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Before I met my husband, I finally realized that I was not the marrying type. I had dated, but I was too awkward, too geeky, and too smart. So I went into the U.S. Navy to start a life full of adventure.

When I met Otto, he was retiring and I had a six year contract with the Navy, repairing electronic equipment. A few years later he went to Panama to install and repair computer systems for the military. It was just after the U.S. captured Noriega. One of the requirements for civilian contractors was that they had to be able to carry and shoot a gun. His preferred gun was a 45. Yes, it was wild and dangerous in Panama. Most of the street signs were pulled down, so drivers never knew if they were on a main road or a side road. It was an exciting time.

Otto asked me to come to Panama. We had been corresponding for about two years by then. I made a request to the Navy detailer and he was very happy to send me to "the armpit of the world." His words.

After I had been there about a year or more, we decided to take a trip to Florida. Compared to Panama's humidity (10-12 ft. of rain a year), Florida was dry. We wanted to dry out and do a little shopping: clothes and electronics.

One of the problems of living in a jungle is decay. Everything seems to fall apart at a rapid rate. I have even seen stainless steel rust under the constant salt and sea water in Panama. Otto had a leather belt he left in the closet. In three months it was a green glob. (hungry fungus)

When we arrived in Sarasota, Florida, we visited friends and spent most of our days either at the beach or in the mall. (There were no malls in Panama at that time). One day we were driving to the beach when Otto noticed the courthouse.

"I have some business here," he said. I walked into the courthouse in my turquoise shorts and dumb blonde T-shirt with a beach ball under my arm.

We went the the marriage bureau. About that time I was in shock. You remember the beginning of this story? I was not the marrying type.

"How much for a marriage license?" he asked. We went through all our clothes looking for enough money. Remember I was standing there in my shorts and T-shirt. They would not accept credit cards or checks. We had enough in cash and American Express traveler's checks for a marriage license (about 80 bucks).

The lady at the counter told us that if we waited for a half hour that we could be married at no charge. This was just a service the judge would do for any waiting couples.

So thirty minutes later, the judge proclaimed us man and wife. We were holding hands. I still had the beach ball tucked under my arm.

Learn more about this author, Cyn Bagley.
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