A special note: In preparation for our wedding ... we were getting photos ready to show our "history" at the reception. Diving through our history we started to discuss 'when EXACTLY did we meet?' Looking at an old calendar ... and even checking the University of Colorado-Boulder website ... we were able to decipher exactly when classes begun. Then we were able to figure out when we met.
Classes started on Monday August 27th, 2001. Mike moved in the Friday preceding the start of classes. Much to our amazement ... and certainly unknowingly ...
we got married on the exact date we met ... 7 years later.
We thought it was definitely note worthy ...
Friday, July 31, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Our big trip ...
We decided it was time to move forward in life ... we looked into buying a home. And with our resident real estate agent, Gary, we began to look into our options. Something as a small starter, nothing elaborate. Just a home to make our own. We searched and searched and searched. Found a few possibilties and went for it. Each time with a counter, then another, then another and then nothing. Ugh ... every time we tried ... we left the situation with no home.
With that ... Gary (the wise) gave a suggested opportunity. Leave ... and so we did.
Neither of us were in jobs that were "to die for" or really what we wanted out of life even if only to make a few scheckles. We didn't have a dog. We didn't have a home to pay a mortgage. Nothing was really keeping us in California ... only each other.
We moved out of our apartment ... sold our cars ... quit our jobs and left the country. We went to Australia. Afterall, Mike speaks Spanish, Danielle has limited French so an English speaking country was needed. In the mix of all the plans ... we recruited another couple to go with us. They too quit their jobs, sold or moved their cars back home to Illinois and moved out of their apartment. We met them in Sydney and started the newest and one of the most exciting chapters of our life.
We spent the first 4 weeks travelling up the Eastern coast of Australia. Unfortunately Danielle's health kept them from going any further north than Airlie. Although fortunately for Danielle, their work visa required health insurance so she was able to see a doctor. And this very kind doctor took pity on her ... a combination or asthma, humidty and new allergies took hold of her ability to breathe. The doctor not only charged her a small fee of $30 for the consutlation but also gave her a steroid inhaler free of charge. Along with the recommendation to not go any further north. Instead we headed south but not before going to the Whitsunday Islands and more specifically ... Whitehaven Beach. Where the sand is so fine it squeaks when you walk on it. We went to Fraser Island and LOVED Lake McKenzie (it really did clean Danielle's jewelry). Even headed to Brisbane and Surfer's Paradise.
The group of us got to see some amazing things on this journey up the coast and truly enjoyed the adventure. At the end of the first 4 weeks, our friends went back to Illinois and we continued on our way. Back to Sydney to find a place to live and jobs. Mike took his "mixologist" skills to work in 2 separate bars, one in Bondi and one in Sydney. Danielle on the other hand took a job at an internet cafe in Sydney's CBD (Central Business District). And part of the way through the remaining 3 months, also became the "door girl" at Mike's bar in Sydney for Friday and Saturday night cover charge collections.
Towards the end of our adventure in Australia we made a last minute decision to head to Thailand. Many a folk in Sydney made the 8 hr flight to Bangkok to have a cheap vacation. We figured ... that we could not guarantee when we'd be on that side of the world again and oh so close to Asia. And in the end ... we're so happy we went. It was amazing; so amazing we're looking at going back again in the future. We went to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. All 3 cities are so different from one another and have their own flare.
Returning to Sydney for a few short days before we headed off to New Zealand. We spent a week here where we took a short trip up to the most northern part of the two islands. Here you will find not only the meeting place of two oceans but Cape Reinga. Which we've decided had THE best fish and chips. Took a short trip through the capital city of Auckland and got ready to be on the move again.
Next stop, Fiji. This was a really fun trip and one that actually took a bit more preparation. More preparation ... because we had to prepare for total relaxation ... as there isn't much to do there but lay on the beach and snorkel. It's truly a travel destination meant to just relax. We however are the "on the go" type traveller. Moving and shaking to see and do all the "musts" a destination city can offer. We took books and our i-pods and mentally prepared to be ... well ... bored. Two weeks in Fiji ... one out on the Yassawa Islands and one going around the main island, Viti Levu. On the islands you got a feel for the true Fijian experience of luxurious vacationing. But then going on a trip around the island you got to see the "real" Fiji. Including visiting a tribe and even some school children at school. A traditional kava ceremony with a chief and even a big of trekking.
