I had run my first marathon a couple of years before. However, I had not sustained that fitness level. My eating habits reflected the depression I was experiencing following the breakup of my thirty year marriage relationship, so I set out to get back in shape. After an intense three months of diet and exercise, I felt good about reaching my goals, and I decided to reward myself.
My first thought was to eat a big steak dinner, which I scaled down to a deluxe hamburger to stay within my food budget. I topped my food fantasies with the idea of gorging myself on a homemade banana cream pie. Of course, these gastronomic misadventures were what put me on the weight-loss path to begin with. When I asked myself what I really wanted, it hit me. There were two things I had never done and always wanted to do: 1) visit Alaska, and 2) take a cruise. I could accomplish both at one time! Since I was unattached, I researched singles cruises. As it happened a singles group had openings on a cruise that July which fit with my vacation schedule. Sharing a stateroom with another single was a great way to save money, so I booked it.
As people signed up, we introduced ourselves to one another via email. I learned quickly that more women cruise than men. Of the sixteen people in our group, thirteen were women. Although I did not mind the odds, I was a bit nervous thinking I was older than most members of the group. Just to make sure I was putting my best self forward, I bought some new dress clothes. I also had my hair styled including dying out the gray. I was ready.
The first evening on the cruise was a social mixer/cocktail hour. All but one person showed up at the appointed hour. I knew who was missing because we had all exchanged introductory emails. When she finally showed up I approached her and said, “Hi, my name is Mike. You must be Florence.” (Under duress I am now fast forwarding past all the mushy stuff.)
We decided to stay in touch after our cruise. Florence lived in Glendale, California. I was in Olympia, Washington. We maintained a long distance relationship for awhile, which was stressful. She took vacations in Washington with me (and filled my freezer with home-cooked meals). I visited her at her home in Las Vegas. I met lots of her Italian family at Thanksgiving. We decided then that we should be together, and by Christmas she and I had a home together in Olympia. The rest, as they say, is history.
All this occurred in 2005. Florence and I were married in 2007. I retired in 2011, and we have been traveling the world together ever since.
I had never before used “Hi, my name is Mike” as a pickup line. Since I am batting 1.000 with that line I do not use it anymore. Thus, my perfect record remains intact. 🙂
What a touching story! You and Florence are lucky to have found each other. I too am divorced, and after many years of being alone met my current husband, Paul. We’re very happy. Celeste. 🙂
I should have put this story out for Valentines Day. It has that sort of romantic sentiment to it. I am glad you enjoyed it, Celeste, and many happy returns to you and Paul.
Call me a romantic, but I think romantic sentiment is appropriate everyday.
It’s a beautiful story. I want the ‘mushy’ stuff please.
I was being discreet knowing my in-laws and my daughters read my blog. I would not want them to get any crazy ideas about our adventures aboard ‘The Love Boat.’ 🙂
I agree it is always difficult knowing some people in your audience know read your stories and genuinely know you. I sometimes find that when writing about my family! Anyway, I loved your ‘Love Boat’ story. Thank you for sharing it.
Sweet story Mike! Not all of those stories turn out so well. You got lucky, in many ways. 😉
Knowing your love of movies, that’s a perfect setup for a line from Dirty Harry – “Do ya feel lucky, Punk?”
Well, yeah, I sure do! Thanks, Dawn!
BTW – my kids still think the weirdest part of the story is that I dyed my hair. 🙂
I left that out. 😉
You happened to choose the simplest and best pickup line, one which I have used as well (my name is the same, so that helps).
As I look back, I am glad I didn’t try to use this pickup line too much when I was younger, or I certainly wouldn’t be batting 1.000 with it now. Thank you for commenting, Mike.
Beautiful story.
Thank you.
Awww! Gave me chills. I love your story.
That is nice of you to share – thank you.
Great story and wonderful experience. I think the second time around, we manage to get it right, don’t we? Thanks for stopping by and giving me a LIKE!
Exactly! Thank you for sharing your comments.
what a fun concept for a blog! i will be following along!May I ask how you found me and why you visited and why you :”liked it”?
And the all important question, will you come back?
Our common thread was your post was also freshly printed in the ‘Grandchildren’ category. I like to see what others like me have to say. Keep writing and I’ll keep reading.
I hope you are really enjoying those grandchildren1 i have mine everyday after school now and often before it lets out as they both have had some sickness.
We plan a big egg dyeing and painting party for Thurs afternoon. I am going to do my best to remember to take the pictures for the blog!
The holidays are the best, and the photos are a great way to remember these fleeting years.
Thank goodness for Skype so I can visit remotely with my grandson.
I am so glad that I went back to comment now. Your love story echoes some of the ones I have been told and shared on my blog. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and am glad that you have your happy ending, shared is always better!
Thank you, and since I enjoy your stories, too, I am sharing the link to your blog so that others may also enjoy your stories. – Mike
What stunning photos! Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Likewise, and thank you.
MIke,
You’re a wise man – quitting while you’re ahead. Congratulations on your perfect game.
Thanks! 🙂
What a wonderful and uplifting story…All it takes is one decision, to change your life! Thank You for visiting my blog yesterday, too : )
Carlynn
jjbegonia.com
What a sweet story and a great ending. So happy for you both. It took a lot of courage to make that step, but what a great reward! Thanks for visiting my blog! Brenda
You are welcome, Brenda, and thank you for your thoughtful comments.
What a great and charming story! You have a lot of courage, charm and humor. I’m so happy you were rewarded for it!
Beautiful photos! I loved my Alaskan cruise, too. Yours was especially great, because you met Florence.
Thank you, Catherine. I felt our story was too good not to share. I am pleased to know you enjoyed it.
Thanks for liking my blog, this is a nice story
You are welcome, and thank you for the kind comment.
A success story in favor of “singles” cruises! Great. I could never do it, but kudos to you! Thanks for stopping by my blog, too.