His & Hers - Patrick & Terri Collins

Written by Bakersfield Magazine

What was the first thing you thought when you met your future spouse for the first time?

Terri: Ha! Who knows? All the circumstances leading up to our first meeting read like a Seinfeld episode, and it was hilarious. He was on a double date, so I pretty much gave him a bad time the whole time.

Patrick: She was cute and professional—somebody I wanted to get to know a lot better!

What is the funniest thing that happened while you two were dating?

Terri: Actually, it was probably only funny to me. Here was this guy who was putting out this “fast,” So-Cal sophisticate, James Bond-in-a-tuxedo kind of aura, and he invited me to drive up to Oregon with him to meet his college fraternity brothers. He pulls up to pick me up in the biggest Lincoln Town Car “pimp-mobile” that he had rented for the trip, and I laughed myself silly. I guess you had to be there.

Patrick: After dating for a while, it was pretty funny the first time I saw her place. It looked like the aftermath of a neutron bomb in the main bedroom/closet—shoes, purses, etc. were everywhere!

What is the craziest thing your spouse has ever done for you?

Terri: He bought me this hand wand blender thing for Christmas one year. I was like, “What?” But that thing became my favorite possession. I’m actually in mourning because it broke two weeks ago.

Patrick: There have been a bunch! But one included a surprise visit—her showing up at my office in a really hot, red miniskirt, ensconced in a limo, with champagne, etc., to take me to a concert in So-Cal.

What’s your spouse’s biggest phobia?

Terri: Blood and needles. His big discipline in life is making himself donate regularly at Houchin.

Patrick: This story for the magazine!

Who’s the first one to admit when they’re wrong?

Terri: It must be me, because Pat is never wrong.

Patrick: My wife! I’m Irish and stubborn so “admitting” I’m wrong just doesn’t happen.

What is your favorite thing to do in Bakersfield?

Terri: Taking our dog, Sadie, to the bike path. We just love being out there, and it’s such a blast watching her dart around, sniffing all the scents she seems to find delightful.

Patrick: Prepare and enjoy great meals and wine with family and friends.

Do you prefer a vacation at the beach or up in the mountains?

Terri: We are beach people. Must be our sun signs: Cancer and Pisces. We were born loving the beach. It’s lazy and refreshing there.

Patrick: Beach! Sun, surf, and sand equals the very best relaxation and entertainment. And the kids will always join us.

What is your least favorite thing about your spouse (a pet peeve if you will) and most favorite thing?

Terri: I don’t like the way he soaks a dish. I like to soak a dish in the sink, where it doesn’t show. He fills it up, and puts it on the counter next to the sink. (Surprise, Sweetster!) I’ve never told him this... but it’s not that big of a deal. My favorite thing is his darling heart. He has the sweetest heart; it’s precious.

Patrick: Her leaving the toilet seat down! (Just kidding honey!) Actually, her backseat driver instinct even when she’s in the front seat. My favorite thing is her love, support, and faith through thick and thin, 25 years of marriage, kids, and pets. May as well throw in the kitchen sink and backed-up plumbing, too.

Article appeared in our 26-5 Issue - December 2009

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