Thursday, March 31, 2016

Reason I Love Tyler #30

Tyler is Handsy

By now you know that Tyler and I met at work. But what you don't know is that he was told by his boss (after seeing me during my interview and asking her to hire me) to not sexually harass me. She wasn't joking. She must have seen that wolfish look in his eye. I'm sure she was imagining a possible lawsuit.

I was eventually hired, much to Tyler's delight. In our first few hours of work we learned that the other was single and from there it was on like Donkey Kong. Tyler pummeled me with questions. I have never been asked so many personal questions in such a quick succession in all my life. I could tell he was interested in me, which was kosher because I was interested in him. The questions weren't sexual, per se, but they were personal and therefore slightly inappropriate coming from my supervisor at my brand new job. Luckily, I wanted his attentions. Because if I didn't, forms would have been filled out, believe you me.

Things progressed. And then he really did sexually harass me, just not at work. (We were actually quite good at keeping our hands to ourselves, now that I think about it.) On our first pre-date we took a walk which ended up being a walk in the rain. I was still uncertain about things, so I wore a very crappy holy pair of jeans to "turn him off". However, these jeans showed off my skin and had the opposite effect. I didn't think my legs were anything special then, so I didn't get it. After getting soaked on our walk, Tyler and I sat in his car and talked. He touched my legs through the giant holes like he couldn't help himself. I liked it. I felt irresistible. On our next non-date, I actually dared to enter Tyler's apartment where we sat on his couch and his hands roamed all over me. I loved the way he touched me. I loved being fondled by him. I loved how handsy he was, and said so.

Tyler is still handsy to this day, and it's naturally progressed. I know any time I bend over or have my posterior sticking out, I'm going to get spanked or pinched or grabbed or goosed. I've just come to expect it. And it's awesome. It's awesome to have someone so attracted to me that he can't help himself. Sometimes we'll be lying in bed and it only takes him touching my legs to get him excited. (I still don't think my legs are all that and a bag of chips, but he seems to fancy them, so woo hoo!) I love that he can express his love and desire with just a graze of his fingertips. Or a hard smack on the ass. I like 'em both.

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Reason I Love Tyler #11

Tyler Cured Me of My Only Child Syndrome (Basically)

One of the greatest things about being an only child is having your own room. You always have privacy. All your toys are yours. Sharing is an occasional imposition, but if you like the friend/cousin who wants to play with your Barbies, you know it's only a matter of hours before they are all yours again. I was nice to my visiting friends and let them play with my Barbies without pouting. But I always felt a huge amount of relief when the slumber party was over and everything was MINE again.

As I got older and stopped playing with toys, I was only sharing my time. That I could handle. But when college rolled around, I was told as a freshman that I would have to have a roommate or pay an extra buttload of money. I figured I could handle nine months of sharing a room.

I got out alive, but it was not something I ever wanted to do again. After that, I shared living suites and an apartment, but I always had my own bedroom. It kept me sane. I didn't live on my own until I was 24. After college, I returned home to live with my parents while my mother was sick. I couldn't find a job for the longest time, but when I did several months later, my dream of living alone was finally turning to reality.

I loved living alone. I loved that everything in my apartment was mine. No one else's. Mine. I loved that I got to pick out my pillowcases and shower curtain and where to put all the furniture. MINE! MINE! MINE! With each passing day, I believed I would never be able to live with someone ever again. And I was fine with that. These only child tendencies made it easier for me to accept that I would never be in a serious relationship, or if I ever was (HAHAHA) I probably wouldn't live with the guy, because there is no one I could imagine wanting to spend that much time with.

I bet you know where this is going...

Once Tyler and I became involved, we did not go a day without seeing each other. It just didn't feel right. In the beginning, we didn't spend every night together though. Tyler had to get used to sleeping next to someone and then, depending on our work schedules, I would stay with him until he was asleep and then I would go home. Eventually it became the norm for us to spend every night together, unless one of us had to get up extra early. In time that didn't even matter any more. I don't even remember the last time I went to sleep without Tyler being under the same roof as I. (Sometimes he plays video games in the next room when I have to get up early the next day.)

