Anything You Ask

Hour 19

“So, do you have a special lady friend?”

His question was a surprise. I hadn't had many personal conversations with my flight instructor. Gary was an older guy, crotchety, always wearing an old baseball cap over a thin ring of white hair, and occasionally prone to complaining about “women drivers” when he'd see an aircraft having trouble following the taxi line. We were sitting in the cockpit of one of the flight school's aircraft as I prepared to start the engine for the day's lesson.

I looked up from my checklist. “Uh, yeah,” I replied, a little cautiously.

“Oh,” he said, with a hint of disappointment. “Well, I've gone out on quite a few dates up there,” he said, motioning to the sky with his eyes. I had to hide a smile. If you met Gary on the street, your first thought might be that he enjoyed sitting in a rocking chair yelling at kids to get off his lawn. But Gary the Lothario? That was unexpected!

“Let me tell you something,” he continued. “If you take a woman up there on a first date, one of two things will happen. Either she'll run away screaming and never want to see you again,” he paused, looking at me.  “Or she'll do anything you ask.”

I laughed. I had no idea if he was serious. I went back to the checklist.


Hour 449

The next few years brought many changes: after graduating, I moved to Seattle, and my girlfriend D. and I eventually decided to part ways. When I started dating again, I remembered Gary's advice and -- okay, I'll admit it -- I was curious to see if it was true.

Soon after this, I found myself browsing an online dating web site, and tried using “flying” as a keyword. And there she was: well-read, fun-loving, in a professional career, ridiculously sexy, and with experience both flying and skydiving. What more could I ask?

That one is not going to write back to you, dude,” my friend Dave told me when I sent her profile to him. “Write to her, but don't get your hopes up.”

“But I have an in!” I countered. “There's a picture of her with her arm draped over the propeller of a Cessna, and I recognize the airport from the pavement marking she's standing near. That's gotta count for something.”

“Eh, try it,” he said, doubtfully. “But she's ... well ... out of your league.”

My sister, a veteran of online dating, was also skeptical. “Bro, I love you, but a woman like that gets like a thousand messages a day. You have to set your expectations a little more realistically.”

“But her handle is I_Love_Nerdy_Men!  That's me!”

I wrote to her anyway: “Hey, that's Friday Harbor Airport, isn't it?  What do you fly?” A few days later, we were eating sushi and chatting like old friends. I suggested an aerial sightseeing tour for our second date and she eagerly agreed.

“Okay, here's what you do,” Dave said. “Make sure you have plenty of DVDs. When the date is ending, ask if she wants to come back to your place to watch a movie. It sounds better than just asking if she wants to come up to your place for a drink.” Dave is a dating ninja so I decided to give his strategy a try.

The following week we went out for dinner, then drove to the airport together. I pre-flighted the plane and got serious for a few minutes as I did the passenger briefing. We launched into the calm summer evening air and lazily circled over the downtown Seattle skyline without a care in the world. As the sun set over the Olympic mountains, the cockpit was filled with a warm orange glow, and L. was all smiles as she took the controls for a few minutes before I brought us back to Earth.

I was nervous as I put the plane away. Our date seemed to be going well, but I was afraid to ask her to come back to my place. I practiced silently in my head as I attached the tie-down ropes.

Just ask her if she wants to watch a movie or something.  Hey, want to watch a movie?  I have some movies. Want to watch one? Do you like movies? I have some movies. Just act natural. Act natural...

With the plane secured, I walked back to where she was waiting for me on the ramp, when--

“Hey, you wanna go back to your place and watch a movie?” she asked breezily as my mouth hung open, the same question sitting in it, half-formed. The fish had jumped right into the boat.

Oh, Gary. You old devil.

Spoiler alert: we got married almost exactly two years later!

