It is our anniversary today.

Seven years ago Renee and I got married in Mexico. We think about that trip often. Not just because of our special day, but it was a great time with lots of family and friends.

In total, I think we have been together around 12 years. We dated for 3 years in our early twenties. And then she decided she could do better and moved on… 🙂
Six years went by with us both having significant relationships in that time period. We did keep in touch periodically though.
In 2004, Renee had been living in Austria and had come home for a visit – with some intention she may not go back. By the summer of 2004 we were both newly single and started very casually hanging out again. In October 2004, I convinced Renee to come with me to a friend’s Mexican wedding. For those that were on that trip, you will remember Renee leaning out the cab yelling “its a good thing were not dating!” when the girls caught us at a the ladies club for stag night. It was pretty funny, but we officially starting dating the next day!
Dated for year and then we took a trip Montreal where I proposed to her. That was the most nervous I have been in my entire life. We had gone to a restaurant in Old Montreal (Gibby’s) and I had the ring in my coat. No problem, this would be fine I thought. Except there was a coat check at the front. I panicked. A) How do I get the ring out of my coat and into my pants. B) How do a HIDE this box in my black dress slacks without getting noticed. Well I got it into my pants without incident. I actually had to check the ring with my coat and then fake a bathroom visit to get it back. With the box being in my front pocket, I had to keep my hands in front awkwardly at all times. Not only that, we were in the lounge first which was nicely decorated with those big sink in chairs that automatically pushed your hips out to expose said ring. I did manage to tuck my chair under the table enough to hide it. But it wasn’t ideal and I was VERY stressed.
Thankfully, when we went for dinner there was a table cloth which allowed me to relax a little for our dinner. Table cloth = Hidden lap. We had a great meal and then at dessert, Renee went to the bathroom, I hid it under her napkin and she said yes. We were married just over a year later.

So, happy anniversary wife. I love you.
Dan