It all started way back in September of 2001. I (Tracy) was an instructor for a company called New Horizons Computer Learning Center in Minneapolis. Debbie was working as a drafter at The Woodshop of Avon in Edina. My company hired a new receptionist (Katy) who happened to be a friend and future roommate of Debbie's.

At the close of Katy's first week we had one of many happy hours at Don Pablo's in Richfield. Katy didn't know any of us all that well so she brought her friend Debbie along despite Debbie's reluctance at going to a company party where she wasn't invited. Debbie happened to sit next to me where we spent the remainder of the evening pondering all subjects generally considered taboo for a bar setting let alone for a new-found friend.

From that night on Debbie was grandfathered into our company outings. She became a fixture at happy hours, at the office, and at our bowling league. Early in December while bowling we were in a discussion about art. Debbie said she had never been to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and that she would love to go sometime. I was more than happy about this since it was a mere six blocks from my apartment. So what do you think we did?

That Friday, December 7, 2001, we went on our first of many "just friends" outings. Looking back now I think we had a "just friends" outing just about every other day. It wasn't until another company happy hour about two months later when one of my co-workers asked "Where is your girlfriend?" I choked and said "Who?" I told Debbie about it later that night. At that point we realized we were more than just friends. We've been inseparable ever since.

December 7, 2006, Debbie and I returned to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts to celebrate our wonderful five years together. Little did she know what was coming later in the evening. She was looking at everything even though we had been there several times in the past and will be there several more times in the future. There were two surprises coming that night and neither had anything to do with art. I was literally dragging her trying to get to the perfect spot in time. I found a bench among the paintings and told her I was tired of walking so she would sit next to me. I asked her if she loved me then asked "Will you marry me?" in a language neither of us had ever heard before. I was so nervous and excited that I couldn't speak. She looked at me and said "Really?" THREE TIMES!!! She didn't think I was serious. Eventually she realized what was happening and she said "Yes".

On the way out of MIA I asked if she would like to go for a drive to look at Christmas lights. She once again said "Yes" as the limousine was pulling up to take us on our tour.