Wedding rehearsal dinner, July 2008

189 comments:

  1. perhaps that’s a part of the explanation I’m having geological dating issues within the initial place. cairo.dating

    ReplyDelete
  2. I was getting bore since morning but as soon as I got this link & reached at this blog, I turned into fresh and also joyful too.http://nipponcasinos.blogspot.com/2018/08/netent-games.html

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am really appreciating very much by seeing your interesting posts.Mark Curry Kansas City

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your articles are very well written and unique. Musipromo.net/spotify/

    ReplyDelete
  5. Neuroscientists Master the Mind are fired up by lucid dreaming since the progress in brain imaging provides the potential of measuring the physiologic correspondences to three various suggests of awareness -waking up, low-lucid dreaming, and lucid dreaming - in a laboratory, contemporarily speaking……

    ReplyDelete
  6. Today's silicone is tough and cannot movement out, corresponding to the regularity of your gummy carry. Brustvergrößerung

    ReplyDelete
  7. Looking for Bollywood Movies Download Sites ? Vidmate Official site https://www.vidmateapp.com is the right place for you! Vidmate is the best app that lets you download videos and songs from YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, etc and various other sites. v

    ReplyDelete
  8. I truly get pleasure from while I read your blogs and its content. Scott Lanzon

    ReplyDelete
  9. I have learnt various good stuff right here, and I’m sure everyone will get advantage of it.
    transcreation

    ReplyDelete
  10. Whether somebody pursuit of his vital thing, hence he or she desires to be accessible that at length, hence that thing is maintained over here.
    best health care in new jersey

    ReplyDelete
  11. Be sure your restaurant grand opening is a success with these seven ideas that are guaranteed to bring a crowd Check us out

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thank you for posting this interesting content. Keep up the good job!
    Regards | www.watersoftenersolutions.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you for sharing your wonderful love story. Keep it up! You may also visit us at click about us

    ReplyDelete
  14. It's a very good article and content is very satisfying. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  15. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I needed to thank you for this incredible read! I like each and every piece of it. Thank you inspecteur en batiment chateauguay

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is so exciting, I really love it! | Sonny

    ReplyDelete
  18. Aww! This story is so admirable! I love it! :D

    https://www.seo-tampa.org

    ReplyDelete
  19. Wow! this is so impressive. Thanks for sharing | click

    ReplyDelete
  20. We arrived on your weblog whilst concentrating simply somewhat submits. Good technique for following, I'll be book-marking at the same time grab your own total increases. real estate career

    ReplyDelete
  21. The matter you we highlighted above is surely value able for anyone to workout. the concept of your article is very true and It will result in a positive way. Anthony Dietrich

    ReplyDelete
  22. I was surfing the Internet for information and came across your blog. I am impressed by the information you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject. Anthony Scott Dietrich

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thanks for sharing nice information with us. i like your post and all you share with us is uptodate and quite informative, i would like to bookmark the page so i can come here again to read you, as you have done a wonderful job. unique dofollow backlinks

    ReplyDelete
  24. Yes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article.I will make sure to be reading your blog more. You made a good point but I can't help but wonder, what about the other side? !!!!!!THANKS!!!!!! Anthony Dietrich

    ReplyDelete
  25. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. Great work Scott Dietrich Gainesville VA

    ReplyDelete
  26. “Life is hard, but so very beautiful.” – Abraham Lincoln Rubbish Removal Shoreditch

    ReplyDelete
  27. “Power is not given to you, you have to take it.” – Beyonce Waste Removal Botany Bay

    ReplyDelete
  28. “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” Tile Fitter Blackwall

    ReplyDelete
  29. “We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.” – Maya Angelou Structural Survey King's Cross Central

    ReplyDelete
  30. “If you want to be successful, prepare to be doubted and tested.” Tow Truck Dagenham East

    ReplyDelete
  31. “Just because my path is different doesn’t mean I’m lost.” Fence Post Deansbrook Road

    ReplyDelete
  32. “Leadership is the ability to get extraordinary achievement from ordinary people.” – Brian Tracy Fence Post South Hackney

    ReplyDelete
  33. “All journeys have secret destinations of which the travelers is unaware.” – Marin Buber Fence Panels Northolt

    ReplyDelete
  34. “Dream is not the thing you see in sleep, but it is that thing that doesn’t let you sleep.” – Dr. Abdul Kalam Fence Installation Cults

    ReplyDelete
  35. “When your work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt.” – Henry J. Kaiser Rubbish Removal Hurst Green

    ReplyDelete
  36. Remember to be positive when everything else fails. fencing company Stoke

    ReplyDelete
  37. Be yourself but the best version of yourself. bathroom installation South Hackney

    ReplyDelete
  38. This is a nice story. I also have almost the same scenario. By the way, maybe my site www.bathroomremodelingeriepa.com/sinks-and-faucets/ can help you if you are having some repairs in your home.

