About Claire

Claire was born and raised in York, England. She moved away from York in 1998 to attend The University of Sheffield, where she received a Masters degree in Chemical Engineering. In 2002 she moved to London to start her career in the oil and gas industry. 3 years later Claire was given the opportunity to take a year-long assignment in Houston, TX, which she accepted. After her year was up, she decided to stay in Houston for a while longer - More than 7 years, a house, dogs and a fiance later, Claire now calls Houston home!

Claire and Jelani love animals and have spent the last 2 years fostering numerous dachshunds through Dachshund Rescue of Houston. Although they have adopted out most of their foster dogs, they couldn't let them all go and their family is now a little larger! When Claire isn't volunteering with the Rescue, she also enjoys listening to and playing music, and takes singing lessons. She enjoys watching the various Houston sports teams play and is also an avid reader and movie-goer.

About Jelani

Don't worry. I'll include a lil' story about me soon. It's under construction.

How We Met

Claire and Jelani went on their first date in December 2007. Jelani took Claire out for lunch and then afterwards they played pool at a local Slick Willie's pool hall. Jelani, being an accomplished pool player, told Claire that if he could find a girl that could beat him at pool, he would marry her. Jelani stayed true to his word, as Claire beat him in a game that afternoon (by default, as he scratched on the 8 ball!). 4 years later, Jelani asked Claire if she would do him the honor of becoming his wife - of course, she said yes!

[Side note: Claire misunderstood Jelani when he said he would marry a girl that could beat him in pool. He wasn't referring to just a single game of pool for this would be a pretty pompous proposal. He actually meant that he would love to marry someone who was better than him at pool, in general. Even though Claire was only good at making the cue ball in the pocket while leaving the rest of her balls on the table, Jelani accepted defeat when he scratched on the 8-ball. From this he learned to be more clear in his statements. :o) }