GO BLUE!

​​Noah was the only tall single guy at the school I was just hired at. He talked really loud and knew everything, but he went to U of M, the kids loved him and he was the coach of a successful ultimate team. I could see us being friends as I coach volleyball. Little did I know I would be asked to help with the school team. That's how it happened. His calves in those shorts, his ability to sky high schoolers... I mean his passion for the game and ability to motivate a group of high school kids and convince them to run up and down a field for hours while throwing a plastic disc... and enjoy it! We had a lot of fun after school on the field and when I went out of town for Labor Day I decided to text him on the status of the Michigan football game. I snagged tickets to the next home game and texted Noah again to see if he wanted to join (I was at an alumni tailgate the night before. They don't call it liquid courage for nothing!). The next morning, he picked me up. We held hands through the crowded golf course and snuggled in the stands to stay warm. Then it hit me, I can't date a coworker! Better marry him instead.

My dating life (or lack thereof) seemed to be a topic of interest around the office, so it was no surprise that when we hired a beautiful young new science teacher on the staff, people started to get ideas. Many of our colleagues cheekily sought my opinion about the new hire, to which I would typically respond with generic professional responses like: "I'm sure she'll be an excellent addition to our staff." I didn't give myself much of a chance with her, and I decided the safest thing to do would be to keep any "unprofessional" thoughts to myself. My resolve was tested when I found out Elise was a successful coach, and that she wanted to come work with the Ultimate team. I was impressed with how Elise jumped right in and started working with our players, motivating them to work harder and play better. I couldn't help but be impressed by her energy, and despite my best efforts, I started thinking about the possibility of being more than just colleagues. She made the first move. I was thinking it, but too much of a chicken to say it. As practice came to a close one afternoon, Elise casually asked if I wanted to get a drink, and the next thing I knew we were having dinner on the Sidetrack patio. We talked for a long time, and by the time we were done with dinner I knew I was in deep. She was beautiful, she was funny, but most of all, she kept it real. I couldn't wait to see her again. And again. And again.

We decided to go to Fort Myers, FL for winter break to get a little sunshine. A very casual trip with picnic lunches, laying out by the pool and disc throwing on the beach. We even went to a dinner and a movie place to see the latest star wars movie. The last night we decided to rent bicycles and ride to the point to see the sunset. We arrived in time to go for a swim before watching the sun sink lower on the horizon. One of us was acting uncharacteristically jittery and weird ... the other pretending to be completely oblivious. As we were leaving he finally got up the nerve, got down on one knee and said, "Elise Marie Graham Thompson, will you marry me?"