You had me at Bikram Yoga....

Once upon a time at a Peet's Coffee and Tea in Santa Clara California, I met my future husband Nick....

I just finish teaching one yoga class in Santa Clara. I have another class to teach in a few hours. I will use these precious few hours in between classes to study for the dreaded NCLEX- an examination to transform education into a certification as a registered nurse. I cannot afford distractions. I will avoid the perfect sunshine and seventy-five degree day with clear skies in Northern California. I escape the perfect weather and enter the nearest Peet’s Coffee Shop. I am getting over a cold, so temporarily not drinking coffee. I shall purchase tea, find a place in this crowded store to study, and then dedicate two hours to studying. I revise my battle plan upon spotting a stool overlooking the sidewalk. This will strategically place my back to the coffee machine. A perfect, distraction-free spot. I immediately claim it, lest some other students in the long line beat me to it.

Okay Dara, you need to study…”What would you like to drink?” a young, dimpled man asks me. “You have a great smile!” I tell him. When someone has dimples, it is absolutely essential to tell them what a great smile they have.  A blonde haired man at the coffee machine (Nick) hears me speaking with the young man. He turns around and smiles at me. Well hmm.. I didn’t expect this. “You have a great smile too?!” I say.  

This man (Nick) prepares my tea while I get set-up to study. In a blur, I hear my tea is ready. “Thanks.” I say casually to the coffee guy. He advises me on how long to keep the tea bag in the water, and provides me with a lid to place the tea bag for further water. He really does have a nice smile, but I need to focus.

I start studying…as best I can under the circumstances. This tea is great. Youtube is wonderful too. No no. Must study. I drink my tea too quickly. Good thing I listen to the coffee guy. I sidle over to the counter with my empty cup and ask for more hot water. I walk back to my seat and the coffee guy catches my attention: “You do Bikram’s yoga!” he states. 

As a cartoon character's head could spin 360 degrees, so too does my attention. "Yes I do!" I proclaim enthusiastically.  How does he know this?? Apparently, he saw the tiny tear-dropped-shape icon on my key chain from Bikram Yoga San Jose,

“I practice Bikram’s yoga in San Jose,” he volunteers. My mouth drops open, aghast. “Me too!” I exclaim. We continue speaking for a few minutes.

This is bad. I need to study. This blonde haired man with a great smile is a distraction. I try to focus on acid/base balance, but keep thinking of questions to ask him. I mean, what are the chances of meeting a fellow Bikram Yoga practitioner who happens to practices at the SAME studio I have been visiting on-and-off for seven years every time I visit my sister?

Study, Dara. Study. Metabolic acidosis…can happen if you don’t do yoga…coffee guy does yoga…Focus! Respiratory alkalosis…an unfortunate condition…rather be talking about yoga with coffee guy.

I give up studying. I cannot possibly continue knowing that this man is my new best friend! I walk up to the coffee machine to further discuss yoga with coffee guy. “Yeah, I’m going to the 4:30pm class in San Jose," he advises. “Wait, what?!” I ask. He adds, “I get off work at 3:45, so going to drive there.” 

“Wait, wait, wait. I am TEACHING yoga down the street at 4:30. Why don’t you come take me class! Try a new studio.” I sense hesitation. I am on a mission now. He simply MUST take my class. I rarely meet people who practice my style of yoga, let alone a male...particularly a handsome blonde with redwood colored eyes and a devastating grin. 

“Listen, you don’t really want to drive 30 minutes to take yoga. I am teaching RIGHT DOWN THE STREET- 5 minutes from here. Come take my class. You'll love it.” He finally agrees that he will come.

I leave Peet’s coffee in order to get to the studio early. Perhaps coffee-guy is going to do the stereotypical California thing.. the royal stand up, I think. 

I set up the studio. Class is at 4:30. It’s 4:15. Many others have shown up. Not coffee guy.

I must face this. Dara, he is not coming. You will not be disappointed because you didn’t really expect him to show up. Maybe he got lost. No, he is standing you….

"Hello!” he says enthusiastically coming to the check-in desk.

 I will admit I was terribly wrong. “I didn’t think you were going to come!” Did I say it aloud?  

“You were right! It is only 5 minutes from Peet’s," he says.

 “I’m so happy you came!” I say. 

He signs the waiver and I quickly tell him where everything is.

4:29. Class time! I walk into the room, stand on the podium, and spy coffee-guy..without his shirt. 

It’s just ONE class, Dara......