Our first date began in the Dinosaur BBQ parking lot. We had talked on the phone for 4 days before we actually met. I was hoping he would be as amazing as he sounded on the phone. When I 1st saw him I thought.....he's REALLY CUTE! We nervously walked thru the Troy Farmers Market. Made small talk & roasted like two irish kids would on a hot summer day! We had a bite at Sliding Dirty then walked back thru the Farmers Market again. He reached for my hand & I got the tingles! We awkwardly walked thru the streets one more time. Barely looked at ANYTHING! Then we sat on the concrete steps in the River Front park. Sat there & people watched. Then had our 1st kiss. I saw stars! I knew he was something special....and I didn't want it to end! The next week I went to Orlando to the Zumba Convention.....I didn't see him, but we talked & texted ALOT on the phone! My girlZ can attest to that! After I got back we went on numerous dates & spent alot of time together. It was clear pretty early on that we were both smitten & never wanted it to end! Our 1st Christmas together was VERY special! His family was incredible! They really took me in with open arms! I felt like part of the pack instantly! Felt very comfortable. We did alot of FUN things together that winter, from cutting down our own Christmas tree to adopting our naughty elf "Francesco"! Chris & I just really clicked! We have the same goofy sense of humor. We really get eachother! One major difference is that he's super quiet and i'm LOUD! For his birthday I got him 2 tickets to see the Celtics game in Boston, the day before St. Patrick's Day! How AWESOME would that be?! We were looking forward to the trip SO MUCH! We had talked about engagement early on, but I wanted to wait a few more months. Maybe near a Holiday? Maybe closer to a year (since 12 mo. was when my parents got engaged). In the back of my mind I thought / hoped that it would happen on the trip. AND IT DID! 3.16.19 I SAID YES! <3