Schumi update time. Big news.

[Schumi]

I have been putting off writing this. Dueller finally reminded me. I owe everyone an update on what the hell I've actually been doing the last 4 weeks as it's been a total life changer for me as some of you know.

Let's back up about 4 months ago. I was literally days away from putting through the paperwork on a PhD program- fully funded. I would have been committed to a life of research (again) for another 3 years. I had no other real prospects. Then I got a phone call out of the blue, and before I knew it I was offered a job as an vehicle systems engineer for a certain California-based sports car company (I purposefully must leave their name out of this as my posts entail much of my personal life and opinions that are very separate from my company). Yes, that one.

Needless to say, I dropped everything. I flew out to LAX on June 10th with two suitcases and my laptop. Nothing else. No real plan. I rented an apartment two blocks from the beach in Hermosa Beach and bought a 2000 Boxster S all within 4 days. I spent all of my savings getting everything squared away. It was rough times, and still is to a bit, but it's been an absolute amazing journey. I'm settled in now, and as I type, I'm sitting on my deck looking at the sunset on the ocean. My job is wonderful and I am incredibly happy with it.


But... as many of you know... I left a lot of things behind, but there was only really one thing that I knew I would have trouble leaving...

C.

Let's pregame this for any newcomers who are so inclined to delve into the wonderment that is my ridiculous relationship with her:

The first thread:
guys, I think I found "the one"..

Summary: at that time, I was struggling with being in a 'friend' relationship with a girl I was pretty damn sure I loved. Over the course of a few weeks after my initial post, I made some progress with the relationship and it was made obvious between the two of us that we had that 'something special'

The second thread:
The one that's getting away...

Summary: 3 months had gone by and our work schedule and distance were getting heavy. She is on her way to become Dr. C, and I, at that time, was on my way to become Dr. Schumi. Hers medical, mine engineering. We both worked other jobs outside of getting degrees- she works as a waitress and I was a college instructor and did 50 hours of research a week. We had little time even to talk. Neither of us ever saw other people however.

The third thread:
"I would marry that woman."

Summary:
I found out I had gotten the job in California and we talked a bit about some heavy things. I was supposed to go meet her later that week and figured it was time to make some big moves. Our dinner together never happened as her work schedule changed and I had to head off on business.


So lets take it up to June 9th. This is one day before I would be leaving for Los Angeles. I hadn't seen C in several weeks. I was incredibly.. odd feeling about the whole situation. I was making a huge life change, up and moving to LA at the drop of a hat... and at the same time felt that I could be shutting the door between us forever. Our relationship has never been constant. We were always apart from each other for such long periods. Yet the attraction never left. I was always on the edge about what I thought that she thought of our relationship.

So on the 9th, I was in South St. Louis packing up some things and getting my luggage together. I left for STL international at 9AM the next morning. She had a softball game at the local sports complex. I hopped in the Porsche (the 924S at this time) and drove to the ball field at about 6:30. This would be, ironically, the last time I would drive that car.

I watched her game from behind the bullpen. About 20 minutes in, she was coming off the field and spotted me. He smile made me melt.

After the game we walked to our cars together and went back to her place so she could change and pickup some keys as she had to head by her workplace to pickup some stuff she left. This would turn into a big debacle as she had lost them and we spent most of the night looking for them. Which was ok, because the offered us plenty of time to talk.


So, fast forward... it's almost 2 AM. We're sitting in the local park. Talking. She wanted to know everything about what I was going to do, obviously. But I had this incredibly ominous feeling the whole time. We were basically at the end. She was really uncertain about what she was going to do with her life in the next 2 years. It was made clear to me that she needed to play that out- as I did, and was doing.

She started talking about out last 5 years together. How we first went out, and started this whole s***-show of a deal, and how our crazy lives, 100 miles apart were the busiest of anyone we know but how that was the important things to be doing, as we're both still rather young. It was here that I made this following statement:

"I should have told you I loved you way back then instead of waiting till right now, 7 hours before I leave, to tell you. Because I knew it then."

