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July 6, 2025
Thirty-five years ago today, I married my best friend.
It took us a while to get there - we dated for almost six years.
But in every relationship, there comes a moment when you ask yourself: Is this the one?
For me, that moment came during my Trip Around the World in 1989.
Just before I departed on that epic 49-day adventure, Corinne said, "Hey, how about I meet you somewhere along the way?"
I said, "Sure. But we've got a fixed itinerary - so you'll have to meet us at one of our scheduled stops."
On Day 34, we arrived at our hotel in Munich.
At check-in, the front desk handed us a note:
"We're in the pub down the street, and I'm staying with you."
Todd-my traveling partner-was staying with his girlfriend Denise, who had booked the same flight as Corinne once she learned Corinne was coming.
For the next two days, Corinne and I explored Munich together.
We even visited the Oktoberfest fairgrounds-where, on the way back to our hotel, we tumbled into a mud puddle.
After she flew home, Todd and I continued our journey.
On the final day, I made this cryptic entry in my travel journal:
"I probably should write something profound. But instead, I'll include a bit of code and translate it at my leisure on some future date: DTTIFRIRAILWCATIFETMHSS - JAK 10/15/89."
Well-36 years later, it's time to reveal the code:
During This Trip I Finally Realized I Really Am In Love With Corinne And That I Fully Expect To Marry Her Sometime Soon - JAK 10/15/89.
And indeed, I did.
Thirty-five years ago today.