From Fiji we headed back to New Zealand. This time ... for 3 weeks and a huge tour around both islands. We took the 'Funky Chicken' bus tour on the Kiwi Experience (www.kiwiexperience.com/funky-chicken-nz-pass.aspx). Here we got a great tour of almost everything the thrill seeking country can offer. Favorites included our Maori cultural night in Rotorua, Taupo to sky dive over Mt. Doom (actually called Mt Ngauruhoe), Franz Joseph for a heli-hike on the glacier and Queenstown to ski. With plenty of other places in the middle ... click the above link!! Or do it yourself!!
We left Auckland and took 14 hours to head back home to San Fran. This trip was an amazing journey that gave us opportunities beyond belief and a realization that we'd each found the best travel buddy. One that was obvious ... it'd last a lifetime.
With that ... Gary (the wise) gave a suggested opportunity. Leave ... and so we did.
Neither of us were in jobs that were "to die for" or really what we wanted out of life even if only to make a few scheckles. We didn't have a dog. We didn't have a home to pay a mortgage. Nothing was really keeping us in California ... only each other.
We moved out of our apartment ... sold our cars ... quit our jobs and left the country. We went to Australia. Afterall, Mike speaks Spanish, Danielle has limited French so an English speaking country was needed. In the mix of all the plans ... we recruited another couple to go with us. They too quit their jobs, sold or moved their cars back home to Illinois and moved out of their apartment. We met them in Sydney and started the newest and one of the most exciting chapters of our life.
We spent the first 4 weeks travelling up the Eastern coast of Australia. Unfortunately Danielle's health kept them from going any further north than Airlie. Although fortunately for Danielle, their work visa required health insurance so she was able to see a doctor. And this very kind doctor took pity on her ... a combination or asthma, humidty and new allergies took hold of her ability to breathe. The doctor not only charged her a small fee of $30 for the consutlation but also gave her a steroid inhaler free of charge. Along with the recommendation to not go any further north. Instead we headed south but not before going to the Whitsunday Islands and more specifically ... Whitehaven Beach. Where the sand is so fine it squeaks when you walk on it. We went to Fraser Island and LOVED Lake McKenzie (it really did clean Danielle's jewelry). Even headed to Brisbane and Surfer's Paradise.
The group of us got to see some amazing things on this journey up the coast and truly enjoyed the adventure. At the end of the first 4 weeks, our friends went back to Illinois and we continued on our way. Back to Sydney to find a place to live and jobs. Mike took his "mixologist" skills to work in 2 separate bars, one in Bondi and one in Sydney. Danielle on the other hand took a job at an internet cafe in Sydney's CBD (Central Business District). And part of the way through the remaining 3 months, also became the "door girl" at Mike's bar in Sydney for Friday and Saturday night cover charge collections.
Towards the end of our adventure in Australia we made a last minute decision to head to Thailand. Many a folk in Sydney made the 8 hr flight to Bangkok to have a cheap vacation. We figured ... that we could not guarantee when we'd be on that side of the world again and oh so close to Asia. And in the end ... we're so happy we went. It was amazing; so amazing we're looking at going back again in the future. We went to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. All 3 cities are so different from one another and have their own flare.
Returning to Sydney for a few short days before we headed off to New Zealand. We spent a week here where we took a short trip up to the most northern part of the two islands. Here you will find not only the meeting place of two oceans but Cape Reinga. Which we've decided had THE best fish and chips. Took a short trip through the capital city of Auckland and got ready to be on the move again.
Next stop, Fiji. This was a really fun trip and one that actually took a bit more preparation. More preparation ... because we had to prepare for total relaxation ... as there isn't much to do there but lay on the beach and snorkel. It's truly a travel destination meant to just relax. We however are the "on the go" type traveller. Moving and shaking to see and do all the "musts" a destination city can offer. We took books and our i-pods and mentally prepared to be ... well ... bored. Two weeks in Fiji ... one out on the Yassawa Islands and one going around the main island, Viti Levu. On the islands you got a feel for the true Fijian experience of luxurious vacationing. But then going on a trip around the island you got to see the "real" Fiji. Including visiting a tribe and even some school children at school. A traditional kava ceremony with a chief and even a big of trekking.
From Fiji we headed back to New Zealand. This time ... for 3 weeks and a huge tour around both islands. We took the 'Funky Chicken' bus tour on the Kiwi Experience (www.kiwiexperience.com/funky-chicken-nz-pass.aspx). Here we got a great tour of almost everything the thrill seeking country can offer. Favorites included our Maori cultural night in Rotorua, Taupo to sky dive over Mt. Doom (actually called Mt Ngauruhoe), Franz Joseph for a heli-hike on the glacier and Queenstown to ski. With plenty of other places in the middle ... click the above link!! Or do it yourself!!
