My First Steps

Twice have I taken my first steps. The first, I was one - one? - one. My mother worked on the west side of route one, and my father worked on the east side of route one. The buildings faced each other, separated by three lanes of traffic. Beautiful, beautiful traffic. Mom had me in Day Care, and I, containing an innate sense of resolve (if not direction,) chose to rise from the building, open the door, topple the steps, and cross the street. BBBBBBEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPP. With the finest of intentions, I trudged that sorry sidewalk and leapt upon lane, embracing all the gum of the world with the snared stomp from my tender Keds. The cars, I'm sure, wanted to stop, but traffic is, as some might say, vile and unrepentant. Cars don't seek vengeance. They just move. But so did I. They stopped first. Eventually, some secretaries ran outside and I was saved and all that, but I never made it all the way to dad's office. This is the lesson. Strongest of intentions, but a bad habit of failing to finish. I will work on it. Oh, and my second steps were rising from child to man. I fell in love, and took my first steps without touching the ground. That's important, too.

[mattorshirley]

Brittany and I handed out the candies, thanks to Sean and Ashley at their beautiful new home. Of course, we got our sugar rushes going at lunchtime. Halloween! https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpnxo6ghzYp/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1womzy9rugk1k

[mattorshirley]

It’s my birthday. Thank you for all the well-wishes everyone! I spent the night the best way possible: Brittany broiled lobster while I sipped gluten free beer and answered texts. And then we took 800 selfies and this was the best one. https://www.instagram.com/p/BpGH4bDBg0P/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1larqktwqht4g

[mattorshirley]

Happy birthday to my dad, Craig Shirley, who, two weeks ago, walked his daughter down the aisle and, come Mother’s Day 2019, will release his seventh book. Oh and his anniversary to Mom is in two days. Not too shabby. https://www.instagram.com/p/BoHrBn3g4BK/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=q9qahu5lpjc

[mattorshirley]

On Sunday we walked around and explored our neighborhood in the cool breeze of September. It’s literally the only weather on which we can agree is good weather. https://www.instagram.com/p/BnzxnQ4Ff57/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=o8w9hd5f0rw8

[mattorshirley]

Thanks to my old man I got to meet Senator McCain in 2002. He was very gracious to me even though I was the physical manifestation of large boy puberty. I jokingly how he could get along so well with the other party and he said “the people are better than the party.” Six years later I would campaign for Barack Obama’s Presidential run. After eighth years of W, I could not stand to see Republicans in power. That being said, as McCain campaigned and as his concession speech proved, the person was indeed better than the party. https://www.instagram.com/p/BnJ6aULAckI/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=avqyko3kqof

[mattorshirley]

Look at this married father in the middle here. In the middle of the celebration of his wife and child, he demands I take off my shirt! The gall! So I did. Congratulations Matt! Good luck, Eva! Best wishes, Eliana! (at Brooklyn, New York)

[mattorshirley]

We're on the phone with each other. We both order rideshare services. We hustle off to catch our separate cars. Driver picks me up and then this lady a block later. We need to coordinate. But I'll take serendipity any day.

[mattorshirley]

Ladies and Gentlemen, the love of my life (at Martin's Tavern)

[mattorshirley]

First Class from Miami! We need the legroom after all the dancing at #nickandnettinups !

[mattorshirley]

Meddy Christmas from Naples, Florida! Brittany is wearing camouflage to fit in with the locals.

[mattorshirley]

Ok, it's storytime. On Saturday morning, Brittany and I laid wreaths at Arlington National Cemetary. It was cold. Following a cab across the city, Brittany went to a girls brunch while I got ready for the big moment. My plan was to walk over to the National Mall and propose at dusk. Several hours later, Brittany arrived back at the condo. "I've been cooped up all day," I said "let's go outside!" "Now?" she asked, "but it's freezing out there!" I asked again. And again once more. Each time, the same answer. No. I checked my watch. Reservations! I said "we gotta do this l here." So in the bedroom, I asked Brittany to marry me. Her eyes widen. "Really?! Is this happening? Right now?!" I said "yes!" She said "yes!" She then told me I'm supposed to put the ring on her finger (this is all new to me.) I slipped it on, we kissed, we called family. Thousands of phone calls later, I told her we had reservations to Martin's Tavern, where we first met and worked together years ago, and then a night at The Watergate Hotel. A thousand more phone calls. We switch Martin's to brunch date and head to the Watergate, where they took our engagement to the excess of deserved. We ate, then wondered how to sleep around all the roses. We fell asleep still not sure what to do with them. The next morning we ate at Martin's for our first time since we were coworkers there in 2010. A goofy, tardy, perfect beginning to the rest of our life together.

[mattorshirley]

Happy Thanksgiving! May you take all your pictures before you eat. Love, Matt & Britt.

[mattorshirley]

When you produce a guest so solid the producer and host look upon you with awe.

[mattorshirley]

If heard the rumors, they're false. @anandknaidoo is a GOOD human being. Thanks for the gifts!

[mattorshirley]

We're in the final minutes of my birthday and I want to thank all the amazing friends and family for reaching out on what was clearly the best birthday of my life. Thank you Ruqaiyah for lunch, GB team for my cake, and of course Brittany for dinner, dessert, presents and love. Also thank you to my parents for the missed calls. I think my hearing is going. I love you all. Love love love.

[mattorshirley]

We do baseball playoffs! Also I swear Jevan is there.

[mattorshirley]

Let it be said loudly: we do weddings really well. Congratulations @kdungan and @jacobmgray25 !!!!!