I’m notorious for entering competitions and signing me and my. husband up for things that he isn’t quite in the know about and having to explain it to him later. He is ALWAYS an excellent sport. He, after all, has been my partner in crime for over two decades now! Well, when I applied to America’s Favorite Couple, a philanthropic competition hosted by Jeff and Emilie Goldblum, my lovely husband had no clue. But, as always, he is along this ride with me and we’re actually in the running!
About America’s Favorite Couple, The Bosts:
How we met: Brian and I were a blind date. Well, we were supposed to be a blind date but we met BEFORE the blind date and then had the awkward back and forth of does he (does she) like me. We were put together by two college friends who knew I was a serial dater – didn’t want to be in the long game with anyone and he was about to graduate. Twenty years later we still have them to thank.
Fun story: My grandparents were set up on a blind date as well. They stood the test of time and will always be an inspiration to us!
Favorite Memory: There are too many favorite memories. We’ve had two beautiful children together. We’ve made homes together. We’ve traveled together. But, I think one of my ultimate favorite memories is the trip we made from Oklahoma to Portland in a UHaul truck. We said we’d move and decided on Portland sight unseen. None of our friends and family (and somewhat US) really believed we’d do it, but we did!
The tagline: Our pre-marital counselor said,” you should break up now or you’ll be together forever.”
Brian commits to things like no one I’ve ever met. When he sets his mind to something he is going to do it, but our relationship did not start out as a commitment. (See photos from our wedding!)
When we were introduced, the plan was to break up when Brian graduated. And, we did! But, we then became friends. He lived across the country and we wrote (old school letters) and talked early in the morning on the phone. That friendship is really the basis of what we have together rather than the first few months we dated. When he moved back to Oklahoma we spent time just being friends, being dorky with each other and not caring if we didn’t look attractive or if we said the wrong thing. To this day he is the one person I can be utterly myself with. We of course (spoiler!) found our way to each other romantically again.
Wedding Newspaper Headline: Casual Intentions Lead to Marriage
When we got engaged, coming from a family of divorce, I really wanted to have pre-marital counseling. As a bonus, Oklahoma gave discounted marriage licenses to those who had pre-marital counseling and my school offered 8 free sessions. It was hands down the best decision! Pre-marital counseling had us thinking about what we valued and wanted in life. It allowed us to share that with each other and decide to commit to the other person’s goals and hopes as well as our own. At the very last session our pre-marital counselor, obviously understanding Brian’s ability to commit wholly and also recognizing the passionate (read: volatile, changeable, enthusiastic) person I am, gave us a warning. He said that we should break up right then and there, or we’d be together forever.
Our mission: Be generous.
One of the many things that came out of that pre-marital counseling, besides utter commitment to surviving and thriving, was a joint mission. One of my core values is to be generous. To be generous of my time, my talents, and where I can, my money. Brian always fit into that value as he is so generous in spirit. He has a passion for the earth and for people that is unmatched. Together we spend our married life trying to be generous to those around us. Some of that you see on this blog, but some is so personal that no one but he and I will ever know about it.
America’s Favorite Couple: Causes Worth Competing For!
When I applied to America’s Favorite Couple I thought it was funny and I needed a distraction from medical issues. When I found out we were accepted, my jaw dropped and I had to figure out how to tell Brian he was going to be online for a couple’s competition. However, the easiest thing to get both he and I onboard for this competition is the great causes it is raising money for!
The two causes very much represent Brian and Jenni. I am passionate about food security and food banks. I grew up needing the generosity of food banks, food kitchens, free school meals, and the like. Brian is an avid environmentalist who loves wildlife. The California Regional Food Bank and Oceana groups that this competition is raising awareness and funds for are a great reason to be a part of this competition.
So, please vote for us. Please vote for us and donate to these two worthy causes!
