Every Little Ting

Jeff had knee surgery this last Wednesday following a wake boarding incident in Lake Powell.
He would like it be known, however, that he did not crash.
Rather something went awry inside his knee while landing a jump.
It's true. I saw it happen.

The drugs he's been taking as a result of the surgery have a noticeable emotional effect on him.
He has extreme highs and extreme lows.
He's very needy and loving.
He made up a funny story about sock gnomes that sneak around our house.
He told me today that I had never looked more beautiful (it was NOT my best day).
And he continually hugs me, laying his head on my chest.

It's all been rather enjoyable for me -- except when he's in pain and sad.
It also has reminded me of another time when Jeff had knee surgery.
Stick with me, this is a good story.

The year was 2006.
I had known Jeff for a few months and we'd become good friends, flirting endlessly.
But...he still hadn't asked me out and it was killing me.
Of course I was playing hard to get, but usually that made boys ask so I was perplexed.

He had a knee surgery scheduled in Chicago, and prior to leaving he said, "You know, I'd like to take you out when I get back. What do you think?"
I casually said yes, trying hard to not show much excitement.

He left for surgery and while he was away my family received terrible news.
My dad had cancer.

Jeff called me that night and he asked how I was.
I told him what was going on and how I was scared.

He was rather doped at the time and in his best Bob Marley accent said, "Mallory, as the great Bob Marley would say, don't worry about a ting. Cause every little ting is gonna be alright."

And you know what, it has been. That's when I knew he was a keeper.

And a Happy Belated 4th of July!

I love the 4th of July!
I forgot my phone for most of the festivities so this lone picture from Aly's wedding will have to do.

We had a great weekend involving family, friends, fireworks, food, and good old fashioned American patriotism. I've always loved stories of our founding fathers and current service men who fought/fight so bravely for our freedom.

I also love this picture of the handsome Tucker boys. The one on the right is a fearless fighter and brave defender of our freedom. Since marrying Jeff and getting to know his brother and many other friends in various branches of the military, I admire what they do even more. Seriously, those guys are amazing.

Rolling with the punches

I guess this isn't really a punch, though at the time Jeff told me I sure felt like it was. In the end, it's definitely a good thing and I'm VERY excited for Jeff. It really is a perfect fit for him.

A few weeks ago he told me he wanted to change his major (which had been information systems) and switch to Exercise Science...for a bachelors...then Exercise Physiology...for a masters...then Exercise Physiology...for a doctorate...

I'm all about getting as much education as possible, and I hope to go back to school some day too. But the thought of him having approximately 6 more years of school left when I thought we were finally nearing the end was a little overwhelming.

But as I thought about it, being a professor of exercise physiology and doing consulting is the perfect job for Jeff. It's a natural love and interest of his. Plus, his dad and older brother both do the same thing.
I'm also kind of glad he'll be a health guru instead of a computer nerd. Oddly enough with my job I'm kind of becoming the computer nerd....never saw that coming.

I know he'll do amazing, and though we still have years to go, it's all about the journey right?
Oh the places we will go!