It's Time

This blog was created to keep our family and friends "in the know" about all of the fun happenings for Chad and Amanda's wedding. We want those who have shared in our lives and in our story to be a part of this journey, from the proposal to the first wedded kiss. So what better place to start than a walk down memory lane...

She said:
It all began on Tuesday, January 31, 2006. Tuesday was typically Amanda's day off from her job as veterinary technician at Countryside Animal Hospital, but her good friend and co-worker Jenn asked her to switch shifts so that Jenn could do inventory that day. It was a typical day at the hospital--seeing appointments, preparing for surgery--but without their knowledge, the worlds of Amanda and Chad were about to collide...the Universe was unfolding just as it should.
The girls of the hospital were a little rowdy that day, and Sharon (front desk supervisor) put the 11 o'clock appointment in Room 2. She came to the back of the hospital and handed Amanda a file for the next appointment: Kabo, 9 year old male collie, routine physical exam, vaccinations, and heartworm test. But Sharon didn't just hand Amanda the file and walk away--Sharon added a commentary, "Cute guy in Room 2. You'll want to take this one."
So Amanda, single and curious, did what we like to call a "drive by." She cruised by the front door of the exam room and peaked her head in the window. She came to the back of the hospital where the rest of the girls were waiting with anticipation. "Yeah, he's cute," Amanda nodded. The girls squealed. Dr. Catharine Speights came out of her office, intrigued by the noises from her staff. She put on her white coat and took the file. "Oh Chad, nice guy," Dr. Speights said. "Do you want me to introduce you?"
Amanda felt her cheeks warm and the butterflies begin to take flight. But she agreed to accompany Dr. Speights into the exam room and assist with the appointment. Dr. Speights did as she said she would do--a simple introduction. Chad looked up from his dog and smiled at Amanda. Amanda kneeled on the floor beside Kabo and held his leg for a blood draw. A quick conversation about Kabo's propensity to lick, a few nervous laughs, and Amanda fled the room feeling increasingly embarrassed. Little did she know, Dr. Speights was doing more than a simple introduction once Amanda had left the room. She came out of the room, handed Amanda a notepad, and said, "Write your phone number down."
The squealing reached a new height. Amanda wrote down her number and took off down the stairs, hoping to hide her newly red cheeks from her co-workers. Chad gathered Kabo and placed the folded paper in his pocket. He left the hospital that day a little confused, but he stood a little taller and smiled a little brighter--he got a number!
Amanda really didn't expect Chad to call...after all, they barely spoke two words that day. She was sure he wouldn't even recognize her if they bumped into each other at Starbucks. But little did she know, Chad was a man of his word. He respected Dr. Speights and knew he had to call because he said he would. Two days later, he did.

He Said:
It all started about mid January, 2006. Chad got a card from Countryside Animal Hospital; Kabo was due for his routine checkup and bloodwork. Chad called to make an appointment and was given a couple options. Typically, Chad would have made the appointment for first thing in the morning, to get the boys' day off to a fast start. But this day, for some reason, the later appointment seemed like the better option. Chad made the appointment for eleven o’clock on the thirty-first and did not think about it again, until the day arrived.
On the day, Chad packed up the Bo-Dogger and set out towards Fort Collins. Everything seemed pretty normal, a weigh in and an escort to Room 2. But then, something did seem a bit out of place. Chad thought to himself, it must be someone’s birthday, or other similar celebration, as there seemed to be more commotion and laughter than typically associated with a veterinary hospital. Dr. Speights came in the room and introduced the technician that would be helping with the exam, a very lovely young lady named Amanda. Chad noticed Amanda’s pretty smile, her gentle manner and the care and concern she had with Bo-Dogger. The exam proceeded as usual, with Amanda and Dr. Speights leaving the room to perform the tests and prepare the results. Dr. Speights returned and indicated the bloodwork was normal, however…
Fearing bad news, Chad was a little confused when Dr. Speights said “I have one more thing for you, do you remember the tech that was just in here? She thought you were pretty interesting and wanted to get to know you a little better… would you like her number?” Being caught off guard, time felt like it was passing at speeds that were incomprehensible, immeasurably fast. Chad simply said, “Sure” as the capacity for rational thought was lost somewhere in the previous minutes. Dr. Speights left, momentarily, returning with a slip of paper with Amanda’s name and number. She asked, “Are you going to call her?”. Chad said yes and started to long for just a bit of normalcy in what was a spinning delusion of surreal comprehension. After quickly exiting the hospital, the miles home passed slowly as memories of the morning’s events were recalled and analyzed from every conceivable perspective.
For the next couple days, Chad was unsure of what to make of the situation. Was this just a random act; an impulse that Amanda was hoping would not resurface? Or was this something else? Finally, Chad had the thought… I said would call, so I will call. Chad called and left a message, a short and nervous narrative falling miserably short of the cool, confident and funny script that was planned.
With a few more nervous communications… Chad saw that smile again… walking into the Starry Night Café, a site never to be forgotten.