NEW WEST CREW

Three years ago today I asked Jess LeClair if she wanted to “make this official”. We’d been dating, for all intents and purposes, for about a month prior to this, but I really didn’t want to be in a relationship. I still can’t believe she put up with that. She stuck it out with me while I fence sat. I knew I liked her, but I’d had some bad experiences recently and the idea of a relationship was kind of scary. What changed my mind, and forced my head to align with my heart, was something pretty basic actually. I had to work a weekend OT shift, and I was grumpy and felt kinda shitty and had plans to hang out at her place when I got off work. Normally, I’d bail on plans if I’m having a bad day but all I could think was “man, I can’t wait to get off work so I can hang out with this girl”. When I got to her place I immediately felt better. At this point, I had this realization of “don’t be stupid, you can’t let a girl that makes you feel like this go!”. So I asked her. She was playing Mario Kart (on SNES if you’re curious), and it took a second to register what I’d said but as soon as she realized what I’d asked she said yes. The decision to ask her out ranks as one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Three years later I’m still crazy about her. I don’t know what I did to luck into such a patient, caring, loving partner.

Jess, I love you and I’m so happy we’re together.