Meeting Derek

Every girls dream is for her Prince Charming to sweep her off her feet, right? Love at first sight, maybe? Neither of these were the case when I met Derek. Let's take a trip back to 1997.

Do any of you remember Discovery Zone? It was a building filled with tubes for kids to climb thorough, ball pits for them to get crazy in, and games where they could win tickets. This is where I worked my junior and senior year of high school. It was fun and I made enough money to make my car payment and have a little extra cash on the side. It had to have been around August when I walked into work and saw him. He sat in a chair and stared at me, not saying two words. A hello would have been nice, but no, he just stared. I took this as him being arrogant and decided at that moment that I would have nothing to do with him. It was a good thing that I had my best friend, Emily, there working with me and backing my decision to be a completely rude to him. It was a great thing that I had her there when I decided he was the most amazing guy I had ever met. Funny how that happens, right? Remember in high school how your best friend would call the guy you liked and ask him if he liked you? Emily called Derek to see what his answer would be if I asked him to homecoming. Of course, he knew I was right there with her listening on the phone. He told Em that he'd say yes. In the next few days, I mustered up the courage and asked Derek to come to my senior year homecoming with me. He told me he was busy that night. I wanted to cry. I called him a bad word. He stood there laughing. Then he wrapped his arms around me, told me he was kidding, and said that he would love to be my date.

October 3rd, 1997...our first date.

People said we'd never make it. We were way too different to last. I say we were up for the challenge.

“Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew. They are what make the instrument stretch-what make you go beyond the norm."

Siblings

 To the outside world we all grow old.  But not to brothers and sisters.  We know each other as we always were.  We know each others hearts.  We share private family jokes.  We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys.  We live outside the touch of time.  ~Clara Ortega

I think that one of the greatest bonds you can share is that with your siblings. I am fortunate enough to have a sister and a brother. My relationship with each always has been and always will be different. Let's start with my sister.

Growing up, Ange and I loved each other more than anything, but when we didn't get along...boy...we truly didn't get along. The latter moments lasted just that...moments. We knew everything about each other...stuff mom and dad would never believe. As we got older we realized how lucky we were to have each other. Having a sister means always having someone there to tell your deepest, darkest secrets to. It means that no matter what happens, there's always going to be someone right there next to you, holding your hand. If there's ever a time that you feel the whole world's against you and you have no one left, your sister will always be there. At least that's what having a sister means to me. I know that no matter how near or far, my sis will always have my back.

"A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life."  ~Isadora James

Brothers are a little different...especially when they're younger. I think as females, our maternal instincts just naturally kick in and we feel the need to protect them. From the moment my brother came home those instincts kicked in for me. Peter would wake me up every weekend before even thinking of waking up my parents. I never got mad. Instead, I'd get up, make him breakfast, and watch cartoons with him until everyone else was awake. Sometimes I miss those weekend mornings with my little brother. Although he may never admit it, I know that he misses them too.

 "Brother and sister, together as friends, ready to face whatever life sends. Joy and laughter or tears and strife, holding hands tightly as we dance through life."

 

Big Fat Greek Family

I grew up in a BIG FAT GREEK family! I'm sure most of you have watched the movie and can only guess how crazy life was. Some of my fondest memories are of my cousins...there were a few. Most of them males. So, you can only imagine the torture and torment my sister and I went through. We learned at a very young age that if we were going to hang with these boys, we had to be tough. This probably has a lot to do with the independent, strong-willed, and outspoken woman we are today. But...I wouldn't trade it for anything. I LOVE my cousins. Each and every one of them has left an impression in my life and hold a very special place in my heart.