All right, fine. That's just sleep. A lot of people can't sleep alone. It's perfectly plausible for me to hang out at my apartment until bed time. But I don't want to. I want to be wherever Tyler is whenever I can be. (So basically, all the time except when we're at work or in the bathroom.)

I never thought I would feel this way about anybody. In my wildest dreams where I had a serious boyfriend, I imagined us renting both sides of a duplex so we could have our own kitchen, bathroom, etc. We could be together when we wanted and apart when we wanted. What I have with Tyler is so much better than that. I still think my duplex idea would be the best way for some couples to function, but not me anymore.

So Tyler and I are getting married which means nothing will be mine anymore. It will be ours. Even my box of tampons will be ours, legally. When I choose future pillowcases and shower curtains and where to put the furniture, I will need to at least ask for Tyler's input. This is something I have been processing since the word "marriage" was first uttered. And because Tyler is so wonderful, it wasn't that hard of a process.

Will I need an hour of alone time every now and then? Of course. Will I want to decorate one of the bathrooms to my taste? Probably. Will Tyler have issue with either of these? No. Which is why I know I'm marrying the right man.

Monday, March 28, 2016

Reason I Love Tyler #18

Tyler Gets Along With My Family

I first introduced Tyler to my parents back in October of last year. Due to our schedules--all of our schedules--it was inconvenient and so it kept being put off. However, my Aunt Susan was getting married on Halloween and I invited Tyler to the overnight festivities. My parents were going to be there. They were going to be at the same wedding where their only daughter would be sharing a room and a bed with her boyfriend, whom they had never met before. That had to change and fast.

I didn't have any worries. Tyler is a personable, charming guy and he would come off well to anyone. He's just that type of person. However, my parents are...unique. My father is your typical "no-one-is-good-enough-for-my-daughter" dad and my mother watches so much Dateline and 20/20 that she thinks the majority of men just want to sell me into white slavery. So I was anxious, not worried.

Also, I had never introduced a boyfriend to my parents before, so there was no precedent of how they would react or what kinds of questions they would rain down on him. But they were kind and Tyler held his own. Everything went off without a hitch. Once my mom realized Tyler wasn't a serial killer, she was sold. I've always known my dad would prefer that I be with someone with the same exact interests as him so he could have "the son he never had" at long last. But that wasn't going to happen. Tyler and my dad have enough common ground to make for family unity.

Tyler had seen my parents exactly three times before he proposed. Since then, we have seen them two more times. My dad said he wants me to be happy and safe and he thinks I will be with Tyler. If that's all he cares about, then he should have absolutely no worries.

As for my extended family, Tyler met most of my dad's side at Aunt Susan's wedding--redneck cousins, pothead cousins, felon cousins, thrice divorced aunts. He met my mom's side this Easter weekend--where everyone has only been married once and is still with that person. Cousins are begetting more cousins in wedded bliss. Tyler did exceptionally well with both sides despite their extreme differences. My grandmother took to him right away and told me before I left that he was a keeper. Don't I know it, Granny.

Tyler took on meeting everyone with gusto, which I very much appreciate since I've seen the alternative in my father dragging his feet before every Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. My family is important to me and since Tyler will be a part of it, it is also important that he feel welcomed just like his family welcomed me. I think he does. I look forward to all the coming family events with Tyler at my side.

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Reason I Love Tyler #89

I think it's time for a silly one.

Tyler Closes His Eyes When He Brushes His Teeth

I don't think this is a common practice. Out of my immediate family, best friends, fellow slumber party attendees, summer camp bunkmates, and the bevy of roommates I've had over the years, I have never encountered anyone who brushes their teeth with their eyes closed.

I noticed Tyler doing this curious act early on. When I asked him about it, he said he did it because it's peaceful. Okay, my dear. Whatever you say. I've given it a try but it doesn't feel natural to me. Not look at myself in the mirror? WHAT!?

