The First Dates

**I don't know how, but I forgot a really important event in my last post. I just want to add it before I forget :)**

**A couple of weeks before Justin asked for my number, he volunteered to drive a group of us to a little college group study/ party. He drove his mom's suburban and filled it with a bunch of friends. It was February 21st, 2000 and we were going to have a Bible study and then watch David Letterman's return to late night after heart surgery (the only reason I know the date is because I looked it up on google ;) ). At this point we were just friends, but this was the first night that I thought Justin might be interested too. Though I was sensing his interest, I was still questioning whether or not he was just a flirt. About 2 days after the event I came home from work to find my Bible on my door step with a note in it. It went something like this (I have it, but it would take some digging to find): "Beautiful, You left this in my car the other night. Thought you might need it. ~Justin"

This was my first official "tingly feeling" from Justin. I was pretty sure he might like me because of the beautiful, but I didn't want to get too interested and then be dissappointed if he was just a flirt. A couple of weeks later, was the lunch incident...hence the awkward tingly feeling.**


OKAY fast forward to the number asking. Our college group was planning a snow trip for the weekend following the number asking. Justin already knew about the trip and we had asked if he could drive his parents suburban. Honestly, knowing how he HATES driving out of town, I'm impressed by how willing he was to do this. (Of course, when you've got a crush, what aren't you willing to do?) He called that week, but with school/ work, we weren't able to plan a date. Instead he decided he would pick me up early for the snow trip and we would go grab some food before meeting everyone else to head to the snow. We went through the Jack In The Box drive thru because we were in a hurry. He paid and I felt really awkward. I've always been so independent and it just felt weird to be with such a nice guy. We went and picked everyone up and we were on our way to a day of fun. I sat up front with Justin and it was all starting to feel real.

The snow was a blast, with the exception of one major blunder. Justin, being playful, was throwing snowballs at me when he pelted me in the face! OUCH! I knew it was an accident, but it still hurt and I couldn't help but cry. He felt really bad. So did I. (If it happened now...I can only imagine how angry I would be. But in the beginning, everything, even the bad things, seem so much sweeter ;) ) Justin has yet to live down making me cry on our first "date" :)

The next weekend we went on our first official date to watch the Whole Nine Yards. *Note to readers: On your first date,avoid movies with naked boobs!* It was awkward! But really, I don't remember much about the movie, except the boobs ;) I was caught up in the overanalyzing of a first date. You know...arms are touching, should we hold hands, should I lean on him....AHHHH...the exciting newness of it all! About halfway through the movie he finally just grabbed my hand and I felt tingly all over. Before I knew it, the movie was over and we were headed back to my place for a late night...LOL! (Remember, I'm Miss Innocent, so it's not what you think ;) )

Justin walked me to the door and came in. Easter was around the corner and I had been making these cute cellophane carrots filled with candy for my friends. Justin sat in the living room helping until 2am! I kept worrying about what his parents must be thinking about us, but he assured me it was no big deal and his was out that late all the time (his mom has since informed me that this was a lie ;) ). I think part of the reason for the late night was because we were having so much fun we didn't want it to end and part of it was the fear of not knowing how to end it. But all good things must come to an end and soon our night did also.

As I walked Justin to our front patio, I had major butterflies. Was this it? Was he going to kiss me? What should I do? And then he leaned toward me and gave me a big hug. Whew! I was relieved and dissappointed all in one squeeze. He assured me that a second date was just around the corner.

*******We interrupt this story for an audition from a future

American Idol (ignore my beautiful talents please)**********