Monday, December 22, 2008

Phillip

This house is called Phillip. Tim and Rebecca named the house Phillip, and it's a very special house. It's where Aaron lived when we first met. I suppose it was actually where he lived when we second met, because we first met in a bike shop and I buggered back off to New Zealand and blew him off for a year. After Aaron and I second met, Aaron wooed me on Phillip's front porch with his apple tart. At that point, I was too polite to tell him that I don't like pastries. He really won me over when he took my superfluous zucchini and cauliflower from the garden and made delicious concoctions from it while I studied microbiology. That porch was the first place that Aaron and I ever kissed, and I've been known to drag him over there for a smooch on special occasions. Aaron moved all the way across the street, so Phillip's porch is always at our disposal.

For the past few years, Aaron and I have had a tradition of celebrating the solstices. I (the triathlete) am in charge of the summer solstice celebration, since long days and minimal clothing make me happiest. Aaron (the biathlete) is in charge of the winter solstice celebrations, as he is thrilled by long underwear, copious amounts of snow, and cozy fires on frigid nights. I wasn't surprised when I came home from work last night (the winter solstice) to a fairly untraditional but delicious 5 course meal. I wasn't surprised when we went for a walk after dinner in the snow. We walked around Cannon Park and checked out the christmas lights until I began to freeze and whine. I was distracted for a while when we assisted a family recently transplanted from Maui (yikes!) that was stuck in the snow. In the end, there were so many people helping that we all just ended up pushing the stuck car the 2 blocks to their house.

When Aaron told me to join him on Phillip's porch after the walk, I thought he was being sweet and romantic. I didn't know that he was going to ask me to marry him. I was surprised, but it was sweet and I said yes. Actually, I think I said "sure." The stuff of princess dreams, eh?

I suppose I should have been more onto it. I did receive several queries over the past few months: "Are you sure you don't want an engagement ring? You're not just saying that?" My (truthful) answer was no - I don't have any desire to wear a ring, and I think buying one would be a waste of money and resources. Aaron wasn't completely satisfied with that answer, so he superglued (the man loves epoxy) a pebble from the foundation of the now-burned-down bike shop to a simple band. So ladies, if you ever want to check out my "rock," I've really got one. The difficulty that ensued when I tried to replace my mittens post proposal reaffirmed my desire to remain ring-free.

I know that this is a tri blog and not a relationship blog, but I think it's worth mentioning that Aaron actually wanted to do this 6 months ago on the summer solstice, but it was the day before IM Cd'A. Then, he postponed his plans until the equinox, but I was traveling back from training camp in Victoria, so he had to wait another 3 months. Kona would have been a romantic spot for a proposal, but hours of sustained vomiting left me rather cranky. He is one patient triathlete partner. And I sure do love him.




19 comments:

BRFOOT said...

Haley that is a great story. I'm really happy for both of you. Congradulations on what is sure to be a lifelong adventure. I can't wait to tell Jayne she will love reading this.

Spokane Al said...

I was thinking that the occasion must be very special for you to blog twice in the same week and it certainly was!

Congratulations to the both of you. May you have decades of laughter and joy in the years ahead.

Shelbyyy@gmail.com said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Shelbyyy@gmail.com said...

Here I am procrastinating on getting on my bike and then I get this surprise! Congratulations! I love you both a ton and am happy to hear Aaron was finally able to find just the right time and just the right place to sucker you into marrying him :)
XOXO,
S
ps I LOVE the ring!

jessithompson said...

HIP HIP HOORAY!!! We're so thrilled for you, Haley. Being married is wonderful and I'm so excited for you and Aaron that you'll be able to share this adventure together! CONGRATS!

Anonymous said...

OH HALEY . . . Congratulations! Martin, Jayden and I are super happy for you and Aaron. You two seem perfect together, awesome energy and chemistry! Love Love Love your story. Thank you for sharing.

Vicki

Phaedra Cote said...

Aawon is patient. I can't wait for the party. I'm not patient.

I love you both. Props to Aaron for loving you in such a thoughtful way and proposing in the same manner. You guys have such a great story and a love that is to be admired.....

Monkey hugs-
P.

Matt said...

Congrats on your engagement!

Eileen Swanson said...

OMG, What? Where have I been? CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I AM SOOOOO HAPPY!! This is so EXCITING!!

XOXO,
E

Linsey Corbin said...

Yeah Haley Cooper!! What a cute story. All the best!
Linsey

tak2lmt said...

Haley & Aaron,
We are so excited for you guys. You make a great couple. This could be the only wedding ever done in a bike peleton.
Picicci's

Kelli Rydeen and Family said...

Haley,

I love the story! Congratulations. I hope that you both share many years of happiness and surprises!

Wishing you all our best,
Kelli and Family

Michael W. Bergquist said...

Congrats Haley. This is wonderful news and I'm happy for you two.

M-Dot said...

YEAH!!!!!!

Congrats Haley and Aron.

The Huskinon's

Andy said...

Congratulations Haley! I love your story!

Kirsten said...

Awesome!! Congratulations, Haley!!

Unknown said...

Haley, Congrats! What a sweet story, my eyes were welling up with tears as I read it. You are quite the writer..He sounds like such a romantic and I can't wait to see your "rock"..

Also, Kevin asked me that same very important question on Christmas morning..

Congrats both of you and I wish you the very best!

I really enjoy reading your blogs!

Connie

BreeWee said...

Congratulations! Shantel just told me, she said I have to read your blog, SO I am reading it and even though I never met you CONGRATS! I think you are on your way here...

Enjoy the love of your life!!

Charisa said...

Congrats - and I love that he gave you a real rock! Definite keeper :)