December 2014, somehow both Joseph and I ended up on tinder. (Not something either of us are very proud of) I always say Joe was the first guy to message me on tinder and not sound like a creep asking me for inappropriate things. But he seemed like a gentleman. I gave him my number and we began texting and talking on the phone. We would talk on the phone for HOURS. It felt like we already had such a connection and we hadn't even met yet, I felt crazy! Finally, January 3rd of 2015 we went on our first date. We decided to meet at an Otter's Game. (Erie's local hockey team) I had friends spread all around the game and my parents on speed dial just incase he was a totally different guy in person. Our whole first date Joe barely spoke a word and I never shut up! (Surprise!) At the end of the night he asked me when he could see me again and I of course said ANYTIME! And we were off....

Our dates continued and they all happened to be at Otter's games! After every date Joe would just give me a quick hug goodbye and leave as quick as possible! Yet he kept asking me on more dates? Did this guy think we were really good friends or what? I remember calling Morgan (my older sister/best advice giver ever) and asked her what she thinks I should do! I really like this guy but how do I know if he actually likes me? Morgan said to make a bet with him! So I did. I texted Joe (while on the phone with Morgan of course) and I said "I want to make a bet. If the Otter's win tonight you have to kiss me". And the reply bubbles came up and I was screaming on the phone with Morgan saying what an idiot I sounded like and how I wish I could take it back....until Joe replied "Deal. And lets add that if the Otter's lose tonight you have to kiss me". Then I was really freaking out!!! He does like me! Thanks Morgan. So, that night at the Otter's game, the Otter's lost, of course. I had to kiss him, and I did. And it was amazing, fireworks and all folks. I was head over heals for this guy.

While working horrible 24 hours weekends at Erie Homes and Joe being gone Monday-Friday every week, life was crazy busy for us and really pushing our relationship. We had to make the time we had together special! The weekend of August 13th was the Shrine party at my parents house, so Morgan and Keith were home for the weekend. While sadly missing the Shrine party due to work, Joe was having a great weekend! He took Morgan and Keith with him to go pick out a ring on Saturday morning (the 12th). Then after he went to my parents house where he asked BOTH my Mom and Dad (and I guess you can count Morgan in there too) for my hand. It was emotional and amazing. (So I've heard) Of course they said yes! And then at the Shrine party everyone was informed that Joe was asking me! LITTLE DID I KNOW!!! So now it's Sunday! I come home at 8pm from work and Joe says lets go get some dinner! We go and get some Chinese food and I am chatting away and Joe is silent. I keep asking him what is wrong and he says nothing but still continues to act weird. We get back to our house and I am heading upstairs to get ready for bed when Joe says "Hey babe I have a surprise for you". I of course ask what and he says that he doesn't have to go out of town for the week! I am now jumping for joy!!!! Then he says "Oh yeah, I have another surprise" He starts to play Marry Me by Train on his phone and he gets down on one knee. Then he says some beautiful, elaborate speech to me that I don't hear a word of because I am BAWLING. A few minutes go by while I am just crying and he is now crying and he goes "so is that a yes?" YES YES YES!!!!!! We called close family and everyone said "JOE YOU COULDN'T WAIT!" I guess he was planning on doing it on my birthday (the next day the 14th), but he couldn't wait! But I didn't care! That is so us! If you know us you know we celebrate Christmas on December 1st cause we can't wait to give each other gifts! It was us and it was perfect.