At first it was out of shock that I would reconnect with someone I hardly knew, but it also brought this little girl out from inside, that was curious as to when you were going to send me another e-mail. I don't know if I thought anything more would come of this, other than e-mails, but I remember thinking to myself "I wonder what will happen if Ben and I actually met up. Hmm, when I get back to the States, I promise myself that I will put effort to see him!" I swear to you this!

In Italy, especially towards the end of the trip, I was becoming very satisfied with where I was in life and didn't want to "ruin it" by going into a relationship. I was extremely determined on this and yet care-free 'bout it all. Of course, as the saying goes "the moment that you are content with being alone, your true love will step in unannounced." How true that is!! I never totally believed it 'til it happen to me! And how unexpected it was!!

I had NO IDEA that you would be over at the Mills' house when I came over to bring your Nana and Pop a rose (because I remembered that you told me that they nearly died and weren't doin' so well. I was sincere in what I told you--not just bein' polite in my e-mails to you, and so that's why I went over). I remember when you openned the door, I couldn't see you because the sun was in my eyes but something inside me instantly told me "that's Ben, SK!" Taken back by this, I didn't know how to act 'round you, if I even looked okay, or how to respond. Fortunately, seein' that you were just as shock, taken back, and nervous as I was made me feel like "phew, I'm not alone in this! haha" I hadn't ever had butterflies like that before, as I did that day.

Even with overseas e-mails or IMs with you, there was this instant connection. Bein' with you face to face, in person, just showed to me that this connection was DEFINATELY real--absolutely no doubt about it! I didn't know how to take it. NEVER in my life have I had this connection with anyone! I'm usually reserved when gettin' to know people. I'll be shy or put up some sort of front, have this barrier so that they couldn't get close to me if they tried--that I would totally have to get to know them first. But with you, my barriers were gone, I felt so myself with you, and didn't feel so shy. You, a person I hardly knew, did this to me--and on the first day!

Brings back memories...*sigh*, haha. Anyhoot! So let's move on! I'm sure you are tired of reading so much anyway, lol.  So where to next?

Well, let me tell you upfront that I am going to test your memory just a bit (don't worry, it should be a piece of cake!).  You are going to go to 3 different places! Where you ask? Well, I'll give you a clue to the first place.

When you figure out where this is, another clue will be waiting for you. If you don't know where to find this clue, ask someone. Someone will hand you a card for your next clue!

Your Clue #1:

Life directed you here, with not too much to fear. 'Til 'ol Ronnie dear got you this crappy career!