If you don't like mushiness, don't read this one

Because I'm a married woman, and I do what I want, aight? Ok, calling myself a woman was out of line. I apologize. That just weirds me out. But I can't say I'm a "married young lady."

So. One year ago today, Kyle and I started dating! Crazy, huh? It makes me feel all gushy and lovey inside. I know that it's not a big deal like our wedding anniversary will be, but still--it's something! We've been together for a year! And nonstop, too--we never did a break-up-and-get-back-together thing. Boring, but I love it. We're so consistent. I've been kissing Kyle for a year. I've been seeing him everyday (apart from a few tragic separations) for a year. I've been thinking about him nonstop for a year. Ok so I've been thinking about him nonstop for a lot longer than that, but whatever.

It's funny to think about the day we started dating. I flew from Phoenix to Salt Lake on Sunday afternoon and he picked me up. The airport pickup was AWKWARD. He was wearing his Spree tshirt and I felt REALLY ugly because I've been traveling and needed a haircut and just looked gross. He brought me a candy bar. It was awkward because we knew we liked each other, we knew we wanted to date--but it had all been over the phone! The week before we had seen each other and held hands once--but that was IT. And I'm just really awkward anyways. Instead of going back to Park Place immediately, we went to the awesomely huge cemetery in Salt Lake. He had gone online and looked up my relatives that were buried there, and some of the prophets, so we could easily find them. It still wasn't easy though--we were there for a really long time! The whole time, I didn't know if I should...hold his hand? Stand close next to him? So, we didn't touch each other--too awkward.

After we got back to Park Place, I reunited with roommates, moved my bags in, etc. I don't really remember that part of the day very well. I know that I spent most of it with Kyle. That NIGHT, I remember. We were on the couch outside my apartment--warm summer night after curfew=some of my best memories! We talked. He asked me some questions to make sure that I fulfilled the requirements to be his girlfriend--the only one I remember was: "Is your name Chelsea or Jessica?" "No..." "Ok then you're in!!!" So that was easy. I'd already passed all the other tests. My questions for him were "Will I have to twist your arm to get you to hang out with me?" and "Do you have emotions?" and he passed easily. What a relief. Then he asked if he could be my boyfriend, and I said yes. And we were dating. Then he walked me the whole 2 feet to my door and he KISSED me! I was stunned. You gotta understand, I had just dated a boy who dated me for a MONTH before kissing me. Drove me absolutely crazy. Not cool. The boy before him made me wait a while too. So I was completely shocked--and immensely pleased--that Kyle kissed me right then and there. I think the shock showed on my face, because he acted a bit worried--like I was displeased that he had kissed me so soon. He explained to me that his rule was that he wouldn't kiss anyone that wasn't his girlfriend. So once I was his girlfriend, BAM, why wait? I loved it. What a refreshing experience. [Why did I ever date any other boy? And it's a shame that he wasted time on any other girl. We should've gotten together ages ago. I first had the idea spring term 2006--I wish I'd been braver! That would have saved us both a lot of crap. We are so perfect for each other. ]

The next day we put our relationship on Facebook, and since then, every day has gotten better. I didn't think that could happen. I remember like two weeks after we got married, I realized that I loved him more right then than I had on our wedding day. How is that even possible??? Guys, marriage is awesome!

We have big plans tonight--but I don't know what they are. Kyle's in charge. I'm excited to see what happens.