I know this one seems silly after all the recent Big Posts, but life boils down to a series of little moments. Last night, I watched Tyler brush his teeth with his eyes closed and I fell in love all over again. It makes him unique and it reminds me of what a special man I have. Never discount the quirks, folks.

Plus he looks so damn beautiful when he does it.

Friday, March 25, 2016

Reason I Love Tyler #38

When you grow up female, there are certain things that you spend hours imagining, fantasizing and designing. At the top of the list is The Wedding. I have known women who have their whole weddings planned down to every last detail. The only thing missing is the groom. His insertion will not disrupt the details. It will go on as planned. He hates classical music? Too bad. Here comes the bride to Canon in D. (Gah! Cliché!)

But some women dare to go even farther than that and plan out their ideal proposal. I was not one of these women because a proposal meant someone wanted to spend the rest of his life with me and that just wasn't going to happen. If I were so lucky, being asked would be enough. Who cared how it was done?

Tyler Nailed It When He Proposed to Me

I didn't know Tyler was going to propose to me on our vacation. There was a possibility. A strong possibility. There had been discussions about marriage. There had been fingers sized. I was meeting his family. He was turning 40. And while I knew a proposal was coming, that day could be in the distant future. I was not getting my hopes up. I was there to meet Tyler's family and see where he grew up. That was enough for me.

But not for him. His family knew he was planning on proposing and I'll admit they did a great job of not letting on. When he didn't do it on our first "just us" night out, they were freaking out. Me? I was Cucumber Girl, as in "cool-as-a". Even if I did suspect Tyler was going to ask me to marry him on this trip, it wasn't going to be on his actual birthday. He knew better than that.

The next day, however, it crossed my mind. A lot. I couldn't help it. (It could happen! It could happen! IT COULD HAPPEN!) March 11 was particularly windy and rainy for L.A., which I loved. Tyler and I spent the day driving around, going to Victoria's Secret where he watched me try on lingerie, taking me to Trader Joe's for the first time ever, and Target, which needs to be everywhere!

The wind continued and Tyler took me to the Redondo Beach Pier. The businesses were closing up early, so we returned to Manhattan Beach. We went into the mall which was closed, but the doors were unlocked. It was strange to be in such a quiet place that was normally swarming with people. Maybe he'll do it here? It's so weird...no? Okay, then. Let's go to dinner.

We went to California Pizza Kitchen who's frozen fair I've enjoyed for many years. It was a great casual dinner. I was wearing jeans and my Converse sneakers. It felt comfortable and right. I would be happy if it happened there.

When I was younger (re: dumb), I had it in my mind that I didn't want to see The Proposal coming. I wanted a complete surprise. I wanted to be blind-sided. Because I liked drama. But now that I am older (re: less dumb) and have the joy of being in an actual relationship, I know that's just not plausible or wise. You should have lots of discussions about marriage before anyone proposes. You should know your partner well enough to know something is up. Tyler had two mojitos. Something was up.

We returned to beach part of Manhattan Beach. It was still windy, yet Tyler and I were going out onto the pier. It was so windy, that we didn't dare walk to the end. Instead we climbed the connecting lifeguard station. We looked out on the ocean as he held me from behind. Eventually, he spoke, something to the effect of, "You know how I've been thinking about spending the rest of my life with you."
And I interrupted with "I've been thinking about that too."
"Would you like to make it official?"
"Yes."
"Well, turn around."
So I did. He took my hand and asked, "Jordyn Alice Auvil, will you be my wife?"
How could I not say yes? We kissed and I jumped up and down. Then he pulled the ring out of his pocket. I gushed about it for a while. Holy shit, is it beautiful! Finally, these strangers walked out onto the pier and I screamed at them, "I just got engaged!"

(Where the magic happened)

I only ever had one requirement: that Tyler and I be alone. Public proposals have always struck me as somewhat desperate and narcissistic.The dude either wants attention or is afraid she'll say no, so he puts her in this horrible pressured situation in front of millions of strangers at a sporting event or, even worse, his entire family at Christmas. I love Tyler for what he does, and I also love him for what he doesn't do.

