Alexis' Version: Our friend Alex went diving for Spiny Lobsters one weekend. Cody and I didn't know each other yet, but we had friends in common that invited both of us over to consume said spiny lobsters. It was in a hot tub in November shortly after Halloween. I was wearing a questionable hat, no it wasn't a poop emoji one ;-) and Cody was puffing away on cigarettes much to my chagrin. Afterwards we went to our friends place and played cards until late. After Cody left I mentioned to our mutual friends I think I kinda like him...but the smoking and he's in the military hmm... They both replied we tried to set him up with two of our girlfriends but it didn't work out. At which point I thought hmm...maybe third times a charm? Shortly after that I was given his # and proceeded to message him (it was after midnight). Sorry Alaska but Jersey is here and we're a bit direct! A few days later we went on our first date at Olympic Cafe, our waitress was named Alexis (we've been back during our anniversaries of dating). Yes we know it's a common Greek name, but I'm Italian and Irish mainly. From that point on we went on vacations in various parts of the US (including many visits to ballparks and some new states for Cody - I only have three left and I've been to all 50), attended weddings together (including my dear friend Laura who myself and our groomsman Eric played matchmaker with Pat), lived with each other in tight quarters, and Cody has served as the best dog dad when I have traveled to visit family/friends even if his Tuesday wakeup calls for PT make Teddy and Uly grumble. My parents adopted a dog named Cody many years ago and he's still kicking...in a spiritual manner I think my Mom might have decided to bestow Cody upon me as it was right around my Dad's birthday when we met. So now for Cody's Version... Cody's Account: On Sunday, November 5th, 2023, at 9pm 🤨, I got a text message from 2 mutual friends of Alexis & I. The prior weekend was Halloween & we all hung out at a Spooktober party the prior Saturday. An acquaintance of those 2 friends extended an invite to a late night pool party/BBQ at her posh condo complex in LA Jolla, CA. I was hesitant at first, as I had to be up at 6am the next day. Upon gaining access to the pool & BBQ grills, I first met Alexis. As Alexis mentioned, I am a longtime smoker. When she walked by in her bathing suit & trucker hat, I did a "Howdy, Ma'am!" gesture and she grimaced in disgust at me and rolled her eyes. A first impression made crashed and burned upon sight. And I thought, "Her loss..." As the night went on -- again, should've been asleep against better judgment -- those 2 mutual friends invited us back to their condo for an after-party. Alexis & I found ourselves seated next to one another and spoke formally to one another. She was impressed with my knowledge of the Tri-State area, as I have spent many a times there, and I with her demeanor and view on life. The next morning my phone was buzzing with several messages from one of our mutual friends as they gave Alexis my cellular, mind you -- without asking me first. Alexis requested a first official date, and we dined a week or so later at Olympic Cafe in San Diego. The weeks and months progressed as we got to know each others' strengths & weaknesses. Through it all, as nearly 2 years have elapsed -- I cannot imagine the rest of my life without Alexis and our 2 fur children: Teddy & Ulysses. We don't often get the chance to seize the moments in life. And even then, there can be regrets. Alexis, unconsciously, came into my life when I needed it. I would not want it any other way.