Troubles McSteans

Tomorrow, the 28th of April, is Ryan's and my 10th wedding anniversary. Ryan and I met at a party my freshman year at Trinity University in San Antonio. I had been randomly placed with roommates (hi Shannon and Erica!) that had gone to high school with Ryan, who was attending the University of Texas here in Austin. Ryan was down in San Antonio for the weekend visiting his brother Jason, who was a fellow Trinity Tiger (rawr). We only chatted for a bit that night, and while I thought he was super cute, I didn't quite know what to make of this tall, *cough* slightly inebriated friend of my roommates who needed a tree for support and seemed to be trying to focus through my head to a point about a foot behind me. While subsequent meetings went much better than our first introduction, they were few and far between. I only saw him once more that year and twice our sophomore year, but he made an impression on me and I looked forward to our rare meetings. The stars finally aligned o...

Today Troubles McSteans celebrates our one year anniversary. Hurrah! Thanks to all three of my readers! My mom just left. We've been cleaning since 9 this morning for our 4th of July shindig on Saturday. The house is now 85% devoid of pet hair (that's really the best one can hope for) and smells of floor cleaner. If you're going to be in the area on Saturday, feel free to drop by the house for some burgers and dogs to celebrate the U.S. of A. Now I'm camped out on the couch, pondering a nap and listening to Lucy snoring. The dogs had a big morning, what with fleeing the vacuum, various wrestling matches, and spending about an hour in the yard while we dealt with the floor. Jason is back from his big trip to London and it sounds like he had a great time. He's on his way over to collect Miss Cassidy. Cassidy has had a good visit - she's been a great houseguest and fun playmate for Lucy. It's getting to be time for us to get another dog. Lucy really ...

This morning I had my parents over for breakfast in honor of Father's Day and their 40th wedding anniversary, which is also today. I'm glad my parents live so close now so that we can do these things and not just send cards in the mail. My dad is great and since everyone loves lists (you do, you love lists), here's a list of 10 reasons my dad is awesome. 1. He taught me to ride my little red Schwinn 2. He would take us on 'hippo rides' in the pool when we were little (this involved hopping on his back and getting submerged when we least suspected it) 3. He took us on lots of road trips 4. He taught me to canoe and fish and to appreciate the beauty and serenity of the outdoors 5. He taught me never to give up 6. He taught me to love to watch football 7. He taught me the art of the bad pun 8. He made sure my life was VERY WELL documented 9. He taught me bravery in the face of pain 10. He gave me a kidney Dad, after discovering Ryan, Doug, and me in his cabin in M...

Today is Ryan's and my ninth anniversary. Nine years ago today we gathered our friends and family at Green Pastures in Austin and promised to love and try not to kill each other. So far so good! As told to me by Ryan and Jason, we very nearly had a couple of homeless kids in attendance that had hitch hiked with them earlier in the day and that Ryan (because of nerves, or just because he's Ryan, I don't know) invited last minute. It's been an interesting nine years, with lots of job changes, residence changes, health changes, and changes in number of animals in our care. I most certainly couldn't have made it without Ryan. No matter what else is going on in my life, I know Ryan is going through it with me, because he wants to be there. And with that knowledge, I know I can get through anything. I love you to pieces, Ryan. Happy Anniversary!