The proposal was perfect because it was Tyler who did the proposing, and that is all you need to know.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Reason I Love Tyler #98

My biggest fear in life is being kidnapped and kept in someone's basement and then having to endure all the tortures that would most likely come with that. It could happen because it does happen. Please tell me you've seen Dateline. The chances of being possessed by a demon or haunted by a poltergeist or bit by a werewolf? Impossible, because that shit isn't real. I have a legit phobia.

I'm also afraid of fucking moths.

Tyler Kills All the Moths That Come Near Me

I can squash my own spiders just fine, but moths...moths are creepy. Moths want to land on your face with their big powdery wings and their fuzzy faces. GAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGG! My mottephobia originated with one look at this nightmare fuel when I was barely three years old:


(Ironically, I didn't even see the movie until I was much older. So I didn't even know the importance moths play in the movie. Or the part where a woman is kidnapped and stuck down a well. Life is funny.)

Like a wise person, I tried to avoid any place that moths might be, say like anywhere near a porch light on a summer's night. But when I started dating Tyler last spring, that changed. He was still smoking in those days and we would spend a lot of time outside. Under the porch light. Where the fucking moths would gather.

I think I tried to be cool, but that didn't last long. My phobia was revealed and so was my cover as a tough chick. Tyler thought it was endearing. And instead of telling me to buck up because moths aren't harmful, he valiantly killed each one that came into the house.

Because Tyler has quit smoking, we won't be hanging out with the door open as much, but I know if one of those furry flapping fuckers makes its way into the house, my man will be there with a hat or a shoe to protect me from its inherent evil.

Monday, March 21, 2016

Reason I Love Tyler #55

I've been told that when you marry a man you also marry his family.

Tyler Wants Me to Be a Part of His Family

I believe marriage is about two people fighting the good fight til the end of their days. Alone. Or, you know, if they want to add babies into the mix, I suppose that's their prerogative. If I was ever so lucky to find my partner in life, that would be bitchin' awesome. I could imagine our future house, our future vacations, our future childfree and therefore silent Sunday mornings. But I never gave much thought to my future mother-in-law or father-in-law, potential brothers and sisters-in-law, or possible nieces and nephews.

I am an only child, which means I have no siblings to make me a sister-in-law or an aunt. But both of my parents have a good number of siblings who have rendered a total of 19 cousins for me. And now I have like 13 second cousins. And some of them are pregnant. I have a large extended family and once I marry Tyler, it's going to double.

The main reason for our vacation was for me to meet Tyler's family. Since they live in southern California, it's not just a hop, skip, jump down the road like it was for my parents. Otherwise, I would have met them much sooner. I won't get into all the details, but Tyler's parents divorced when he was young and remarried other people, so I had the fun of meeting two sets of parents. Luckily, all were welcoming of me and with the family stamp of approval, Tyler felt confident proposing.

The next day, Tyler's mom threw him a birthday/he-got-engaged-too! party where I met Tyler's favorite aunt and two of my future sisters-in-law and their husbands and children. It dawned on me that I was going to be an aunt. I AM GOING TO BE AN AUNT. It was something I never set my heart on because, you know, I'd have to get married to ever become Fun Aunt Jordyn. But now I am and I'm going to be Fun Aunt Jordyn! (Well, technically, I'm going to be Fun Aunt Jo because one of my future nieces is named Jordan and she was in the family first, so it's only fair.)

I'm used to big family functions so the party didn't seem too crazy to me. It felt right. By marrying me, Tyler will not only be bringing me into his life forever, but also into the lives of the people who are most important to him. I feel very privileged and proud to become a member of this wonderful family.

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Reason I Love Tyler #64

For my scaredy pants self, this one is important.

Tyler Introduces Me to New Things

I am not a daring person. It's partly due to where I grew up (a small ass farming town where there is nothing to do and all day not to do it in). It's partly due to who I grew up with (parents who are set in their ways). And it's partly due to fear ("Why would I get sardines on my pizza? What if they're gross? What if I barf up my dinner? Better stick with olives.")

