote from the Guy's point of view... :-)

"I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly without complexities or pride. I love you because I know no other way then this. So close that your hand, on my chest, is my hand. So close, that when you close your eyes, I fall asleep." - Patch Adams

This is the quote that somewhat describes my love for Cheryl. My love for her has no complexities or pride, I love her so much without knowing how, when or from where. I am so glad I met this girl. A girl that is letting me be me and a girl that I am so in love with to the extent that her hand on my chest is my hand...

My birthday was yesterday. Yes, I am a year older. But I pass this birthday knowing that another chapter of my life will begin when we settle down. My first birthday with my wife is going to be next year and it is something I am looking forward to... so very much!

Being put in a position where I had to propose twice to my love, I realise that we now have many stories to tell our kids, and their kids. I mean, who in their lifetime actually gets two wedding proposals when they are getting married for the first time? :-)

Ironically the movie Hitch is on at the moment but let's just say I didn't use any of it's tactics to win over this girl...! :)

Nice Love Quotes

I found one of my favourite quotes today. I read this somewhere before and only managed to commit parts of it to memory. So I'm immortalizing it here to be used by everyone if such a need arises.

I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you for the part of me that you bring out.
-Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Here is another which I find is so true for Alex and I. It speaks to us because of our experience with a long distance relationship.

In true love the smallest distance is too great, and the greatest distance can be bridged.
-Hans Nouwens


cheryl