Happy Anniversary, Sweetheart. Thanks for introducing me to Coen Brothers movies, Townes Van Zandt music, and the love of a lifetime.

Anyway, about four months after that we were engaged, and about five months after we got engaged we got married. And exactly 25 years after that is today.

When my shift was over we walked out together. We stood by her car, arguing about the things you argue about when you don't want a moment to end. Because if it ended it might not happen again. So we stayed, slowly getting closer and slowly saying less. And then we kissed.

Friends like these, huh Gary?

Shortly after that, I was working the check in desk at the college computer lab when my friend came in to use a computer. She proceeded to borrow my Lebowski CD and take a Coke from the lab fridge and charge it to my account.

So the next day I went out and bought it, and listened to it pretty much nonstop.

One time in college, my best friend invited me over to her house to watch _The Big Lebowski_. When it was over she asked what I thought, and my first reaction was "I have to get this soundtrack".