Since meeting Tyler, I have tried so many new things and gone so many places I can barely keep track. Many of them were on our vacation, but I can't forget the things before that either. Sometimes I am brave enough to try things on my own, but usually not. Tyler pushes, nee encourages me to expand my horizons. I am better for it, too. It makes me a more well rounded individual instead of an old stubborn fusspot. He loves showing me things too because he gets to experience the wonder all over again. He gets to come along for the ride, which bonds us further.

I'm going to attempt to list all the New Things, but this list will be incomplete. I'm going to periodically come back and add and rearrange.

Places
Benihana's
Beverly Hills, CA
Chicken Dijon
Compton, CA (for like, a minute)
A crappy casino in Nevada
Culver City, CA
Hermosa Beach, CA
In-N-Out Burger
Jamba Juice
Malibu, CA
Manhattan Beach, CA
Redondo Beach, CA
Rodeo Drive
Sangria (Hey, it's the nicest restaurant in Moscow!)
Trader Joe's
Venice Beach Boardwalk (Scary!)

Food & Drink
Ceviche
Chocolate covered bacon
Delicious corn mash thing
Elk meat
Lobster
Pesto
Plum wine
Macarons (YESSSSSSSS)
Manhattan
Mushroom Caps
Mutton
Scallops
Stuffed Chicken
Sushi (five kinds)
Wheatgrass shot (not that bad)

Media
Blade Runner
Quantum Leap
The Shawshank Redemption

Other
Love

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Reason I Love Tyler #4

So the teaser of my last post left a lot to be discussed, am I right?

Tyler Wants to Spend the Rest of His Life With Me. In a Legally Binding Contract.

Like I said earlier, Tyler and I just returned from an awesome 10 day vacation. Many of the upcoming posts will be related to it, but the most important, by far, is that he proposed to me! Now, the way he proposed will be a whole other post. Right now let's just focus on the fact that he wants to spend the rest of his life with me. Only me. Forever and ever, amen.

He loves me that much. He loves me so much that he wants to stop looking. I wants to share a roof and a bed with me. All his stuff! He wants to be my partner in life. Of course that's what marriage means, but to see it in writing makes me feel so special. I'm his One. He thinks I'm worthy of his time and energy and experiences. He wants me to be with him on all of his birthdays and Thanksgivings and Christmases. He wants me there when all the good things happen. And he wants me there during the inevitable hard times. In a way, he thinks I'm worthy of his life. Because the way we spend our time is life, is it not?

The fact that Tyler wants to spend the rest of his life with me didn't come as a shock when March 11, 2016 rolled around. Like responsible people we had discussed that we wanted our futures to intertwine eternally. We didn't need a piece of paper and a pair of rings to know that. We aren't having children, so having a legal family unit for the sake of the kiddies isn't a factor. Nor are we religious, so the whole "covenant with God" doesn't matter for us either. Shacking up and premarital relations are the norm and have been for a good 40 years. (Hell, my parents did it!) And there are several instances of lasting couples sans marriage. Oprah and Stedman. Goldie and Kurt. And let's not forget the thousands of non-famous people out there. So why even get married?

As far as I'm concerned, there is only ever one reason to get married: BECAUSE YOU AND YOUR PARTNER WANT TO. No, marriage is not a necessity in any sense of the word. We don't need to do it to share our lives or a house or a Netflix account. Tyler and I will get married because we want to and we have the opportunity to do so. Not because of God, not for the tax benefits, not because society likes to see everyone paired off, not even for our parents (although I'm certain it will make them all very, very happy, which in turn gives up good feelings). We are doing it for us, to celebrate our love and solidify our bond.

Look, I always dreamed of getting married because that meant someone loved me so much that he wanted me around forever. As a somewhat mature adult, I know that isn't always the case. People get married for a variety of reasons, some not so honorable. And even though Tyler and I had plenty of discussions about marriage, I have never ever nagged about what the future should hold and when this or that needs to happen. I just want to be with him in any capacity and if that meant living in sin indefinitely, then that's what I would have done. But lucky for me, Tyler wants to marry me, of his own accord.

