Anniversary

One year ago today, I climbed into my car and headed south on I-71. I was wearing ripped cargo jeans, a soft white t-shirt, and an old denim jacket. I had to text for directions once or twice, but eventually ended up on Skyline Drive in a southern suburb of Louisville. I chatted with Sarah and her brother for a bit. Met his girl at the time. Got poked by a cat. Eventually, we retired. We slept fully clothed, despite the fact that neither of us were accustomed to doing so. It was the first date.

Aaron's relationship has gone. So have most of the others I knew of back then. Sarah and I are still going strong. There's no reason to believe that'll change. A few people have tried to end it, I think. Drama has come up and been ignored. I have driven thousands of miles, tracing the road from here to Louisville so many times that I can see it in my head when I close my eyes. I can say, to the minute, when I'll arrive in her driveway or mine.

We've had many experiences. I've shown Sarah minigolf and concerts, Ben Folds and the love of automobiles. Sarah has exposed me to techno and the value of Little Caesar's. We almost never fight; if something is awry, it's talked over. Perspectives are shared and compromises made. We bicker about silly things to pass the time, but it always ends in a smile.

I've watched a lot go wrong in the last twelve months. Most of the relationships I've seen have gone. The economy seems to have just bottomed out and may finally be on the road to recovery. I shivered through a cold winter and learned a lot about life the hard way. It's been good to know that I have someone to share the bad times with. It's good to know that I can send a text and have my day improved.

I've rather enjoyed the last year. I can see no reason why it'll be the only one. I used to deny vehemently that I'd ever find someone I was really happy with. I'd always be single. Relationships were not for me. Besides, what girl would stoop to my level?

I was wrong. I've come to accept that. I was wrong and I'm happy that it was so conclusively shown.

I'm making that drive again tonight after work. A year is a very long time, but it seems like only a month ago that I was merging onto I-65, asking for a few last directions. It's been good.
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Now playing on iTunes: Ben Folds - The Luckiest
via FoxyTunes