I want to preface this post by saying thank you. Thank you to those of you who left such amazing comments on my recent personal post. This was a big risk for me but your overwhelming response and support made me realize it was a chance worth taking. Having said that, I’m sharing another part of me. Another risk? Maybe. But I’m willing to take that chance again…
St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
1999.
I was seeing a guy who was considerably older than me. At the time I was 23 and he was 40. He was very attractive, seasoned, intriguing and I liked it. Dating him was exciting and in some ways mysterious, especially for a young woman my age. One of my girlfriends was visiting me from college that weekend so I was going to meet up with this guy and some of his friends in Hoboken, NJ {which is a great town located right over the river from NYC}.
About an hour before we were supposed to leave my phone rang. It was the very attractive, seasoned 40 year-old…
He told me he was really sorry but he wouldn’t be able to get together that night. One of his buddies got some last minute tickets to go see the Knicks play at Madison Square Garden. And he decided to go.
Yes, I was totally getting ditched for a Knicks game.
“But maybe we could possibly meet for drinks in the city afterwards?” Ummmm, thanks but no thanks.
After I hung up I must admit I was upset and disappointed, considering I was really starting to like this guy. It changed my whole mood and I almost didn’t even want to go out at all that night. But after a pep-talk and a few phone calls to rally some more troops, my girlfriend convinced me to have fun and make a night out of it in Hoboken without him.
So there I was in the middle of this bar – rockin’ some tall black boots, a black mini-skirt and a green St. Patrick’s Day hat. I was doing my thing on the dance floor when all of a sudden I saw him. No, not the 40 year-old but someone I instantly connected with.
He was magnetic.
I know what you’re thinking – how could you possibly “connect” with someone in the middle of a smoke-filled bar with music blasting and wall-to-wall people everywhere? Honestly, to this very day it’s hard for me to put into words.
When our eyes met it’s like the music faded, the smoke cleared and he was the only one I saw in that bar just like slow motion right out of a movie scene. This is the kind of stuff you only read about and it was happening to me. As cliche as this sounds, it really was love at first sight.
But there was no way in hell I was going up to him so I did the only thing I knew a girl could do. I continued to do my thing on the dance floor hoping and waiting for him to come over and talk to me. So after about ten minutes of these flirty looks going back and forth, Mr. McDreamy pulled some courage together and finally approached me. He stood in the middle of the dance floor and grabbed my hand, looked me straight in the eyes, leaned over and asked “What’s your name?”
What’s Your Name? – The line that would ultimately lead him to the altar, a home and two beautiful children.
What’s Your Name? – Three words that would begin a romance and a magical journey of a life we would build together.
What’s Your Name? – The phrase that has since changed my life. His life. Our lives.
What’s Your Name? – The question I answered and the rest really? Is history.
Yes, I met my husband in a bar and I thank my lucky stars that the Knicks played some basketball that night. Because of a mere NBA game, my journey ended with one man and truly began with another.
And it all started with three words in a Hoboken bar.
I met my husband in a bar too! It was such a strange feeling… for a moment no one else existed. Your story just proves that everything happens for a reason!
.-= A Little Cup of Comfort´s last blog ..Five Question Friday =-.
What a great story! Everything DEFINITELY happens for a reason! Wonderful post
.-= Beth @ Laugh Until You Cry´s last blog ..Quirky kid… =-.
I wonder how much love has been found in a Hoboken bar…seriously…I’ll bet a lot of people met there! Beginnings are wonderful, aren’t they?
I’ve often wondered this myself…probably more than we know!
What a terrific story. Sometimes those disappointments in life turn into great gifts!
.-= GlowinGirl´s last blog ..The Step Director (Word-Filled Wednesdy) =-.
Awesome post!!! I have a girlfriend that met her wonderful husband at a bar here in Orlando! So, yes it is possible. Few and far between, you are definitely blessed to have found your hubby there… Love your story. Brings back memories of my partying days…lollll Bars, dance clubs, parties non stop… Times change when you are a Momma.
.-= Godschic´s last blog ..♥ Bible Study Tonight ♥ =-.
Times DO change when you are a momma! But I remember those days as well like it was yesterday. Good times for sure, thanks so much for your comment!
