Our First Date

It was eight years ago Sunday night that Jeremy and I went out on our first "kinda sorta semi quasi no pressure date sorta thing." Unfortunately for Jeremy, I am a lot like a cockroach. While I no longer hide in dark corners of rooms or feast on Mischa's cat food, I am pretty persistent. He's still stuck with me after several years.

Our first date was on a Thursday night. I remember that evening being afraid he would forget our date, so I lurked on Instant Messenger hoping to remind him that I was around. Apparently, we eventually met up because I know we went to Soma, a B-ton coffee shop. Jeremy told me his major was "pre-life" and I remember talking for a long time. We then went to the IU Union to see a free (or nearly free) showing of Gladiator. You'd think the movie title would have tipped me off, but I believed Jeremy when he told me it was a romance. Because the movie was free, the projector broke every 30 - 40 seconds, creating lots of opportunities for discussion one doesn't normally get during a film.

I don't know if it was the pre-date online stalking, the blood and guts, or the awkward pauses during the film, but something got us moving in the right direction!

The first date gave way to a second even more romantic outing (thought I am certain Jeremy only invited me along to be polite). Jeremy took me and three of his closest friends caving. Having recently completed a stint as a ballerina and southern belle, the phrase "drop to your belly and crawl army style through the mud until you can lift your head" is the one I most remember from this night. Jeremy's friend Dave also initiated a fun game called What's the Meanest Thing You've Ever Done? on the drive home.

I didn't realize it at the time, but Jeremy created a brilliant dating obstacle course full of awkwardness, gore, mud, and intense interviews with close friends.

And I'm extremely glad I fooled him enough to pass!