Addison and I like to switch up “our song” every once in a while. Well, actually, we’ve only changed it once. Our first song was Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours,” which I heard for the first time at a summer camp I worked at, not realizing it was a super popular song everywhere else. And when two coworkers started making out to it (at work nonetheless), we decided it was time for a change.
And thus, our song is “Stay with you” by the Goo Goo Dolls.
Not a normal pick, we know. But while most couples decide to get super gaga over each other with songs about how romantic and perfect life is, we find ourselves relating more to this song. We’ve been through a lot with long distance and other things that have come and gone in our lives. And wholeheartedly, we’ve had to rely on each other to really get through.
The first time I ever heard this song, Addison was driving us late at night and it had just rained. I don’t remember where we were going. It was only around town, and I was half asleep with my head up against the window watching what was left of raindrops fall. Addison started singing along to the radio softly, like he always does. It was this song. It’s stuck ever since.
Will we ever change our song again? Probably. But that’s how life is and so are relationships– always changing. I’m just glad I’ve found someone I can grow and change together with.
“Stay With You” by the Goo Goo Dolls
These streets
Turn me inside out
Everything shines
But leaves me empty still
And I’ll, burn this lonely house down
If you run with me
If you run with me
I’ll stay with you
The walls will fall before we do
Take my hand now
We’ll run forever
I can feel the storm inside you
I’ll stay with you
Fooled by my own desires
I twist my fate
Just to feel you
But you, turn me toward the light
And you’re one with me
Will you run with me?
I’ll stay with you
The walls will fall before we do
Take my hand now
We’ll run forever
I can feel the storm inside you
I’ll stay with you
Now come in from this storm
I taste you sweet and warm
Take what you need
Take what you need
From me
Wake up this world
Wake up tonight
And run with me
Run to me now
I’ll stay with you
The walls will fall before we do
Take my hand now
We’ll run forever
I can feel the storm inside you
I’ll stay with you
The other day, my roommate and I were flipping channels when we came across “Bridalplasty.” Haven’t heard of it? Oh, it’s a piece of work- in more ways than one.
Basically a bunch of future brides (and some already married girls who didn’t get their ideal wedding) are competing for plastic surgery and a celebrity-style wedding. Each week they compete for different procedures of plastic surgery off their wish lists (yes…these girls have LISTS of what they want snipped, tucked, and tweaked). And of course, they eliminate a girl each week until there is one bride left who gets the ultimate prize: The wedding of her dreams and her ENTIRE wish list of plastic surgery.
To me, it’s a little bizarre, so of course I watched two back-to-back episodes. What horrified me though was they said to the girls they kicked off: “Your wedding will still go on; it just may not be perfect.”
UM….WHAT?! Hello, I’m sorry, but what an awful thing to say to anyone. And how does plastic surgery make your wedding perfect?
This got me thinking…what does make a perfect wedding? So, I made a list of the top 5 things your wedding needs in order to be “perfect.” And no, plastic surgery is not a requirement.
1) You get married
I mean really… if at the end of your wedding, this one thing does not get accomplished, I think you may be allowed to say your wedding wasn’t perfect.
2) You get married to a guy you actually like and hopefully love
I say it’s a win if you can go home after all the festivities and not think: “Dear God, what have I done??”
3) No one dies
I’ve heard of this happening…and I can’t imagine anything worse. If everyone gets through my big day alive and in one piece, I’m going to count my blessings.
4) You’re able to ignore the family drama
Let’s face it, there will ALWAYS be drama in some way, shape, or form if you get the entire family together. If you can ignore other people and focus on yourself and your new spouse, then your wedding is far beyond perfect.
5) You end the day happy
I’m a firm believer that happiness is a choice. So this one should be a gimme because I can’t imagine a bride choosing to be unhappy on her wedding day, but unfortunately bridezillas have taken over the world and our TVs. So skip the pity parties. Who cares that there was some mix-up or that you had to be flexible? Just be happy and everything else will follow.
So it was an interesting weekend to say the least, and being discreet as possible, Addison got into tense discussion. (Which of course ended fine as they always do. It doesn’t even matter what it’s about).
But later at church someone mentioned this blog. I made a comment that Addison doesn’t read it, which he responded that yes he did. I asked him how many entries were on it.
His answer: 5
Real answer: 18
We laughed about it. It wasn’t a big deal. But later that night apparently he went through and caught up on all the blogs. He later sent me an instant message quoting one a while back about a pet peeve of mine and how Addison is one of the only people who does not engage in that pet peeve.
He sent me this quote from it:
“That’s why I love Addison. If this is my biggest pet peeve, then he- for all intents and purposes- could be considered perfect. Not once has he given me a reason not to bend over backward for him.”
He then typed, “I guess I gave you a reason not to bend backward for me” — referencing the vague situation mentioned at the beginning of this post.
I told him that once in 3 years is not a bad track record.
