About Us

About Jerry

Jerry is an animal behavioral specialist and master trainer. Though he has lived in California for the last 17 years, when he relaxes you can still hear his "good ole boy southern drawl." He self-taught himself how to play the guitar, and knows how to ballroom dance. He was an Army Ranger for ten years, though most recently worked at a local "big box" home improvement store while providing CGC training to local family pets.

About Valerie

Valerie is crafty. She can't just sit and watch TV without something else to keep her hands and mind occupied. Among other things, this includes cross stitching, crochet, mending, and the occasional adult coloring book. When she has the space, she keeps up a regular routine of belly dance, yoga and pilates. She blogs at Witch of the West Coast (on temporary hiatus), providing divination and spiritual support services to her local community.

The Story of Us

Jerry:

When I saw her at work I thought she was the most beautiful thing I'd seen in my life. And it scared the hell out of me. And I like it. I finally understood what the term "love at first sight" meant. All my life I thought it was just a fantasy. Now, thank God, I know it's a reality. The most amazing thing is as much as I've always loved her, I love her even more with every day that passes by. I look forward to see what she does tomorrow to make me love her even more.

PS. She's even cute when she's pissed off at me.

Valerie:

I admit it openly and wholeheartedly - I'm as dense as stone when it comes to being hit on or flirted with. Despite the number of times he ended up in my department - when his was all the way at the back of the store - it never occurred to me that my interest in him was reciprocated. When he started talking to me about my jaw I had no idea what that simple little chit chat would turn into. I would hear him talking about his animal training in the break room, he would check in with me to see how my jaw was doing, how I was doing, even how my daughter was doing once a picture of her got posted on the family board.

That was over six months ago. I never thought I would have the chance to love someone like this. Something like what we have is incredibly hard to find, and I'd only ever seen it between my dad's parents. Every day it feels like I'm living a dream. Walking on air doesn't even begin to cover it.

How We Met

Jerry:

The first thing that got me when we actually met met was her smile.

No, I take that back. It was when she was sitting in the corner at work, reading a book, and her eyes popped up over the book, and I could tell there was something devious going on. It brought a smile to my face even though I was having a bad day. And that's when I started engaging her in conversation. From that moment on, I made sure I knew every move and where she would always be so I could be there - looking as if I was already supposed to be there. She never knew what hit her.

Valerie:

I think it was my first day on the job. I was in the training room on one of the computers doing something, with my back to the door. Every time someone would come in, I would turn around to see who it was even though I didn't know anybody yet - I just don't like not knowing what's going on behind me. So, at one point I turn around and see this guy in cowboy boots, jeans, and a Ranger hat. He stopped in the doorway, and I just saw him shake his head before turning and walking away.

He gave off a vibe. That's the only way I can explain it. He became someone I would keep an eye out for when I got to work or when I was walking through the store - just to catch a glimpse whenever I could. He was, for the next couple of months, my guilty pleasure. I would sit in the corner of the break room so I could keep an eye on who came in and out, and he would always sit in the corner diagonally from me. I can't count the number of times I caught him looking at me while I was reading.

When we finally spoke, it was because my TMJ was acting up and I had an icy hot patch on my face. I had thought my schedule had me getting off work a half an hour earlier than it was. One of my co workers gave me a hug out of sympathy (TMJ is pretty miserable) and went off to find a manager to sign off on me leaving early. While I was waiting, Jerry came up and asked me how I was doing and what was going on and when I told him about my TMJ issues, offered to talk to various contacts he had to try and find a solution.

From that point on, I don't think we could pass by one another without some quip or touch or something happening.

The Fun Stuff

How We're the Same

• We won't do roller coasters. (Established after a relevant episode of CSI.)
• Food - cooking and eating.
• Animals. Obviously, as Jerry is a master trainer. Valerie just can't live without them.
• CSI. Fringe. Supernatural. The Black List. Haven.
• We hate the beach, but love the mountains.
• Road trips rock. Especially when nice hotels are involved.\
• Valerie got Jerry hooked on Starbuck's seasonal Caramel Brulee and Chestnut Prailine.
• People watching is our favorite past time.
• VNV Nation. Ellie Goulding. "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten. "Bound to You" by Christina Aquilera.

How We're Different

• We're 17 years apart.
• Jerry is Christian. Valerie is a Witch.
• Jerry is a total goofball in the morning. Valerie would much rather not deal with the morning goofiness.
• Background noise. Jerry loves it. Valerie hates it.
• Background music. Jerry likes 80's metal. Valerie likes shamanic drumming.