Friday, March 18, 2016

Reason I Love Tyler #2

I JUST GOT ENGAGED!!! I wouldn't feel right if that wasn't my first statement on this blog upon returning from vacation. But I have something else on my mind...

Tyler Didn't Give Up On Me

When I was a child I always assumed I'd get married because that's just what people do and I am people. Then as I grew older, I grew weirder and became set in my ways. The boys I liked didn't like me back, so that was that. The end. Miss Auvil forever. I adopted an anti-marriage philosophy. Marriage was for people who can't stand to be by themselves. Marriage was for the desperate, the insecure, the sheep who couldn't make their own choices. And sharing all your stuff? Impossible!

What about love? Surely love exists without marriage. Why couldn't I have that? Because love was an even harder find than marriage. Christ, strangers can marry in Vegas for 50 bucks! History is full of marriages meant to unite land and fortune and create humans to inherit said land and fortune. Any two idiots can sign a piece of paper binding them legally. But LOVE...LOVE maybe didn't even exist.

Of course, I never really believed that. I just wanted to, because believing marriage was a big old dumb, outdated institution made it easier to accept living without it. So, while wearing this "No One's Wife, Love My Life" tiara, bad choices abounded. And I was okay with that because what did it matter? True love, any love, was never coming my way. I lived in this rut so long I had a claw foot tub installed.

Then I met Tyler, the most amazing man I have ever known.

But I didn't deserve him. Of course not. Not in the long run, at least. I knew that. So what did I do? Self-sabotage. Well, the damaged, poisoned side of me did all the dirty work. My other side, my true self, was trying to break out of my self-inflicted chains. Tyler knew something I was too ignorant to know: that we were meant to be together. He saw the Real Me locked in the attic like a deformed product of incest and he decided he was going to set me free even if it got messy.

It got messy. The pile of rancid shit I put Tyler through is greater than that of a Woodstock '99 Port-A-John. I regret it. If I had one wish, it would be to go back a year and meet Tyler as the person I am now so I wouldn't have put him through such pain. I could come to him as a whole, healed human being and our path to happily ever after wouldn't have had any significant bumps.

Did I always like or approve of Tyler's methods? No. Could he have done something better suited to my delicate sensibilities? Yes. Would it have had the same outcome? I believe yes. Would we have gotten here this quickly? Hell no.

If it weren't for Tyler I know I'd still be in my rut, soaking in my claw foot tub while the Real Me scratched the door of the attic until her bloody fingernails were embedded in the wood (Sorry, I've been reading a lot of Stephen King). Tyler saved me from myself. But more importantly, he didn't give up in the process. He fought the good fight. He won. We won. I let go of my bitterness and bad energy. I am letting myself have the happiness I deserve. And now this man who acted as psychologist, drill sergeant, and life coach wants to spend the rest of his life with me. I am awe-struck and ever, ever grateful.

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Reason I Love Tyler #55

Tyler is one of the most confident people I know. He is confident without being cocky, which of course, is extremely attractive. This makes perfect sense because he has the goods to back it up. There is only one thing he doesn't do so well...

When Tyler Sings

Tyler will be the first to admit that he can't sing. He told me this long before I ever heard him hum a note. He told me that the only time he did it was when he was alone and the music overtook him. From that early moment, I was anxious to hear him belt out any tune he fancied. Partly from curiosity and partly because his guard was up about it. Now, Tyler is not shy, nor is he self-conscious. He is very open about his feelings and opinions, which I love. But apparently his sisters (who can sing) would tease him because he couldn't, causing even more self-doubt. Therefore, I was anxiously awaiting the day he felt comfortable enough with me to let out his inner American Idol.

It happened slowly. Tyler would sing along in the car, very softly. Indeed that was a step forward. When I pointed it out, he got all bashful. In time, Tyler stopped holding back. Sometimes he sings along with the radio and other times he makes up nonsensical little tunes. He still doesn't serenade me or anything (I wouldn't mind it if he did, because he's not that bad of a singer), but I love that he is comfortable enough with me to show that side of himself. So even though Tyler isn't going to land any record deals, his singing is pure joy to my ears.

