Kenny. Or Seleta. It depends on who you ask.

THE BRIDE:

It's a well-known fact that I like animals. So when my friends Kenny and Seleta mentioned that Kenny knew a guy from work who was interested in meeting me, and that the guy had chickens and pigs, I was admittedly intrigued.

After a preliminary Facebook stalking, the guy seemed like a decent prospect, and I endeavored to address the next hurdle: giving myself a pep-talk so I'd actually go on a blind date. It was my first blind date, and quite frankly, given some of the trauma of past romantic relationships, the idea of meeting or dating someone I did not know was rather daunting.

Kenny and Seleta agreed to go on a double date with us for the initial blind date. It was decided that the White Water Center would be a great venue; amidst the man-made rafting loop, hiking trails, live music, and restaurants, there would be plenty of options for activities, safe areas to walk and talk, and of course dining.

It was a Saturday. I recall that I had chosen to work an extra shift at a different clinic, and I had to pack a bag with my change of clothes. After working my shift at the Fort Mill UrgentVet, I changed into a pair of long white jeans, a sleeveless aqua top, and my stylish $15 Ray Ban- knock-off sunglasses. Admittedly, I had carefully selected my ensemble.

I shoved my dirty scrubs into my yellow Herschel bag, said my farewells to the team, and headed to the White Water Center.

My first impression of Joseph as he was walking towards me down a sloped area at the White Water Center was that he was tall and his hair was pleasantly somewhat wild and frizzy. I noted that he was wearing flip-flops and his feet splayed out slightly as he walked.

Over the course of the evening, we chatted about various topics - animals, science, the Ren Fair, personal interests, etc. From the very beginning, conversation with Joseph was easy, fun, and natural.

I recall that at one point, we tossed around the idea of acquiring some refreshment. Given my long day at work, I leaned towards going to the restaurant at the White Water Center. Having a few chicken tenders or a single brat from their food stand seemed unlikely to satisfy my growing hunger level.

Eventually, Joe and I ended up at the restaurant, only to find that they had a long wait - unless we ordered at the bar area. I recall taking my sunglasses off as we stepped into the restaurant, and Joe's demeanor became more animated or excited.

We opted to order at the bar, eat a few bites, and then get the rest of our food in a box to go. Our plan was to sit at a table outdoors, where it was less noisy and crowded. We had only just sat down outside, when a worker came by to inform us that we were not allowed to sit down and eat there. We quickly adjusted and walked down the hill and chose to sit on the lawn while we finished our meals.

I remember thinking how easy-going Joe seemed, and how he took all the random changes and curve balls surrounding our dinner in stride.

Joe was so enjoyable to converse with that Kenny and Seleta left for the evening, and Joe and I remained. We sat there, next to the edge of the white-water loop, looking out over the water and chatting for some time. Then, when things seemed to be closing for the evening, Joe walked me back to my car.

It was there, in the starlit gravel parking lot, upon which some Olympian may have trod, that I received Joe's phone number.

Having your presence in our lives is a gift enough for us! But if your love language is gift-giving, here's a few ideas!