Falling in Love

Editor's note: The Appeal asked several local people to share their love stories this week in honor of Valentine's Day. Today, we feature the story of Carson Supervisor Richard Staub and his wife, Janet.

I can remember it like it was yesterday. It was 1988. I had a small office on East John Street here in Carson City. Janet was a State Farm Insurance Agent who had her office next door to mine.

I used to see her walking out to vehicles she was going to insure to take pictures for her records. My mom was my secretary at that time and she said, "why don't you introduce yourself to that woman and ask her out?"

I said, "Sounds like a good idea."

Well, several weeks went by and I did nothing. Then one day one of her secretaries came over to my office and asked me if I wanted to go out with her for a drink. Now, what a set up. How do you say no in that situation?

I said, "I would love to," and we set the date a few days later. Then I surmised it would be a great opportunity to meet Janet. So I went over to Janet's office and quietly asked if she would come along for a drink with her secretary. She said she would love to attend.

A few days later we all went to a local restaurant and had a great time.

After dating for a year or so, I decided to take the big plunge. I purchased a nice gold ring and hung it from the drop light over my dining room table. I asked Janet to come to dinner. I prepared a nice dinner with some wine. We sat down for dinner and she asked what was the big occasion. I said, "you know, if you help me clean my house, you might find a big surprise."

She said I could clean my own house!

I said the lights needed adjusting. She looked at the dining room light and said nothing. She began to smile and a tear ran down her face.

I said, "well, it's time for both of us."

She agreed and said yes, she would take the big plunge with me. The rest is now history.

We have been married for 17 years and this story always makes us laugh. It has been a great ride so far.