Twenty Four Things Have Learned From My Wife, Kelly

We have been together for over 24 years therefore there bound to be stuff I am going to discover due to the presence of my one and only. Probably could do a bigger list but then it wouldn't be ironic.

24. Kelly understands my geek habits better than I would of thought. She guessed early on that Animal is my favorite muppet; clumsy is my favorite smurf; Optimus Prime is my favorite transformer; grumpy is my favorite care bear and she has figured out mysteries of Doctor Who plots before revealed on TV. None of this is of interest to her by the way.

23. Movie Popcorn is the best of all popcorn but must be found at an actual home style movie theater. We go to Century 21 Theater in Deer Park and the snacks are very good. Most notably is the popcorn. Perfect amount of all important ingredients. Kelly is usually up for a movie realizing that though the movie might be not great, that the popcorn will.

22. I can't keep broccoli on a fork. On July 3rd, 2001, I had my first date with Kelly, and I had fish with vegetables. I could not for the life of me keep the broccoli on my fork. Fell off three times. Finally, Kelly just said that it was fine if I wanted to eat it with my hands. That is what I did. As it turned out the broccoli was waterlogged and Kelly has been quite kind, since then, to remind me where the best broccoli is when we eat out. It is steamed, I eat on a fork. If it is waterlogged, I use my hands or get carrots. Life changing stuff here.

21. The Fifty Shades Film Trilogy is pretty good. I never read the books and Kelly had. She watched the first movie and thought I would like it. It was different in many ways from the book. I was reluctant. Not because it was a chick flick, I have watched many of those in my time enjoying them all to a point. I just figured that there was not going to be much of a story, but Kelly liked them. She is a good judge of those things. Besides, she would not have raved about a movie if it was all just about sex. There was actually a good story there. We watched all three together and I found that there was a redemption arc for Christian Grey. He needed the right person who could break through to him that he was worth loving. Surprisingly compelling.

20. Coffee is actually very good when dressed up. Was not a coffee person before Kelly. I went to coffee shops but usually did not get coffee. Much more of a tea type of fellow and a nice donut too. Early on in our relationship, we went to a Gloria Jeans at a mall. I went to the restroom and when I came back Kelly had gotten me a frozen coffee drink. Never tried one and suddenly regretted all the years I wasted not trying one. Kelly has this way of convincing me of trying things because I trust her. I know she will not try to trick or talk me into something foolish or lethal. Anyway, who can say no to that smile?

19. Kelly is my best friend. She has been shortly after we met. I can talk to her about anything and she is honest with me. I like spending time with her even if it just walking a mall or hanging at a bookstore.

18. I do not like arguing with Kelly. Even if I feel justified at the moment I regret it not because of what Kelly says but because I do not like to argue with her. It goes back to not wanting to let down. Disappointed; offend or fail her.

17. Kelly knows when I am exaggerating. I am not good at lying but I do like telling a good story. Kelly can tell when I am adding details because my voice gets loud and squeaky.

16. I can find food and bathrooms no matter where we are. No matter where we go, whether we have been there before or not, I can find food and where food eventually goes. Didn’t know I could do this until we took my Grandmother out shopping to a new store. I went ahead to get the door and minutes later I came back telling Kelly where all the bathrooms and vending machines were. As it turned out both were in the same place. It was a reflex which Kelly has used on many occasions since.

15. I cannot match to save my life. Dress pants and T-shirts before we met. After we jeans and T-shirts and even dress shirts and jeans. Either way, jeans.

14. Contemporary Christian and Country Music isn’t bad. Wasn't a fan before I met Kelly simply because I did not listen to any before. I was much more into 80's music and found that some is very good.

13. I have saved us greeting card money. After Kelly discovered I could try we just started buying card stock for birthdays and holidays. People actually like my cards better then the store bought ones. Kelly is very good at seeing these things.

12. Appreciating homemade meals. Kelly is a great cook. Plain and simple is her formula for cooking. Who needs fancy? She can stitch together an awesome meal with flavor and taste with few ingredients and little time. Never have I skipped a meal since we have been together.

11. Its best to let go of anger because it is poison. I tend to get a bit upset when someone hurts or offends someone close to me or someone's action affects someone close to me. I am quite protective that way. Sometimes, Kelly literally needs to get in my face and tell me, 'It's okay. We are okay. Let it go.' Very easy to get wrapped up in that moment which then takes forever to calm down which now has totally ruined your mood accomplishing the goal of the offender. No good in the end. Best revenge is to shake it off. Easier said then done sometimes.

10. Soda is better cold. I used to drink warm soda. Yes, I admit it. Did not think it mattered since I drink diet and the flavor stays constant, what’s the hurt? Then I met Kelly, who likes ninety percent ice in her drinks and found she wasn’t off on this. I only put 10 percent of ice in my drinks or shove them in the fridge. Kelly likes fast freezes so in you go into the Freezer for about ten minutes. You got a lovely icicle to lick until thawing. Ha.

9. Kelly can always outwit me. Always quick with a line that can always out do one of mine.

8. Dancing in the rain is fun. Yeah, it was raining outside and we danced. Great time.

7. Kelly found me my job. 2003, I needed a job and Kelly found an ad for a job at Roosevelt University's bookstore in Schaumburg. Meant to last for three weeks which went on for a year. During that time I got a job as a Security Guard at Roosevelt and am still here as of 2021. Not bad for a three week job. By the way, ironically, I received two degrees from Roosevelt University before I met Kelly.

6. Add a comedy track into a serious award; movie; reality or news show is fun. Kelly and I love to add our own dialogue to such Television masterpieces. Makes it all so much more enjoyable. Why else waster time with boredom if you can't improvise.

5. Chocolate is wonderful stress reliever. I prefer dark chocolate but still it has a great calming effect.

4. Our Daughter, Katy, does not hate me. Back in 2005, I was pretty sure that our newborn daughter was not going to like me. As time went on, she would give me this look as to say, ‘Hello, Not Mom. Where is Mom? When is she coming back? She is coming back, right? Kelly insisted that Katy had to get to know me first. She already knew my voice because Kelly encouraged me to talk to her during the pregnancy. Minutes after she was born, Katy took a swing at one of the techs because she was pissed that her fist was removed from her mouth. She was having a good chew and was disturbed. I said, ‘Kate’ and Katy stopped because the voice was familiar. Kelly also encouraged me to sing to Katy, which was a rich collection of 80’s rock songs. I love the 80’s and not good at lullabies. Katy and I have a great relationship because Kelly would not allow me to doubt myself.

3. Laughing makes things a whole lot better. Enough said on this one if it is appropriate timing. Don’t want to be laughing at a funeral or crime scene. Just poor taste.

2. Live today. Yesterday is over and tomorrow is being worked on. Best just to follow the road there instead of jumping.

1. God is. Kelly helped me find my faith again. I went through a crisis before her and with her support, I have grown my faith in God. Learned to lean on God better than before. I see things clearer now.