    ReplyDelete
  39. This is my first time visit here. From the tons of comments on your articles,I guess I am not only one having all the enjoyment right here! gėlės į namus Kaune

    ReplyDelete
  40. This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. jung as500

    ReplyDelete
  41. There is visibly a lot to know about this. I feel you made various nice points in features also. baldu isvezimas

    ReplyDelete
  42. Nice information, valuable and excellent texture, as share good stuff with good ideas and concepts. svetainiu kurimas

    ReplyDelete
  43. Nice information, valuable and excellent texture, as share good stuff with good ideas and concepts. scaffolding company brighton

    ReplyDelete
  44. Excellent information on your site, thanks for the platform to allow us make comments. buhalterinės apskaitos paslaugos

    ReplyDelete
  45. Gob job! thanks for sharing the best info updates which is full of loving journey.

    how much does it cost to renovate a bathroom in sydney

    ReplyDelete
  46. Every couple has a unique love story. Keep God the center of your relationship. bathroom fitters Dalston

    ReplyDelete
  47. Character is very important in a relationship. best landscape gardeners Dover

    ReplyDelete
  48. relationships are probably the hardest things to maintain.
    Septic Pumping Fayetteville

    ReplyDelete
  49. I am sharing this blog with everyone it is awesome.
    Septic Tank Pumping

    ReplyDelete
  50. I am very interested in the psychology of a relationship.
    Pest Control
    Pest Control

    ReplyDelete
  51. so interesting to read about the psychology of relationships.
    Water Damage Restoration
    Water Damage Restoration

    ReplyDelete
  52. The content you shared with us is great
    air conditioner repair
    https://www.google.com/maps/place/Heating+and+Cooling+of+Northern+NJ/@40.8432873,-74.1984588,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xc9e29c01bab48988!8m2!3d40.8434437!4d-74.1284189

    ReplyDelete
  53. Just Wow! What a wonderful adventure for your first 1000 hours.
    Fredericksburg lawn care has been dedicated to enhancing appearance of Virginia homes for years.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Contact us at Fredericksburg Towing Service is a full service towing, rescue, and recovery business serving the city of Fredericksburg and all of the surrounding areas of Virginia.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Great article, Thanks for writing about that. It’s really helpful for me. Keep it up your writing. Professional Piano Movers

    ReplyDelete
  56. To err is human to forgive, divine

    ReplyDelete
  57. Thanks for sharing this content! Keep it up https://applicationfiling.com/

    ReplyDelete
  58. Pdf add signature
    Need to add a signature to your Pdf document ? A1Office Pdf editor is the fastest and most feasible way to add a signature to your Pdf document. Whether it's a professional document or giving a personal touch to a letter. Adding a signature to a Pdf is now safe, secure and extremely easy by using A1Office Pdf editor.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Looking for a way to edit your PDFs online for free? Look no further! In this blog post, we will introduce you to three different online tools that will allow you to make changes to your PDF files quickly and easily. We'll also discuss the pros and cons of each tool so that you can choose the one that's best for you. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

    Online Pdf Editor

    ReplyDelete
  60. These site are fantastic! I'd be interested in learning how to take some that resemble this. I appreciate you sharing!

    odontologijos klinika

    ReplyDelete
  61. Great informative, as always from you. I very much appreciate the timestamps, when I want to come back to a certain topic. And I love the montage of your content still!

    dantu implantacija

    ReplyDelete
  62. Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained!

    dantu protezavimas

    ReplyDelete
  63. I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.

    estetinis plombavimas

    ReplyDelete
  64. Hello guys, This is the first time, I came to your channel. The content is really awesome, you guys are providing premium content in free of cost. Hats off to you. The content is exact and precise. Keep up the good work. Thank you...

