Adventures with Frank

I'd like to introduce you to Frank and share some of the fun adventures we've been having. 

I've told you before how I don't really partake in the typical activities of a 22-year-old. It turns out that Frank doesn't either! To my utter and complete surprise, it turns out there actually are other people in the world who think like me. Crazy, right?  Those other people's names are Frank, in case you were wondering.

On Tuesday Jan 31, we went to the National Portrait Gallery and he showed me his favorite painting and even taught me some things I didn't know about the American painters featured. I never thought I would meet a guy who is as enamored with art as I am!

On Saturday Feb 5th we got all dressed up and went to a Mardi Gras party. Frank has read all of the Anne of Green Gables books (no I know) and he channels Gilbert perfectly.

I think we looked pretty dapper, if I do say so myself.

Now, the last picture is our crowning glory. I have to tell you a story leading up to it so you get the full effect.

Back in December, I was going on a long car trip with Frank, and I wanted to bring my knitting along for the drive. I almost always knit on car trips. It's a fun, productive activity that you can do while carrying on a conversation with your fellow passengers.

At that point, though, we weren't dating yet. I didn't even have a clue that he liked me yet. I wanted to make a good impression. So before we left, I got on Skype with my sister and my best friend Maggie.

"Should I bring my knitting along on the car trip with Frank?" I asked.

They met my suggestion with howls of protest.

"He'll think you're a grandma," said Maggie.

"Don't you dare," said Lillian, "unless you never want to date him."

Because I am a very contrary person, I wanted to prove them wrong. So I promptly text messaged Frank: "Would you mind if I brought knitting on the car ride?"

He wrote back, "Not at all."

But when the time for the car trip came around, I chickened out. I couldn't do it. I brought my knitting along but I simply left it in my purse. I didn't want him to think I was a grandma, after all.

But as it turns out, my boyfriend likes girls who knit.

We went to a Super Bowl party on Sunday and I brought my knitting along in my purse. When I got bored watching football, I simply pulled out my little project and knitted contentedly. Frank sat next to me, equally contented. And just to prove my point, I took a picture and sent it to Lillian.

He knows the real me, the girl who knits and swing dances and memorizes poetry and likes to pretend she's a Jane Austen heroine. He loves the real me, just as I am.

I don't know if it can get any luckier than that.