More of the same
Words should flow these days. I have two more columns to write before I leave. What about all the ideas in my head? All the things I've wanted to say?
Maybe I've said everything I wanted to say. And all I really want to talk about is my bride-to-be, but I'm under strict instructions not to write about her anymore.
"They all blame me for taking you away from there," she said.
"No one blames you," I said. "The only reason you haven't received thank-you letters is no one has your address."
Cheryl's been to Marion but only met Janet Marler, Marion City librarian and good friend. Janet has the uncanny ability to determine if someone is likely to ever be a guest on "The Jerry Springer Show," which is a red flag in relationships. Cheryl passed muster with flying colors.
I wanted her to come to Old Settlers' Day, so we could rent a corner of the park and have a receiving line. I'm tired of people saying she doesn't exist.
"That's why I need pictures of us together," I told her. "People think your photo on my desk came with the frame."
What I really wanted was a photo of her with her dog and two cats.
"Do you want me to be clawed to death?" she asked. "They only way we'll get all three together for a picture is if they're freeze-dried."
Her second-graders know I exist, since I am occasionally used as an example of "something that's new" or "someone who's really annoying."
The funniest relationship incident happened this summer at the library grand opening. Cheryl wasn't there, but other friends from out of town were, including Doug and Vicki Westerhaus. Doug spent much of the event visiting friends, so I would chat with Vicki. A few people who saw us standing together apparently thought she was my special someone. This wouldn't be bad, but since she was hugely pregnant at the time, we drew more than a few curious glances. I suspect there are still a few people glad I'm finally making an honest woman of her.
(By the way, David Burton Westerhaus arrived safe and sound Sept. 26. Mother and baby are doing fine. Father is insufferable.)
One more week to go
— MATT NEWHOUSE
