It was just another Friday night in Tampa. One of us had a Tinder date, the other an event for a friend at a bar up the street. I didn't really feel like going out but it was right around the corner, I helped her set the event up with the owner, I didn't have anything else on my agenda for the evening... What the heck. Plus, might as well venture out for an hour with some of my favorite Tampa moms- I could still get into bed at a decent time. Ed says he saw me as soon as I walked in- I tend to get tunnel vision until I find my friends, you know, throw up that RBF pretty hard. Date was a bust so Ed was there with his buddy just hanging out- and, what do ya know, he's friends with my friend's husband. All of us start messing around a bit, then he and I start talking... Next thing you know, I'm home at 3am and find myself a little stunned at what just transpired after "I'll just go out for an hour". As one of my friends had repeated to me over and over the previous 4yrs, "Don't give up- you just never know what tomorrow will bring." Touché. As they say, the rest is history. Our first date was in church, second at my favorite Tampa taco joint, third rock climbing. In the past 7 months we have enjoyed meeting each other's families, getting to know each other's friends, camping & hiking, going to each other's sports games (Carlen play soccer, Ed plays volleyball), Obstacle Course races, spending time with Hudson, watching our pets (Carlen's cat & Ed's dog) become friends, and doing life together. Oh, AND sports- watching football and cheering on the Tampa Bay Lightning- which just so happens to be where Ed proposed!! 💙🏒⚡️ As with any relationship, we've had ups and downs, miscommunications, and our share of growing experiences. At the end of the day we realize that it's these situations that confirm to each other what we're made of for the long haul and are excited for our future together- good, bad & the beautiful!! Indeed... The rest is HIStory.