    ortodontas

    ReplyDelete
  65. Yeey! this is so informative. Thanks site

    ReplyDelete
  66. Great article with great ideas. thank you very much! darbastaliai

    ReplyDelete
  67. Some of the good knowledge from you as always
    fencers northampton

    ReplyDelete

  68. good! I was looking for this information on the web and finally found it. Thanks for sharing. automobiliu dazymas vilniuje

    ReplyDelete
  69. This statement is very powerful! Thank you very much. technine pagalba kelyje vilniuje

    ReplyDelete
  70. I am impressed by the information that you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject
    kanalizacijos valymas vilniuje

    ReplyDelete
  71. Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained!
    power washing bradenton fl

    ReplyDelete
  72. your article is valuable for me and for others. Thanks for sharing your information!
    orlando sprinkler repairs

    ReplyDelete
  73. This Article is Awesome. It’s help me a lot. Sir,Please keep up your good work. We always with you and Waiting for your new interesting articles.
    roadside assistance fort lauderdale

    ReplyDelete
  74. wow... what a great blog, this writter who wrote this article it's realy a great blogger, this article so inspiring me to be a better person
    nesancios sienos griovimas

    ReplyDelete
  75. I appreciate this information a lot! I will definitely share this with my friends and my colleagues. Please visit our website to learn more about our affordable landscaping services in Surrey, BC. Here's the link: https://www.landscapingsurreybc.ca/landscaping-and-garden-installations. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  76. Thanks for sharing such a great information.. It really helpful to me.. I always search to read the quality content and finally i found this in you post. keep it up! glass replacement miami

    ReplyDelete
  77. Your Blog is very nice. Wish to see much more like this. Thanks for sharing your information.
    event security london

    ReplyDelete
  78. very interesting, good job and thanks for sharing such a good blog.
    electrical in fresno

    ReplyDelete
  79. Thanks for sharing such a great information.. It really helpful to me..I always search to read the quality content and finally i found this in you post. keep it up!
    piano moving san diego

    ReplyDelete
  80. I got know your article’s Content and your article skill both are always good. Thanks for sharing this article this content is very significant for me I really appreciate you
    credit repair high point

    ReplyDelete
  81. Thank you so much for this kind of information. I hope that there's more to come. I love this information. By the way, please visit our website to know more about our company, here's the link: dartmouthlandscaping.ca/lawn-care-and-garden-maintenance. Thanks! 

    ReplyDelete
  82. Are you looking for an affordable lawn contractors around Milton, ON. Here's the link: landscapingmilton.ca/landscaping-and-garden-installations. By the way, thank you so much for this very informative article. I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  83. Thank you so much for this kind of information. I hope that there's more to come.

    - https://www.landscapinglangley.ca/landscaping-and-garden-installations

    ReplyDelete
  84. Yes, this is a good post without any doubts. You really doing a great Job. I inspired from you. So keep it up!!wood map of the world


    ReplyDelete
  85. Thank you so much for such fantastic information. I hope that there's more to come. I love it! By the way, please visit our website to learn more about our affordable tiling company. Here's the link: tilingvictoria.ca/. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  86. Your article is valuable for me and for others. Thanks for sharing your information!airbnb cleaning sunny isles beach

    ReplyDelete
  87. Thank you so much for this kind of information. I hope that there's more to come. I love it!

    - bathroom remodelers specialized construction

    ReplyDelete
  88. I read this post your post so nice and very informative post thanks for sharing this post.airbnb cleaning sunny isles beach

    ReplyDelete
  89. Thank you for your sharing articles. I have been finding interesting posts and your articles are what I need. They are really useful and engaging. They are precious pieces of advice. I can branch out with new knowledge. Learn captivating things. Hope you will upload more me. statewide wrecker services lithonia, ga

    ReplyDelete
  90. This kind of information is really an amazing one. I love to share this to my colleagues and friends so that they can also benefit. Thanks for this blog. I hope that there's more to come.

