My "Sole-Mate"

It's Valentine's Day and although we don't partake in this "holiday" like most couples, I thought I would at least share the story of how Angela and I met and fell in L-O-V-E.   I also thought it would be a good opportunity to demonstrate how same-sex couples are just couples, like everyone else.  So if you didn't know any couples like us before, now you do. 

So, it all began one December day in the iced over city of Chicago.  I was in the midst of the daily grind at AthletiCo Physical Therapy when this tan blonde walked through the door.  She was greeted by the staff with hugs and excitement.  It turns out she had just returned from a grad-school internship at the National Training Center in Florida.  She also worked for AthletiCo and was returning after a few months in the sunshine state.  She reminded me of a surfer chick and I was instantly drawn to her.  We were introduced twice and the second time I giggled like a schoolgirl. Her names was Angela.

I wanted to talk to her and hear her story.  I did whatever it took.  Sometimes I even yelled across the clinic just to have a conversation.  We talked about our favorite books, fitness and running.  One day she was assigned the arduous task of boxing up charts from the previous year.  This girl had her masters degree and she was being completely underutilized.  I asked if I could assist her; after all 2 sets of hands are better than one. 

We spent hours working and laughing.  Some co-workers even mentioned that we "hit it off" as friends.   Little did they know...

We decided to go out for sushi at Coast, a fantastic sushi bar in my neighborhood.  In Chicago, you can bring your own wine, so we brought 3 bottles for 2 people.  Totally against the rules, but maybe I was slightly nervous.  We sat at Coast for 3 whole hours until they kicked us out.  I didn't want her to go home just yet.  I was having way too much fun.  I dragged her to a bar to dance and have a few more drinks.  Then they kicked us out too.  We then resorted to a 4am bar down the block.  Go ahead and guess.  We stayed until they closed their doors too.  It was now 4am and I still wasn't ready for the night to end.  So we went back to my tiny little Chicago abode and hung out listening to music until we finally fell asleep.

Since that day, we were joined at the hip.  That truly is the end of the story and the beginning of our life together.  We found such joy in running together, reading together and talking about our aspirations.  We shared the same love for neighborhood coffee shops and bookstores.  We spent months together in our little bubble of love.  We were both dreamers.  A move to San Diego was even talked about on our first date!  Less than a year later, we were here. 

Angela brought so much love and joy into my life when I was least expecting it.  Her love taught me how to love myself.  It may sound cheesy, but it's absolutely true.  In no time, I became comfortable with myself and my inner critic was starting to sound more like a cheerleader.  I think this had a lot to do with spending time with someone so clearheaded and optimistic.  She has the healthiest mindset and body image of any woman I have ever known.  Angela is a truly beautiful person.  I tell her constantly how lucky I feel to have her in my life.  I am grateful I was born this way.

Happy Valentine's Day to the most amazing woman I have ever met. 

You are my "sole-mate" and there is no one I'd rather run around this crazy world with.  :) 

XOXO