Mr. Herman Ootiks

I was first introduced to Mr. Herman Ootiks when I was in high school. I was working in the church library Sunday afternoons, and Herman called about a book. My good friend and classmate, Tyler, was with me at the time. Tyler had stopped by the library after church to tell me he didn't think a Christian should do any type of work on a Sunday. I enthusiastically agreed and quickly scurried out of the library. Of course, we were only joking around, so I scurried right back in and resumed my post behind the counter. I came back in to find Tyler doubled over laughing. I was so proud at having made the class clown laugh. Tyler wasn't just a class clown, though; he was a classy guy and a gentleman. He and I went to the same private high school, and the fancy Senior Banquet was coming up. As with so many other big functions, I was going with a group of girls. I was tired of always going with a group of girls. There's really almost no motivation to do your hair or make up or to find a pretty dress when you're going out with a group of girls. I wanted to get all dressed up and girly and go out with a boy. So, to my friends' great amusement, during lunch, I held up a big, cardboard sign I had made that said, "Will work for date." (I've always been quite happy to embarrass myself to make my friends laugh.) My friend Laura saw this as a personal challenge, and made it her mission to find me a date. She found Tyler. She told him to ask me, and he did. I had already bought my ticket, but Tyler insisted on reimbursing me. I found an amazing dress, and I had some friends come over and do my hair and make up for the big night. Tyler picked me up right on time, in a stretch limo he had rented with some other guys. He was dashing in his tux, and I was cute as a button in my Jessica McClintock dress. It was a great night. 4 years later, I married Mr.M in a Jessica McClintock dress. Is it any wonder that Jessica McClintock is my favorite fashion designer? Here are some photos from the Banquet: http://www.flickr.com/photos/83061066@N00/http://www.flickr.com/photos/83061066@N00/ (If the link doesn't work, the pictures are on my Flickr page, the yellow button on the right.)