We started reckless—19, a one nightstand, he was tall dark and handsome. He was also the base player in my ex’s band. No plans, and no promises. 22 years later— still here breathing the same air. 4 wild, brilliant humans, a thousand storms weathered, and somehow, we keep choosing each other in the middle of it all. We’re chaos and laughter, arguments and fire, lovers and fight fiercely for each other. Yet we give old-married-couple energy in our 40’s. I’d choose him. Every damn time.

You’re asking for the highlight real in 500 characters. I will keep it short. Every road trip that went sideways ever became an adventure. One Christmas Eve, we blew a tire in a Minnesota snowstorm with -20° temperatures. Jarid changed it on the side of the road, only for us to turn around and head home. We unexpectedly got Christmas with our kids instead. It felt like a little miracle. Twenty-two years later, it’s still the unexpected detours I treasure most.

Pay off some debt, give the 4 humans we raised a little funding, and take a much deserved vacation. We’re not high rollers, we just roll high on life. Never needed much to be grateful but I hear money helps with fun experiences.