Reason I Love Tyler #20

Probably my most selfish post so far...

Tyler Did My Birthday Right

Yesterday was my birthday. As an only child, my birthday has always been surprisingly low-key. I had a couple parties as a kid, but I've never been one for crowds. However...Everyone deserves a day that is all about them. That is the purpose of birthday celebrations. I try not to be a spoiled brat, but one day a year I want something special. And Tyler delivered.

First of all, Tyler and I are gearing up to go on a ten day vacation. (More on that in a later post, I promise!) Because of this, Tyler has a heinous work schedule. He had to work 7:30 to 6:30 yesterday, and let me remind you that he is not a morning person. When I came home from work, Tyler was preparing my favorite meal--Buffalo wings with homemade bleu cheese dressing. He also made a beautiful, tasty salad. (Tyler makes the best salads, by the way.)

I believe the upcoming vacation is enough of a gift, but I knew Tyler would get me a little something anyway. He gave me more than I expected: Two kinds of facial cleanser, three kinds of face masks, a set of magnetic hair rollers, a giant ass Reese's peanut butter Easter egg, and a perfectly worded card that made me tear up. My man knows me so well.

No birthday would be complete without cake and candlelight. Tyler made sure I had both because I needed to make my wish. I'm on a roll since last year. (Since it came true, there's no need to keep it a  secret. I wished to meet the love of my life in 2015.) I won't tell you my wish this year, but I bet you can guess it!


This was the final product! (Please excuse the blurriness. I am a terrible photographer.)

I proceeded to stuff my face with wings. (LOOK AT THEM!!!) Then Tyler and I watched Quantum Leap, made passionate love, and then fell asleep in each others' arms. It is by far the best birthday I have ever had. I look forward to all the birthdays yet to come. And I hope I can make his birthday (in four days!) just as special.

Saturday, March 5, 2016

Reason I Love Tyler #37

Relationships require balance. You must have respect. You must have trust. You must have quiet reflection. You must let your significant other know how much they mean to you. But you must also have laughter. The light times are just as important as the heavy.

Goober, BLANKY-Pants, and Funny Faces

Tyler and I have lots of inside jokes, but here are a few of my favorites.

Goober is southern slang for peanut. But somehow it came to be a loving title for when I am being goofy. It's a synonym for "adorkable", truthfully, which is a word that is too twee if you ask me. I love it when Tyler calls me a goober. It reminds me that, yes, I am a dork, but he loves me for it, not in spite of it.

I don't know how this second one started. One night I was tired and I said I was "Sleepy-Pants", I think. The next morning, after not enough sleep, I proclaimed I was "Cranky-Pants". Eventually, any word came to have "pants" attached to it. Hungry-Pants. Sexy-Pants. Silly-Pants. Gassy-Pants.  My favorite was when I crawled into bed saying something like "I am so Sleepy-Pants right now." Tyler put his arms around me and said, "Can you be No Bra-Pants?" Love it!

Finally, I love the faces Tyler makes. Once I was goofing around with his camera phone. He was feeling me up and making this lustful yet goofy look. I snapped a picture and thankfully have a physical copy. Now when we look at each other, we make that face accompanied with a growl. Another time, Tyler was squinting at the TV because he left his glasses in the living room. I always try alert him to this but this time he forced his eyes way open and opened his mouth in this unnerving way. I COULD NOT STOP LAUGHING. It was frightening and hilarious.

I'm so happy Tyler and I share the same sense of humor. It's wonderful to have someone to laugh with and then kiss and cuddle. And who could resist this face?

Friday, March 4, 2016

Reason I Love Tyler #5

Tyler and I met at work. He had an upper level position which forbade him from dating an employee above or below him on the totem pole. The only option for one who wants to date someone below them and still remain employed by this company is to immediately request a transfer. Tyler did this, but it means he has a bitch of a commute.

Tyler commutes 70 miles to work so we can be together.

