Well, upon stepping aboard the boat we were transported to 1984. It was as if we ran 88.5mph and triggered the Flux Capacitor. I could tell that Jess wasn’t overly excited about the experience. There were old people all around and the boat itself didn’t appear to have gone through any major changes over the past 20 years or so. I knew that in Jess’ mind this was a lot more magical and modern than what we were experiencing, but never-the-less, we were going to make the best of it.

We waited in line to get our picture made and step onto the actual boat. We were promptly sat by the 3rd string Quarterback from the local YMCA. Our waitress, brought us out some water as I went to get some drinks from the bar. I had to remind Jess that it wasn’t about the boat or the lazy-eye’d waiter walking around or the buffet prime rib. It was about she and I on a dinner where to us, no one else existed. It was about having our first Valentine’s Day (that counted). So we sat there and chatted and talked about the past, present, and the future. We marveled at the people and the odd couples that were everywhere. We went outside and enjoyed the night looking out at the city. We did what we always do, we had a wonderful time.

The whole trip was about 2hrs. Near the end of the excursion, the DJ guy decided to bring out the big guns and hit up some Cupid Shuffle. I mean, it was only fitting seeing as it was Valentine’s Day. So he called everyone out and taught them the steps. Then the music got going and…oh boy… This was a sight. Watching some old people who just learned the cupid shuffle attempt to dance was quite entertaining. Jess and I couldn’t just sit there so we got up and showed everyone how it’s really done. I’m pretty sure we gave some people heart palpitations, but what ever, we did what we had to do.

Click here to view the embedded video.

After the dancing the boat docked and we headed back to the hotel. We were both eager to go out and do something fun, but since neither one of us had ever really been to Chattanooga and sought out the night life, we didn’t really come up with anything. So it was back to the hotel.

Duppa duppa doop! Next day we headed over to get our Valentine’s Day massages. We had found a local shop that had some openings and jumped all over it. I have to say, that there really is something that is so much better about a) having a massage with someone you love there beside you and b) going to a place that isn’t like the Target of massage (Spa Sydell for example). After that we headed over to the TN Aquarium. I’ve been there a few times, but always enjoy another visit. For some reason I kinda like it a bit better than the GA one. Maybe it’s because it’s no so crowded. Who knows, it was still a ton of fun.

We were both pretty hungry after seeing all the fishes so we decided to head to what I thought was the Mexican place I eat at every time I go. As it turns out, that place closed down a few years ago and they built a new one it it’s place. We had a great lunch. Sitting, talking about the riverboat, the weekend, Ruby Falls, the blizzard like snow that was coming down outside, the chlorine leak that was taking place in the building next door, and all the other wonderful things that make us happy.

We finally decided it would be a good idea to head home. It was a great drive. The weather was perfect, the tunes were pumping, the sun was shining, and our Valentine’s Day was pretty much it was the best it could be. We got home, got cleaned up and then just enjoyed each other’s company for the rest of the afternoon.

Our Valentine’s Day Weekend had come to a close and it was just as amazing as both of us had anticipated. We got to play in the snow, stay in a hotel, enjoy a wonder dinner/experience on a riverboat, dance, laugh, see some fish, sing, etc. All the things that make life worth enjoying. I can’t wait for next year, the year after that, and the many, many, many more years to come. I’ve continually fallen more and more in love with this woman and our lives. She continues to inspire me and bring me more joy that I could ever imagine. I love her and cherish every thing about her. This will certainly be a weekend to remember.

For about a month or so prior to the day, Jess has been planning something super secret. She would drop hints every now and then, but never telling me the full details of what our plans were. All I was told for sure was that under no circumstances was I allowed to plan anything for that weekend. I was happy to put it all in m’lady’s hands.

The weekend got started off right with some snow flurries on Friday. It was one of those rare moments when the weathermen were right and Atlanta was actually hit with some serious snow. We knew we wanted to get something “fancy” to wear on Saturday so we hit up the mall, then we went and met up with KiBob and some other friends at Taco Mac. The roads were treacherous, but it’s the Snipers, we don’t let a little ice and snow stop us. After the T’Mac we headed over to Kit and Bob’s for some more drinks and general chit-chat by the fire. The snow was perfect for building a snow man, so Jess and I got out there and built the best one we could. Then all hell broke loose. There really is no way you can be in the snow with a group of awesome people and not bust into a snowball fight. It was inevitable. So after an hour or so of attempting to slide down the hill on nothing but our chests, an epic snowball fight, snow angels, and a snowman that looked more like a snowpenis, we headed inside to warm ourselves by the fire. We knew we had to get up early and hit the road for Chattanooga, so we called it an early night and headed home.

The next day we got up and, oh boy… there was ice all over the place. It looked pretty bad (in that ice storm day after cool sun shining perfect day to play in the snow kinda way). Never-the-less, we weren’t going to let a little ice/snow stop us from heading north for an epic Valentine’s Day.

We hit the road and it wasn’t as bad as it looked. There were a few patches here and there, but for the most part, it was smooth sailing. We made great time and got to Chattanooga in just under 2hrs. Jess had made reservations at the Double Tree and damn, the room was nice. There really is something about hotel rooms that just makes everything nicer and more special. This one was no exception.

After getting settled in we decided that we were gonna hit up some Ruby Falls. Jess had never been, and I always enjoy going 1200ft under ground and seeing all the crazy rock formations. So we made the 10 min drive, snapped a few exterior pics in the snow, then headed on in. Now, for anyone that’s ever been to Ruby Falls, not much has changed over the years. They still have all the same formations, the guides still tell the same jokes, and the falls are still lit up to showcase all it’s grandeur. Jess was very skeptical of being underground for that length of time, but all that went away after we stared seeing the rocks and formations and stuff. It really is a cool place that you should check out. We definitively are going to bring Chase back. I think he’d get a kick out of it. Also, I didn’t think it was possible, but that day…I really did FALL a little more in love with Jess.

Now on to part 2!