Besides, the fact that he went through and read all those posts and owned up to his mistakes really means the world to me. And it’s his sweet heart that is always looking to make things right and to make me happy that helps me realize no matter what happens, what we say or what we do, we can get through anything.
Yup, I have the perfect man alright. Even if I do get frustrated with him every now and then. But hey, no one is perfect. But Addison sure is perfect for me.
So, in her email to me, Lindsay made the comment that it would be nice if Simon G. Jewelry gave us all rings, maybe not $10,000 rings. But wouldn’t it be great publicity for them?
I agree, but I don’t know if Simon G. would actually do that. People keep asking me if there are 2nd place and 3rd place prizes. The truth is, I don’t really know. The information about the competition is pretty vague, so I honestly don’t think there are any runner-up prizes.
After I told Addison about Lindsay’s email, he made the comment, “Then why doesn’t whoever win just split the $5K gift card between the losing two couples, that way they can each buy themselves at $2,500 ring.”
Sweet, idea. But I didn’t think anything of it.
But then I got an email from Stephen from the 3rd place couple. Stephen is actually the only person in this competition that I’ve emailed first. I emailed him before I got the email from Lindsay, wishing him luck and how I loved that our stories were similar (poor college kids need to stick together!). Without me saying Addison’s idea, he said that him and Katie had planned on splitting the $5K with the other couples who lost too if they had won.
You know, after all this stress and aggravation all three couples have gone through, don’t we all deserve a ring? I guess it’s easier to say that when you don’t have a 1500 vote lead, but I think it’s a legit idea nonetheless.
Besides, who needs $5K to plan the perfect proposal? I’d be perfectly content if Addison whipped out the ring when we were at a place that meant something to us.
So I’m throwing it out there to the world. Why don’t the three couples end the war and make it so we all win? Thoughts? Ideas? Email me: nikkiroberti@gmail.com
It’s funny seeing people posting our link over and over again because one of two pictures always shows up: the beautiful ring, or the picture of Addison and me when I’m still blonde.
That picture was taken during one of our first legit dates. I say legit because, well let’s face it, when you’re poor college students, taco bell runs and ordering pizza are sometimes the best you can do (and yet, I love all of those dates just as much).
But I remember this one particularly. Addison was taking me out to eat at an actual restaurant that I’ve been wanting to go to forever. It’s an Italian place and as some of you know…I am very Italian (or at least I try to be). Wanting it to be extra special, I went out and bought a new dress that I found on sale. Looking at the dress now, it really wasn’t that cute. You can’t see it in the picture, but it was tan with brown lace and I bought a new headband and shoes to go with it.
I never do that. And it was nice to treat myself for once. A friend lent me jewelry to wear and everything. I was so excited for this date!
We had gone to the restaurant, and seeing as the floors were slick wood and I was wearing a new pair of heels (which now I never wear heels. I’ve grown wiser), I slipped in front of everyone in the crowded restaurant and Addison caught me.
A funny older man laughed as I fell into Addison’s arms right at this man’s feet, “At least you did it gracefully, sweetheart.”
I sometimes joke that Addison swept me off my feet. But really, I’m just clumsy and he’s the sweet knight in shining armor who catches me when I need him.
After dinner we went for a walk in this cute park in Blowing Rock. It was dark, so when we snapped this picture, the flash made us glow a bit. Yes, this picture is over 2 1/2 years old, but it is still one of my all time favorite pictures of us together. It was one of the firsts.
In fact, Addison sent me a picture frame when I was away in New York this summer with about 5 different prints I could choose from to put inside it. A lot of them were new pictures, but this one was in the pile. I didn’t hesitate with my choice on which one to feature. It still sits on my desk.
Addison also has a version of this in one that I made for him, except it’s a compilation of 3 different photos. I had realized early on that most of our pictures together, we weren’t standing side-by-side. Rather, we always stood with one person behind the other. I put them in a square like grid with the fourth square saying, “I’ve got your back.”
And that’s what I think about when I see this picture. I think about our first fancy date. I think about him catching me when I fall. And I think about how we always have each other’s back.
But in the meantime, I thought I’d share some other pictures, to especially demonstrate our weird habit of always standing behind each other in photos (from newest to oldest):
Okay, everyone. I know I’ll say this is the last time I’ll talk about this, but I’m sure it’ll come up again. But here goes nothing: Please, for the love of all things good, chill out about the “cheating thing.” Yes there’s a message board talking about people doing it for Christ and Lindsay. But there aren’t any rules saying generating multiple IP addresses are wrong. I know I’ve always said I’ve felt uneasy about it when people offered, and while I don’t think it’s completely fair, it’s not against the rules. Besides, life isn’t fair…so stop pretending it is.
In fact, I got an email last night from the lovely Lindsay from the leading couple of this competition. She wanted to assure me that she was running a clean campaign and in fact is doing a lot of the stuff that Addison and I are doing for campaigning.
