Part 1: How to meet a marriage material guy in a bar...

Six years ago today, the Wednesday before Memorial Day, was the day that I met my future husband.  (Yes I am talking about Matt.  If I were not, then this would be all kinds of scandalous.)  Matt loves to tell people that we met in a bar, on Ladies Night nonetheless, but I prefer to say that we met in the bar area of an otherwise family restaurant, that happened to have good drink specials on Wed nights.  I was there with a group of girlfriends and Matt was with some fellow baseball player buddies.  I was wearing my very cute off-the-shoulder pink top and favorite Lucky jeans.  Neither fits anymore, but I just can't part with them.  Here's the ironic part....

I was actually dating a guy that worked there at the time.  He knew we were coming in that night so he placed a "Reserved" sign on a table for us.  It just so happens that this table was right next to the table where Matt and his buddies were sitting.  Stupid move #1: Never put your sort-of girlfriend at a table next to a bunch of cute baseball players who are likely on the prowl.  Conversation between our tables ensued.  I believe it began over some question about peanut butter??  In all honesty, I was really crushing on this guy I was dating and was not particularly interested in bantering with my new friends.  My very single girlfriends on the other hand were thoroughly enjoying themselves.  I do remember Matt....he was wearing an orange Polo and was the less obnoxious more quiet one and like me, was not drinking....

At some point I got up to use the restroom and left my purse sitting at the table because my girlfriends were still sitting there.  Well I guess after I walked off, they got up too, leaving my purse all alone.  Matt noticed this and decided it was a prime opportunity.  He grabbed my purse and held on to it till I came back.... 

Matt: "I thought I better hold this for you to make sure no one took it."
Leanne: "Well it looks like someone did take it."
Matt: "Yes but I was keeping it safe."
Leanne: "How do I know you are safe?"
Matt: "Trust me, I am."

Conversation went on for a little bit longer.  Then his buddies and my girlfriends came back to the table and were discussing going back to the guys' condo to GET IN THE HOT TUB.  Ummm, no thanks.  I just met you guys and I barely even talked to you.  I am not going to no hot tub.  After some back and forth I convinced them that hot tub time machine was not happening.  We were about to walk out when one of the guys came up to me and said that he knows I just met him (talking about Matt), but he really thinks we would hit it off and could he have my # to give to Matt because he knew Matt would never have the you-know-what to ask me.  Totally out of my character, but I gave him my #....

Approximately 5 minutes later, Matt called me from the car....to see if we were coming to the hot tub.

Lessons learned:
1. Not all guys in bars are obnoxious drunks that want to bring you home to their hot tub
2. Most of them are
3. Even the ones that are completely chivalrous and sober still want to bring you home to the hot tub


Our very 1st picture together.  We look so young.  And tan.

Check back tomorrow for Part 2 of this all consuming love story...