Awww what a beautiful love story! Really put a smile on my face. Thanks for sharing this
I just read a similar story on another blog I follow. How come that doesn’t happen in California?! haha. Great post, I love it when people share bits of their lives with their readers
.-= Andi, On Call RN´s last blog ..How I stay sane =-.
Thanks! It was fun to share.
This is so funny and so sweet as well. It’s amazing how fate can bring us together. I also find it amazing how easy it would be not to meet someone too. I’m glad you found the right guy that night.
Jade
.-= Jade @ No Longer 25´s last blog ..Weekend Blogger Tip: Scrolling Buttons in Your Sidebar =-.
I love this story!! The knicks should be your favorite team!
.-= Lee´s last blog ..Raising Awareness Thursday – Charity =-.
Love that story! I met my fiance in a bar too, and it was very similar in that almost didn’t happen but did sort of way too. Funny how it all works out
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..And I’m Back in the Game… =-.
I love how everything happens for a reason! What a great story to tell your kids about how you met. It is refreshing to know that the whole love at first sight thing really happens!
.-= The Mommyologist´s last blog ..From Zero To Mom Sexy In 30 Seconds =-.
What a sweet story! I love it, thanks for sharing it with us. I met my hubby in a pub in Ireland.
.-= Spice´s last blog ..“Cool mom” day 2! =-.
How awesome, a good Irish pub!
Love it!!!
Thanks for sharing how you met mr theta mom.
I actually met my husband online. It’s been 10 fabulous years so far and I am looking forward to another 50 or so.
.-= Niki @ Ambitious Gurl´s last blog ..Hoping for good news =-.
Finding the man online – awesome! And Mr. Theta Mom – I love that!!!
I met my husband in a club in Las Vegas, super similiar story to yours! Don’t you love how things happen, not until they are supposed to!
.-= Suzanne´s last blog ..Bead-A-Full Thursday {Memorial Day Edition} =-.
That is so sweet….that is great!
I met my husband at a local grocery store where we both worked YEARS ago. I was a cashier and he worked in the dairy department….I remember the first time I saw him – he made me so nervous and the line I used to talk to him, “Do you know where the yogurt goes?” Oh it was true love after that
I am loving these comments! “Do you know where the yogurt goes?” PRICELESS.
Theta Mom,
Hoboken is great. Which bar was it? We moved to the midwest a few months ago after 11 years in NJ/NYC. While housing is a major rip-off, the vibe can’t be beat. Love your story–I can taste the city while reading it.
I met my husband in a restaurant where we were both working. We met after Sept 11 and it was the only job I could find. People were paying for security systems, not event planners. Sigh. Anyway, he was finishing his American degree (he’s South American) and our road began with six words: “How do I work this thing?” Me to him. I was a HORRIBLE waitress. 7 years later, here we are.
“How do I work this thing?” I LOVE it!!! Great to tell the kids one day, for sure!
Very cool story! I wish I had a really fun story, but I don’t. We “met” over the phone first, and then in person at Buffalo Wild Wings. LOL
.-= Kmama´s last blog ..Week in Review: 5/22/10 =-.
That is such a great story! Good thing that other guy liked basketball!
.-= Lindsay @ Just My Blog´s last blog ..What a Morning…. =-.
What a FABULOUS story! I love it! This is the second story in one day I read of a really cool meeting of their husband. Makes the world a more “hopeful” place I tell ya.
I’m so glad you’re deciding to share some personal stuff. It makes it all so much more interesting to read.
.-= Allyson´s last blog ..Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants…fo reals edition! =-.
So funny you should say that Allyson because when I posted that personal post, I was thinking “Will anyone really care that they know I like vanilla ice-cream or that I’m afraid of bees?” Apparently so. I got the MOST page views on THAT post. Go figure!
Thanks so much for your comment!
I found this post absolutely spectacular! What a fun read. I, too, met my husband in a crowded place and had a very cliche-ic moment that was “love at first sight”. There were a million other girls in the world that he could’ve chosen to ask out and he. picked. me. And now, 4 kids and almost 13 years later, we still act like newlyweds! Congrats to you both for finding true happiness!
.-= Carissa Mason´s last blog ..Post It Note Tuesdays! =-.
Thanks so much for your comment Carissa – I’m glad I wrote about it, too.