We left Auckland and took 14 hours to head back home to San Fran. This trip was an amazing journey that gave us opportunities beyond belief and a realization that we'd each found the best travel buddy. One that was obvious ... it'd last a lifetime.
Graduation time = moving and being a "big" kid
Danielle's senior flew by fast for both Mike and Danielle. Mike was travelling a ton for Mervyn's which made it great to stop in Denver and see Danielle. There were times it was weekly and not monthly that Mike stopped through Boulder.
The end of the school game to a close ... graduation ceremonies attended ... celebrations enjoyed. Only a few weeks left in Colorado, Danielle packed up and headed west. To start her first job as a post-grad. It took a few months before Mike and Danielle were on their feet and living in their first apartment together that was going to be for longer than 3 months!!
We enlisted "Poker Night" on Tuesdays ... worked crazy hours because we were young ... and loved every moment. But something was missing ...
The end of the school game to a close ... graduation ceremonies attended ... celebrations enjoyed. Only a few weeks left in Colorado, Danielle packed up and headed west. To start her first job as a post-grad. It took a few months before Mike and Danielle were on their feet and living in their first apartment together that was going to be for longer than 3 months!!
We enlisted "Poker Night" on Tuesdays ... worked crazy hours because we were young ... and loved every moment. But something was missing ...
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Long Distance ... for how long?!
Mike's an overachiever. If you didn't know that ... you need to spend more time getting to know him. Needless to say ... because he's an overachiever ... he graduated a semester early. Much to Danielle's dismay of course. Because that meant he was leaving. Mervyn's Headquarters was calling him to California to work. And Danielle was only in her Sophomore year and had to finish.
We figured it out ... lots of phone calls. And emails ... a few visits here and there and the first couple months of long distance dating was over. Then Danielle asked the question to her parents that which she thought of course would be a resounding "not no but hell no". "Can I live in Cali with Mike for the summer?" Instead, mom and dad Price shocked her. They said ... sure. WHAT?!
So we spent 3 months living and working together ... in sublet in North Beach. Although we loved it we decided that'd be out one stint in the City. Danielle walked each day to Fisherman's Wharf to work in the restaurant that her parents once dined in on their honeymoon. And Mike crossed the Bay Bridge to head to Mervyn's. Living in North Beach meant lots of yummy food and toursists. Especially when you are living one block from the bottom of the crookedest street. At the end of that summer ... Danielle went back to Boulder.
Another year of school ... another set of trips back and forth ... another summer "vacation" in Cali brought Danielle and Mike to live together in Walnut Creek this time. Walking distance from downtown Walnut Creek was great for summer fun. Wine festivals and close to Debbie and Gary made it a great summer.
We figured it out ... lots of phone calls. And emails ... a few visits here and there and the first couple months of long distance dating was over. Then Danielle asked the question to her parents that which she thought of course would be a resounding "not no but hell no". "Can I live in Cali with Mike for the summer?" Instead, mom and dad Price shocked her. They said ... sure. WHAT?!
So we spent 3 months living and working together ... in sublet in North Beach. Although we loved it we decided that'd be out one stint in the City. Danielle walked each day to Fisherman's Wharf to work in the restaurant that her parents once dined in on their honeymoon. And Mike crossed the Bay Bridge to head to Mervyn's. Living in North Beach meant lots of yummy food and toursists. Especially when you are living one block from the bottom of the crookedest street. At the end of that summer ... Danielle went back to Boulder.
Another year of school ... another set of trips back and forth ... another summer "vacation" in Cali brought Danielle and Mike to live together in Walnut Creek this time. Walking distance from downtown Walnut Creek was great for summer fun. Wine festivals and close to Debbie and Gary made it a great summer.
Monday Night Football and Chautaugua = LOVE
That's right ... who doesn't fall in love over the NFL and beautiful moonlit nights on a mountain? Well ... when you both have 3 roommates each in a 2 bedroom apartment ... you have to find what works. The Lazy Dog or the boys' apartment provided for the football games and Mike fortunately had his Ford Explorer so we were able to get away from the group for many a drives up Chautaugua to stare at the stary night above Boulder.
Truthfully we started off as friends ... afteral we had our very own episode of Friends going on. 4 girls and 4 boys ... only an apartment apart. And oddly enough ... 5 of the 8 went to High School together. Mike had lived with Danny in Will Vill and needed a place to lay his head for only a semester so he stayed with Danny, Kyle and Alex (school mates of Danielle and Sarah). And Danielle lived with another current member of Express, Kim, soon to be member of Express, Katy and former Liberty Belles teammate Sarah. The boys watched out for the girls, had the big comfy leather couch, HUGE tv and fooseball table. The girls ... had food.
