10 years

On March 27 we will be married 10 years. I know that is not a long time in the Anniversary accomplishments. However, when I met Kirk he only asked for 5 good years. I am now going to reminisce.

Early in 1992 I was put into the position of selling hot dogs on the side of Pine Island Rd. Bewildered about my new job and how I got there, along came a man that was determined to change all this.

My first impression was who is this nut case out of the 50's. Cut off sleeves shirt, sun glasses hanging in the front V of his shirt, cigarettes bulging in his pocket, hair sprayed stiff, big plastic mug of coffee which turns out to be beer later in the day and a southern accent, I can't understand a word he is saying. Back then I nodded a lot in acknowledgement, not having an idea of what he said.

He was very persistent. A real salesman. After about a month or so of visiting me everyday at my hot dog stand he convinced me to visit his auto body shop. I did need things fixed on my hot dog cart so I took advantage of the offer. He was seeing some wild gator catching female and I was being hit on by some menopausal entrepreneur. Some how we got jealous of each other. One thing lead to the next. Kirk made a poster of his last name in big letters K I E R S T E A D.
He hung it up in his office. He told me to memorize it because that was going to be my last name.
Now I think, he has really lost it! He said over and over "All I want is a good 5 years".

Too many things happen I would have to write a book. (not in the mood) 1994; I am sort of on my way back to Canada. Had enough of all the stories and promises. Kirk is now in NC and I am passing through or staying. I gave him an ultimatum. Of course you all know, I stayed. He is a salesman! He changed me. In a strange way we match and I love him to pieces.

We are both starting over. Neither one of us had a "pot to piss in or a window the throw it out of". That was OK. We are truly in love. (Ok, we had a dispute or two, which caused me to start walking to Canada, one cold night. The police picked me up and took me home. Kirk slept through the whole thing)

Every anniversary we promise each other another 5 years.