Aww…how sweet. And yes it’s always risk when you share your personal life with others, but I for one appreciate it. It’s just amazing how you think you’re in love with one person, but then a window opens and you run into someone new and then it clicks. It’s love at first sight and you know without a shadow of doubt that he’s the one. Yeah, it sounds like stuff that only happens in movies, but let’s not forget that most movies are inspired by real life.
.-= Yummommy´s last blog ..Wishful Wednesday =-.
Oh, fun-ness! I love hearing stories like this. Maybe I’ll post mine some time. I thought my hubby was two people for the first three weeks I knew him, ages and ages ago. Like 17 years ago…
.-= IASoupMama´s last blog ..Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride =-.
Oooh, you should! I think it’s so fun to read about how two people met!
Yes, the Knicks did you a BIG favor that night! We always say we are so glad our friends that introduced us both went to the same bar on the same night. Otherwise, there would be no us. Yay bars!
.-= Kerry´s last blog ..Shallow Waters =-.
You know, the fact that he said, “what’s your name” instead of something like “you look hawt”
screams so much that is quality about this dude.
Life is a funny thing….
.-= Alexandra´s last blog ..If The Name Is Lame…. =-.
I met mine at work – not the most romantic of places but there you have it. I love origin stories of long-time relationships. It’s amazing how a tiny little twist in your plans would lead you straight to the path of your dreams. Go Knicks indeed!:)
.-= Justine´s last blog ..New toy! It doesn’t vibrate, but I still love it. =-.
I am a big believer in no coincidences only nudges from our guardian angels. Maybe the whole reason you met the other guy was to get ditched.
.-= Susie @newdaynewlesson´s last blog ..The Kindness Club: Week 7 =-.
I agree Susie! I had to meet the 40 year-old to “bring” me the right guy. Life is so funny sometimes like that!
Beautiful story! When you know, you know. There’s really no other wy to describe it.
It’s funny how things seem to work out sometimes.
.-= All You Need is Love´s last blog ..A Look into My Life =-.
Wonderful story!! I met my husband at a frat party during college. I feel the same way you did: our eyes met, he asked me to dance (and I might add that the 12 pack of beer in his hand should have turned me off!), and 18 years later we are still living the dream: 2 great kids, careers we both love, a home (our first in the 18 years of marriage that my kids can remember as that’s the way it is for military families), and I still wonder how it all happened the way it did! Thanks for sharing!
Thank YOU for sharing! You have quite an awesome story yourself!
awww. wonderful! what a great story. i think i’m feeling compelled to tell my story in a future post too. btw, our first date was in Hoboken. i still love that town. there’s a W hotel there now that is great for dinner/drinks.
This is an AWESOME post
I love it!
.-= Michelle @ Mommy Loves Stilettos´s last blog ..♥Time Out. =-.
We met our 1st yr in college and it was love at first sight–for him. We dated a little bit, but I didn’t want to be serious about anything or anyone that first couple yrs. It wasn’t until he graduated and moved away (I still had three years to go!) and I didn’t see him that I couldn’t stop thinking about him. I coaxed him back (he played hard to get–for about 5 minutes) and we dated long distance (only about 5 hours, thankfully) while I finished school.
We got married the December after I graduated and this winter will be our 9th anniversary. Wow–I am soooo thankful God saved him for me until I was ready–there’s a lot of chapters left to write in this love story!
Fabulous! It’s so amazing, prehaps a little bit scarry, when we can look back at the moments that changed our lives forever and how, if everything hadn’t occured just as they did, those moments never would have happened.
.-= TornadoTwos´s last blog ..We All Should Be This Confident In Who We Are =-.
I totaly agree – who would have thought that a night out on the town would literally change the course of events for-the-rest-of-my-life.
Crazy!!!
I have recently started following your blog as I try to find my way. So exciting to have jumped on board as you’re opening up about the good stuff… makes you real, and someone I can relate to.
Thanks for sharing!
Jaime – That means SO much to me to hear from a reader that you connected to a post. Moreover, that you see I am real. You made my day, thank you!
That gave me goosebumps! Aaaw!
.-= A Belle, A Bean & A Chicago Dog´s last blog ..A Little Taste of New Orleans =-.
Heather!!! That’s a great story!
I’m so happy that you found your soul mate and that together you are building a beautiful life and family.
I wish only the very best for you and your family!!!
p.s. I met my hubby on the subway… How crazy is that?!
Sweet! Love this vignette.
