As I may have mentioned, I have only known my huband Robin for a little over four years and we will have been married three years in July.  Since he is blind and works primarily at home, you may be wondering how we met.  Well, funny you should ask.

We were both living in Albuquerque at the time.  I was a widow, but had been dating someone for about six months.  Going okay, but I won't say there weren't issues.  I was also working full-time as the COO/Executive Director of a nonprofit research organization.  Doing pretty well if I do say so myself (at least in the work arena).  I also had two teenage daughters living with me.  I had an older daughter and granddaughter that were not living me.  Basically, I came with a lot of bagagge. 

Since I had been dating someone, I thought I had deleted my Yahoo personals account.  One day, however, I went to check it and I had some messages.  Most were the usual "delete without replying" type (those of you who have been in the dating market know what I mean), but there was one from this guy.  The subject said "we have a lot in common."  I started reading. Hmm...  Indeed, it did seem we did have a lot in common, but I was already dating someone and who needs that complication in their life--two men I mean.  But, since it was a nice message I decided I should at least reply and let him know I was dating someone.  While in the process of doing that, I notice that he is online.  Well, instead of just replying the email, I think I'll send him a message.  I mean, that will be quick right???  (Turned out later he was using the personal ads to prospect!)

So, I send him an IM.  He answers back.  I tell him I am seeing someone.  He says that's okay and then starts launching into his life.  I won't get into the details, but I thought he was kidding.  No one could have done all the things he said plus have had all the things happen to them that he was telling me.  Then he let the big one fall--he was blind! 

Then he started talking about the great business he was in.  I was rolling my eyes at my computer.  The last thing I needed was to involved in anything.  Needless to say I was skeptical, but intrigued.  After all, anyone as smart as he was had to know something--right??  I asked questions, he would answer.  I didn't know anything about MLM or network marketing, or whatever you were calling it that day.  For about a month I asked questions and he answered.  He finally talked me into meeting him for lunch and talking more about this business.  (An appointment he walked to by the way.)

The day came and I was kind of dreading it.  I really didn't want to get involved in this business and I wasn't even really sure why I was going.  I pulled into the restaurant wondering what in the world I was doing.  I see this big guy in suspenders, a cowboy hat, and strange dark glasses and I REALLY wondered what I was getting into.  But, I was there and I didn't want to be rude, so I asked if he was Robin.  He smiled, although he seemed a little nervous, and said yes.

We sat down.  He started talking about the business and (as described in an earlier blog) my eyes glazed over.  What the heck was I doing here!  We ordered lunch.  Then he did something strange--he took my hand and said grace.  I'm not sure why he did it since he didn't know me.  I'm not even sure why I let him, but the electricity was palatable.  He didn't seem to notice (although later he, unprompted, he told me  how he had felt the electricity even though I had never told him what I felt).  He kept talking and before the meeting ended, I had signed up for the business (disregarding something I would advise for anyone thinking of getting into a business--make sure you do your homework!).

Anyway, I broke up with the guy I was dating and started dating Robin. (For those of you that don't know Robin, he can be very persistent and very persuasive.)  We were married about five months later. It has been a challenge with the whole blending family thing.  I don't think either of would say it has all been a bed of roses, but it has certainly been an adventure.  In three short years we have moved three times (once from New Mexico to Iowa), I was laid off, my granddaughter came to live with us and my daughter had another baby that ended up with us when he was six weeks old (there is a reason that 50-something women usually don't have kids--it is hard to keep up!), Robin had major stomach surgery (to fix old damage that had been done during the Vietnam war) and ended up losing over 100 pounds, and the list goes on.

In any case, remember that sometimes when you are out prospecting you get more than you bargained for.  And, sometimes, when you least expect it, an opportunity comes around that is too good to pass up!  The adventure certainly continues and I hope you enjoy following it!

See you at the top!

Kathy

P.S.  I always tell people I really married Robin to protect my investment!