1- Our Story Begins

Some years we've made a big deal out of our anniversary.  Others have been simple but memorable.  Last year was rough.  Our anniversary came and went without so much as a blink.  It was painful.  And frightening.  Like all couples, the past 18 years have seen us through many ups and downs, but surviving 2016 was nothing short of a miracle.  As the date of our 18th wedding anniversary approaches, we are humbled and grateful as we reflect back on our relationship with new light and hope.  

Several years ago, I attempted to answer the question of how we met in story format.  We decided to do something similar this year to help us reflect once again on the early moments of our relationship.  Since the story is written from my perspective, I promised to give Marcos free reign to add any comments he wants without editing them.  YIKES!

1- OUR STORY BEGINS

Fall is my favorite season!  I love the anxiety and excitement of a new school year, especially when you're in college and have some say over your future - new classes, new teachers, new friends, new possibilities. My story with Marcos started as an average, ordinary Wednesday on campus in the Fall of 1997. I was diligently trekking up the stairs of the Union Building (UB) heading for my afternoon orchestra class. Weber State was in the process of remodeling the Browning Center (fine arts' building) so we got moved to the Ballroom of the UB for a few years (not exactly what you'd call good acoustics, but we made it work). I also happened to be a pledge of LaDianaeda, a local sorority at Weber State. Wednesday was "letters" day, when all Greeks on campus wore their letters and had meetings and activities. With violin in hand and my LD sweatshirt tied around my waist, I headed up the stairway of the UB. Halfway up, I heard someone yell out
"Hey, Maria!" 
I looked around trying to identifying the owner of the voice, but could not for the life of me see anyone I knew.  Sensing my frustration and rescuing me in the midst of discomfort, Sherice (a girl from my sorority) finally called out from the chairs below,
"Don't worry, Maria. It's just my friend Marcos."  
Huh?  Why in the world is this dude calling out my name?  
"Oh, okay.  Hey!  What's up?" 
I waved, gave an awkward half-grin and walked to my class.
What the...what? That was weird.

Two days later, I was studying outside the Greek offices on the other side of the UB. Let me preface this by saying there were at least 50 other people hanging out or studying in the same area. And remember, I'm one of the new girls - I was still a pledge. My best friend, Lisa, was there but other than that, I was just getting to know most of these people. I didn't notice as Marcos approached me and leaned on the arm of my chair.  I turned to see who was there just in time to hear,
"Hey baby! You want to go out sometime?" 
*Blush* Who is this guy?  Seriously!! How embarrassing. How many people just heard that lame come-on? 
I attempted to hide my face, which I'm guessing resembled a tomato at that point, while I muttered,
"Um, no thanks.  I'm good." 
 Persisting despite my obvious humiliation, he continues,
"Okay, yeah.  I totally get it. You don't even know me. But you know Sherice. She's in your sorority. We could double with Sherice and her boyfriend, Danny, sometime."
With a look of complete shock on my face, I manage to somehow say no once again.

Sensing an opportunity, one of my sorority sisters quickly slips into the conversation and blurts out,
"I'll go out with you!" 
Oh my heck!! Could this moment be any more public?

Marcos Says...

Yes!!!  This is pretty much how it happened!  I saw a beautiful girl that I wanted to meet and I just went for it!  Nuts right???  But when you like someone, who cares??

Letters' Day

A typical Wednesday hanging with Lisa

LaDianaeda

Just to give you an idea of the number of people hanging around the Greek offices when Marcos decided to make his move (plus there were people from other sororities and fraternities everywhere)

Mr Rico Suave himself!!