.-= Emma @DivorcedBefore30.com´s last blog ..A Mad Dash =-.
Beautiful. Simply beautiful.
Romance is in the air, today. JennyMac over at Let’s Have A Cocktail has a fabulous post about her husband today, too.
And I, too, truly believe at that love at first sight, when the world stops spinning and all you can see is your beloved. It happened to me, over 20 years ago and we are still here figuring it out and loving each other as we go.
Thanks for sharing your story, Theta Mom.
.-= joann mannix´s last blog ..If I End Up In The Same Titanic Lifeboat As William Shatner, Leonardo DiCaprio Is Gonna Pay The Price =-.
This is such a sweet post and makes me want to tell it to all my friends who are still looking for “Mr. Right”.
Thank goodness the Knicks were playing!!!
My husband and I met while working at the same restaurant. I was a waitress and he was a bartender. (so corny!) If I hadn’t got fired from my last job… Oh fate. It works in funny ways!
.-= Bryna´s last blog ..Nolaisms =-.
Yes, I am a huge Knicks fan ever since! lol
Now that is a great “how we met” story! Thank you for sharing it. It made me smile!!
.-= Natalie´s last blog ..The Wedding of My Dreams =-.
Love this (I almost said story–but it is not fiction–which makes it even better)!— and yes, it does seem like something right out of a movie. It is amazing how sometimes things just happen for a reason. I met my hubby online (which is something I never thought I could do!)—and when I first “flirted” with him he pretty much dissed me.–until he got smart and contacted me 6 months later
The title of your post has the makings of a great song title! I think more people meet in bars than any of us give bars credit for. it’s why God created them…and why God created ClubMed, where I met my husband [which is just a bar on steroids!]
.-= gigi´s last blog ..Home. =-.
Awesome story! Love it. It is truly amazing how things happen when you least expect it.
.-= Theresa´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Matching Hats =-.
I actually got teary-eyed reading this. What a great love story! Sometimes, it’s only looking back that we can see that things worked out the way they were supposed to.
.-= Katherine´s last blog ..Front Doors of Iowa: Part 1 =-.
Aww! Congrats! I loved reading that story!! While you may have met your husband at a bar, mine proposed at a bar? Is that bad?? lol
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Babygirl Update – Video =-.
It’s all about the bars girl! lol
Your story truly is a perfect example of being in the right place at the right time. As if all the planets in the sky were aligned at that very time…when you think of all the what if’s that could have messed it all up, it really was meant to be!
I met my first hubby in a bar…obviously, we didn’t have the same great outcome!! But your story proves that meeting Mr Right in a bar can still happen!
I actually met Tim on a blind date…so those work out well too!!
.-= Helene´s last blog ..It’s not what you think, I swear… =-.
It was totally love at first sight when I met my husband, too. I had just ended a four year relationship the month before and went to a house party; I just didn’t know whose house party it was. My future husband opened the door and I couldn’t even get the words out of my mouth to say I was looking for the person who had invited me (which turned out to be my future husband’s new roommate!). I called my mom that night and said, “I just met the man I’m going to marry.”
Her response: “Take whatever you’re drinking, and cut it in half.”
Six years and one baby later, he still gives me goosebumps.
.-= Heidi´s last blog ..Trying to resume our regularly {over-}scheduled life =-.
Heidi – “Six years and one baby later, he still gives me goosebumps.” Nothing better than that. AWESOME!
funny how moments like that end up being the greatest moments you’ll cherish in life! and it all started with a hoboken bar.
.-= ericka @ alabaster cow´s last blog ..i jump off bridges and i still like art =-.
Awww. Sounds like the screenplay to a great romantic comedy!
And it is especially cute when you look at where you guys are now. Those three words led to a beautiful life together and 2 adorable kids! Very special.
.-= Mommy To Two Boys´s last blog ..ADHA Linked to Pesticides! =-.
Great story Heather. It is funny because I always tell my single friends “you will never meey a good guy at a bar or club” guess I was proven wrong!
My husband was actually my boss at work,quite the comical story of how it all played out,you have inspired me to write about it.
Oooh, sounds awesome – can’t wait to read about it. And for the record, I was THAT girl that swore she would never date, let alone marry someone she met in a bar.
Never say never. 😉
I met my husband on myspace LOL
.-= Bonnie´s last blog ..Dear Mrs. Seinfeld… =-.