    - Dendi | bathroomrenovationscambridge.ca/tub-and-shower-remodeling

    ReplyDelete
  91. Your blog is very informative. Keep up the good work. I do hope that I can find other blogs just like this. By the way, please visit our website to know more about our affordable bathroom remodeling services in Brantford, here's the link: https://www.bathroomrenovationsbrantford.ca/. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  92. Thank you so much for sharing this! I am so glad that I got to sign in that I visited your website.
    wood world map wall art

    ReplyDelete
  93. Glad that I came across this blog, and read this information.
    advantagemarketsolutions.com/

    ReplyDelete
  94. Great work and good job! I love the structure of your blog. And I appreciate that you share this with us for free. I hope that you continue making blog and post it to your website. Please send me an email for new blog posts. Thank you! By the way, please visit our website to know more about our affordable duct clean services. Here's the link: https://www.ductcleanottawa.ca/air-duct.html. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  95. I appreciate those people who are dedicated to doing such informative blogs like this. I can’t imagine the intelligent mind used to do such amazing things. I do hope you continue doing this because as a student, we really appreciate this kind of information and consider this as a reference for future applications. By the way, please visit our website to know more about our affordable bathroom remodeling services. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  96. I was very encouraged to find this site. The reason being that this is such an informative post. Thanks for sharing!
    towing bristol

    ReplyDelete
  97. Thank you so much really it s amazing content Thanks for your Hardworking keep it up !
    logotipu kurimas nemokamai
    instagram sekeju rinkimas
    forex brokeriai
    darbas namuose

    ReplyDelete
  98. Your site is very useful. Thanks for sharing! - Johnsoncitytowingservice.com

    ReplyDelete
  99. I really appreciate this kind of information. I do hope that there's more to come. By the way, please visit our website to know more about our affordable carpet installation services. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  100. So far you have a good content! Thanks just click

    ReplyDelete
  101. I'll try to return back With A Completely different browser to check out Things! Also, I put a link https://johnsoncitytowingservice.com/ to your blog at my site, hope you do not mind?

    ReplyDelete
  102. I really appreciate this kind of information. I do hope that there's more to come. By the way, please visit our website to know more about our affordable tiling/flooring remodeling and installation services. Here's the link: https://www.tilingsurrey.ca. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  103. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post!
    Accountant Grande Prairie

    ReplyDelete
  104. I laughed. I had no idea if he was serious while i'm peeling wallapaper. Kind regards!

    ReplyDelete
  105. Thank you so much for the wonderful information. I do hope that there’s a lot of information like this in the future or in the Internet.

    - https://www.skipbins-cairns.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  106. Congrats on 1000 hours, we have often thought about what we'd do when we reach 100 website design projects.

    ReplyDelete
  107. I appreciate you sharing this content! The smooth and seamless surface of resin driveways provides a modern and elegant touch to the overall appearance of the driveway. resin-driveways-edinburgh

    ReplyDelete
  108. "Love takes flight! ✈️💕 This charming tale of romance, planes, and unexpected advice proves that sometimes, a first date in the sky sets the perfect course for forever. Wishing you both a lifetime of shared adventures! 🌅👫 #LoveStory #RomanceInTheSky".
    Criminal Lawyer in Edmonton

    ReplyDelete
  109. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  110. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Keep on posting. https://enjoymexico.net/

    ReplyDelete
  111. Your blog post title grabbed my attention immediately! Learning to fly must be an incredible journey, and hitting the 1000-hour mark is no small feat. I'm sure your adventures and mishaps will serve as both entertainment and valuable lessons for aspiring pilots like myself. Can't wait to dive into the details of your experiences!

    Appliance Repair and Installation Services

    ReplyDelete

  112. The surprise of Gary's question hangs in the air, creating a moment of tension in the cockpit.

    ReplyDelete
  113. That was an adorable meet up! I'm glad to hear that you eventually get married after two years. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  114. What a great journey! Thanks for sharing this one. Keep on posting. enjoymexico.net

    ReplyDelete
  115. Anything You Ask" is a fantastic resource for all DIY enthusiasts. From gardening tips to home renovation hacks, it covers it all! I particularly appreciated the section on repairing all types of roofs —it's a lifesaver for homeowners tackling maintenance tasks. Great job, team!

    ReplyDelete
  116. That's interesting to read and you are good to share this experience here with us. We can click to investigate the issue and find out why he acts like this in the start.

    ReplyDelete