We realized that we rather enjoyed each other ... spending nights talking into the wee hours ... going to dinner to hang out. Whatever ... then when he got rid of his yellow hair ... Danielle realized he was cute. Hahahhahaha!!!
Something happened ... we went from friends to dating in a short amount of time. And dating is all it was ... for about 2 weeks. We both just wanted to be relaxed in our dating so in fact ... Mike was dating another girl named Deanna. She was a cheerleader from SoCal. But as I said before ... dating didn't last long. One fateful night ... Danielle sat Mike down to express that she wanted to date only him. Telling him he had time to think about it ... she respectfully asked that he not call or that they not go out until he decides. That was at about 2am. Later that afternoon, Mike called Danielle. Assuming she didn't make herself clear she asked if he had remembered their conversation? Yes. And had he thought about what he wanted? Yes. And had he talked to Deanna to tell her that couldn't see each other anymore? Yes. Hmmm ... so does that mean that you want to only date me? Yes. WOW ... guess we didn't have He's Just Not That Into You to tell us that we didn't do it the correct way.
That Christmas ... Danielle travelled to California and was introduced into Mike's world. Family, extended family and friends. Literally. A little overwhelming but with full and loving embraces.
Truthfully we started off as friends ... afteral we had our very own episode of Friends going on. 4 girls and 4 boys ... only an apartment apart. And oddly enough ... 5 of the 8 went to High School together. Mike had lived with Danny in Will Vill and needed a place to lay his head for only a semester so he stayed with Danny, Kyle and Alex (school mates of Danielle and Sarah). And Danielle lived with another current member of Express, Kim, soon to be member of Express, Katy and former Liberty Belles teammate Sarah. The boys watched out for the girls, had the big comfy leather couch, HUGE tv and fooseball table. The girls ... had food.
We realized that we rather enjoyed each other ... spending nights talking into the wee hours ... going to dinner to hang out. Whatever ... then when he got rid of his yellow hair ... Danielle realized he was cute. Hahahhahaha!!!
Something happened ... we went from friends to dating in a short amount of time. And dating is all it was ... for about 2 weeks. We both just wanted to be relaxed in our dating so in fact ... Mike was dating another girl named Deanna. She was a cheerleader from SoCal. But as I said before ... dating didn't last long. One fateful night ... Danielle sat Mike down to express that she wanted to date only him. Telling him he had time to think about it ... she respectfully asked that he not call or that they not go out until he decides. That was at about 2am. Later that afternoon, Mike called Danielle. Assuming she didn't make herself clear she asked if he had remembered their conversation? Yes. And had he thought about what he wanted? Yes. And had he talked to Deanna to tell her that couldn't see each other anymore? Yes. Hmmm ... so does that mean that you want to only date me? Yes. WOW ... guess we didn't have He's Just Not That Into You to tell us that we didn't do it the correct way.
That Christmas ... Danielle travelled to California and was introduced into Mike's world. Family, extended family and friends. Literally. A little overwhelming but with full and loving embraces.
and in the beginning ... there was yellow
Let's just say ... when Danielle first laid eyes on Mike ... it was with a bit of laughter. Heck, his parents walked past him in the aiport just weeks before we met!! Someone really should've written "Spalding" across his head ... it would've made more sense. Ok, so Mike spent the summer he turned 21 and the same summer that would be his last summer before he graduated, in Alicante, Spain. His Spanish Sister was a hair dresser and she BLEACHED his hair to do something 'nice' for him. Now a tall dark and handsome man does not look good with yellow hair atop his head. But it was fun for the time being.
(Please note ... when this photo was sent ... the date on it was 08/19/01. That's only a few days before we officially met!! And the photo was taken in the Civello House in Alamo!!)
(Please note ... when this photo was sent ... the date on it was 08/19/01. That's only a few days before we officially met!! And the photo was taken in the Civello House in Alamo!!)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
the start of something new ...
Welcome to our adventure. First we want to take you on a trip down memory lane. And because memory lane started before everyone had a digital camera ... we have to scan the real ones in!!! As soon as we get this done ... you will be joining us on a lifetime journey. Starting at the beginning ... full of stories of how we met ... when we realized he loved each other ... how Mike got Danielle to move to California ... why we took a trip of a lifetime ... how Mike proposed ... where we got married ... where we honeymooned ... where we now call home and beyond.
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