She was near tears.

She said that we were doing what was necessary in both of our lives right now, and that, years from now, things would line back up between the two of us. It would work out, is what she said.

So then I decided, right there, 7 hours before my ass was on a plane and out of her life for who knows how long, that I was going to do the craziest thing I could think of.

I asked her to marry me.

Talk about ridiculous. I've done a lot of extreme things over the years but saying those words was the most intense I've ever felt.

I really didn't know how she was going to respond. I honestly didn't care. I was off to get on a one way flight in 6 1/2 hours and all I knew is that I had to say it for the sake of saying it.

She smiled, shook her head, and said:

"Of course I will marry you."

Wow.

She continues:

"I've known that we will get married for a while. You have to do what you have to do in LA, and I have to do what I need to do here. But some time down the road, after everything settles, we'll be together if we're supposed to be and I will marry you. Absolutely"


We kissed. And then I had to go. It was 2:30 AM. We literally were about half way between my Porsche and her SUV... I walked backwards the whole way, smiling, until I hit the rear quarter panel of my car, opened the door, slid in, told her I loved her, and drove off.




The next day I began the rest of my life without the girl I just proposed to, and it was the hardest thing I ever had to do. But I've done it.

And now, time will tell how we wind up. But I've got a positive outlook on the whole thing.







Hope you've enjoyed
Mike

[Don Plumley]

Fantastic!

[Schumi]

Oh, and addendum:

She already has it scheduled to fly out and spend 4 days here with me in October.

I'm not letting go.

[McLovin]

Beautiful story, and what an exciting time in your life!

[nostatic]

You're going to have an interesting summer in Hermosa

My funk band is playing at Molly Malones Saturday 17Jul. Be there or b-squared.

Beyond that I'm in town most of the summer (thankfully avoided an EU trip). Work in Marina del Rey, live in Santa Monica. Ping me.

[Evans, Marv]

Great! Sometimes life is just what it is, and what it turns out to be (if that makes sense). You absolutely made the right move, and after all this time I bet things will work out for the two of you for the long run. Congrats!

[Rick Lee]

Thanks for the update. I'll be in LA later this month and we have to get some of the crew together and drink some beers.

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by nostatic

My funk band is playing at Molly Malones Saturday 17Jul. Be there or b-squared.

Damn! Seahawk is in Phoenix that day and I'm holding off on my LA trip until the following week.

[Groesbeck Hurricane]

Mike,

Hold onto her! She is worth so very much!

My Wife and I have had to live in separate states due to work on two different occasions. Keep communicating. Be honest with your feelings! Let her know how you feel and do NOT give her any reason to have doubts. It will be the hardest thing you have ever done, living apart. I could not imagine living without my Wife! We do EVERYTHING together that we can. Keep your eye on the prize and let her know she is what makes your life whole!

Oh, and weekend supersaver fares are the cheapest way to go. Bundles including either rental cars or hotel rooms. I'd suggest seeing each other at least once a month. Send her flowers, cards, notes, e-mails. Stay in touch!

[GH85Carrera]

Cool News!!!

Congrats

[porsche4life]

WOW! I guess congratulations are in order....


No sampling the local poon for mikey....

[911Freak]

atta boy!

[YTNUKLR]

Holy mackerel! I don't even know you, but that is one amazing story. My story of late was pretty crazy (I thought), but that takes the cake! Very happy for you; congratulations! Enjoy all of it in good health, especially the SoCal beach...

[crustychief]

That is awesome news Mike! Congrats!

[pwd72s]

Bravo....and best wishes!

[slodave]

Congrats Mike.

[porsche4life]

You ready to start planning the Bachelor party, Dave? I'll fly out for that one....


Something this epic requires a picture Mike, You should know that by now...

[slodave]

Hookers and blow for everyone! Ehm, no hookers for Mike, just blow.

[porsche4life]

I showed this to my mom Mike.... She says it will be hard for you but you made the right choice

[JavaBrewer]

Thanks for sharing Mike!