Now apparently people are claiming Addison and I are cheating. Someone told me that somebody on another message board made a big deal about Addison and I paying for advertisments on some site. For the record: WE HAVE NOT PAID FOR VOTES OR ADS!
Believe me? I don’t care. I’m sure the other couples don’t care if you think they’re cheating either. We’re just a couple of kids in love and we know what we’re doing. We don’t have to prove anything to anyone.
That being said, I’m not going lie. I am the sensitive type, so when I see haters springing up here and there about me and Addison, it hurts a bit.
But as for people on Team Addison & Nikki, if I’m okay with the other team, then please, you be okay with the other team. Okay?
I just got the best Facebook message ever, and it really made me feel better after those people who started a war on some message board, trash talking Lindsay and Christopher and then eventually trash talking Addison and me. And yes, I am highly discouraged that apparently every time we get within 1000 votes, someone overseas stays up all night to vote over and over again (or so I’ve been told). But hey, all’s fair in love and war.
But just so we’re all clear on this… THIS COMPETITION IS NOT WAR! Love, people. C’mon. You know better.
But back to the email. Bryan from the eHarmony couple and our main competitor for 3 of the 4 original weeks sent me the sweetest message telling me not to give up. The part that really spoke to me though?
“Its like football. If the Mountaineers were down by just a field goal in the 4th quarter, would you leave the game?”
For those of you who don’t know about Appalachian State’s one huge claim to fame…then shame on you. I’m pretty sure it’s still in the ESPN’s 10 top sport moments of the decade reel. But basically, App State, my lovely tiny-as-heck school, somehow beat Michigan in the Big House. And yes, it was in the 4th quarter by a field goal.
I’m sure Armanti would tackle me now for getting so discouraged at times. So thanks, Bryan, for that fabulous reminder. And you know what? What ever happens…happens. And while it would be a dream come true to win, life will go on.
But in the meantime, I won’t give up. Thank you for everyone who has been supporting us. I say after all of this, let’s have a huge party. Heck, I need a vacation.
So Kristin Kirk is a rockstar and a half. She has been tweeting it up and more trying to help Addison and me out. She even tweet our former all-star Mountaineer quarterback who is now playing for the Panthers– Yes— ARMANTI EDWARDS!
Best day of my life. I wonder if he would get the whole NFL to vote for us? now that would be something!
So I woke up pretty discouraged today. Yesterday because of an awesome article in the Watauga Democrat, Taylor Swift fans and Firefly junkies wanting us to honor Joss Whedon with our future baby, we got the most hits we’ve ever had in one day! I was floored and honored!
Upon waking up today, somehow the other couple managed to get back to their 1000 hit lead again. Total bummer, and at the brink of giving up, my friends really pulled through.
Jaclyn Miller, a friend and fellow PSU leadership team member added our blog to Stumble and made this beautiful pic/poster-thing. Funniest thing ever.
Everyone at the union has this nickname type-thing for Addison based on his mood (ie. if he’s happy- he’s Gladdison. If he’s upset- He’s Saddison. If he’s cool- He’s Raddison. You get the picture).
I was also really bummed I had to leave the University Writing Center staff meeting for another meeting. Talk about stressed. But as I left, Tara Moore proposed that the entire vote right then and there on the computer lab PCs we were all at. It really made my day a little brighter considering how sleep-deprived I am.
This contest has really shown me how great friends and family are. I also am completely in-love with my community here at Appalachian and the Town of Boone. I had no idea we’d be in the Watauga Democrat yesterday and next week we’ll be in the Mountain Times!!! Also, WASU’s radio station might be airing a segment on us either this Monday or next Monday.
So instead of looking at those votes and getting discouraged when I feel like I’m running out of people to ask to vote, I think about my friends and family.
Like Addison’s mom. She’s a rockstar. I think she’s one of our biggest campaigners right now and definitely a great blessing.
So thank you everyone! All your support is really heartwarming.
That being said, please please please don’t turn this into a war. Someone told me that somebody is going on one of the message boards of a different couple’s supporters. While I super appreciate standing up for us, don’t feel like you have to do that (especially since I’m afraid people will think it’s me or Addison impersonating someone). Just let them run their race. Let’s make our race about ourselves and about Addi’s and my relationship.
So I found out today that someone posted on a Taylor Swift Message board about my blog post called “That one moment” which I referenced her song “Mine” in. As a result, I got tons of Taylor Swift fan votes last night. Thanks so much everybody!
Also, the Firefly crowd is getting on board. Someone even suggested Grizwold Badger….Hmmm. Not sure how I feel about that one.
But hey! At least now we’re only 776 votes behind instead of 1000. That’s kinda optimistic…right?
Thank you for helping us win our "Perfect Proposal." Thank you to Simon G. Jewelry and The Knot for making our dreams come true! Check back here for all the wedding planning details!
Small things. Big dreams. 