Sure, lots of people commute (the majority, maybe?) and Tyler used to have much longer commutes when he lived in L.A. The difference here is that I'm a factor. If I never came along, he would only have a five minute drive to work. He could sleep in an extra 40 minutes. He could be home 40 minutes faster. He would have an extra hour and twenty minutes of his day to do whatever he wanted. Cook a meal! Mash face on LOL! And think of what he would save on gas and the general wear and tear on his car!

I am humbled by this fact. Utterly humbled. As a human being, I am all too aware that we only get 24 hours in a day and a fat chunk of that goes to sleep. As an only child, I am all too aware of the importance of personal time. Tyler gives it up because of me, because he wants to be able to publically exclaim that I am his girlfriend. Purely out of necessity, Tyler and I kept our relationship secret in the beginning. It was not fun and not sustainable. (In fact we were sort of reckless in our trips to the grocery store. We just love each other too much to let the other run an errand alone.)

This all makes me feel very special. And somewhat guilty. Sometimes I feel like I should have left our work. I mean, he was there first. Why didn't I transfer to that other store? Why don't I drive 70 miles a day? Those are good and fair questions and I'm afraid I don't have good or fair answers. I just started working at [name redacted] and it was (and still is) one of the better jobs I've had. Tyler was unhappy with his work situation so transferring was on his radar anyway. At least he didn't love it there. Then I would really feel guilty. This is a selfish notion, but it feels very nice to be "worth the hassle" to someone.

Tyler and I would both be much happier if we could both work in the same town we live in. That is the dream and the plan. After all, I want to be around for that extra hour and twenty minutes, if I can! Until then, I try to make Tyler's mornings and evenings as comfortable as possible. I like to make the drive and visit Tyler at work every so often so I am reminded that he has to do it five days a week so he can be with me. I don't think it's enough. I hope one day I can do something for him that is equally meaningful.

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Reason I Love Tyler #96

I think I've written this before, but I read a lot of romance novels growing up. There were many things described in these romance novels that I thought were only fantasy. Sure, a fictional 14th century English knight would do this, but a man of today? Not bloody likely.

Making love by candlelight

I never thought I'd make love by candlelight. As cinematic as it seemed and as flattering as the low light would be on my pale skin, I had the common sense to know it was something reserved for fictional couples. Or old fuddy-duddies trying the cliché romantic things to put the spark back in their marriages. It was not something for the modern minded sex participant. So like many dreams I never should have filed in the dust bin, sexy candlelight was snuffed out.

Enter Tyler. I don't remember exactly when candlelight came into our bedroom habits. Did I suggest it because I always wanted it and I felt comfortable asking Tyler if he would be willing to try something so corny? Probably. Frankly, it's so ubiquitous now that I barely remember how it started, I'm just glad it's a thing now. I mean, making love in total darkness isn't ideal because I can't see Tyler's sexy bod and face, nor can he see mine. On the other hand, making love with the lights on just isn't romantic. (Which is fine when we want to be something other than romantic, if you know what I mean...) And TV light? Decidedly unromantic as well. Candlelight isn't just a mood setter, it's the best light functionally. And it makes awesome silhouettes on the wall.

Tyler and I have candles by our bed for when the mood strikes. Just last night, he went to get another from the living room. (We also have this awesome dome twinkly light thing that offers the same kind of glow while being less wasteful than candles.) My point is, it's not just me that likes this. The fact that Tyler and I agree on the kind of light we like to make love in is wonderful. It's further proof of our compatibility and that makes me very happy.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Reason I Love Tyler #72

This one is often done in conjunction with Reason I Love Tyler #71, but sometimes on its own which is why it deserves its own post.

Tyler's pucker lips

Whenever I wake Tyler up, the first thing he does is smile that goofy, sexy smile with his eyes half open. The next thing he does is pucker up his lips. This is his way of telling me he wants a kiss, but is too tired to lift his head up to mine. I love this. It's so cute and childlike in a completely non-weird way. Of course I oblige him because I never tire of kissing Tyler. This action isn't just a morning occurrence. Sometimes he'll even do this when we're facing each other or sitting on the couch. Sometimes it's just a slight twitch into a pucker, sometimes he holds it. Either way, it's adorable and he always gets his kiss.