We met on a warm August weekend in Plant City. We were both there to support other people in a karaoke competition, spanning a total of 3 days. Since we were both from the Tampa Bay area, we wound up sitting at the same table. Also at the table with Ricky, was his Bag. If you have ever gone on an adventure with him, you know that Ricky almost always has to bring ‘The Bag’ wherever he goes, and the karaoke competition was no exception. I (Mark) took notice that whenever someone needed something- whether it be a pen, a phone charger, or a mint- Ricky was ready. As a fellow Eagle scout, I understood and appreciated the care and thoughtfulness that goes into ‘Being Prepared’ day in and day out. Through more small talk, and finding ways to pass time, we discovered we had so much in common, from our upbringings, to hobbies, to our shared love of animals and nature. As the weekend came to a close, we exchanged numbers, with the promise to spend more time together. As time went on, we stayed in touch, and formed a bond that continues to grow and take shape, even today. I (Ricky) remember our first official date- we went on a trip to the Zoo, and spent the day talking about penguins and adventures and questioning what our future held. It was then that I knew that Mark and I would spend a lot more time together, and I looked forward to keeping our promise from that Karaoke weekend. We’ve kept that promise ever since. From exciting treks into the woods of central florida, to spontaneous road trips to Tennessee, to quiet nights at home with Netflix and our pups- we have enjoyed so many adventures together. We’ve gotten to know the many sides that make up who we are as individuals, while working to grow as a pair. We know the road ahead won’t always be easy, but with a little trust, and the right bag packed, we’re excited to take this next step, especially with the incredible love and support from each of our friends and family.

For Mark’s Birthday last year, I wanted to do something extra special, so I decided I would take him to the Aquarium. This wouldn’t be your ordinary trip to the Aquarium, though. No, this was going to be a very up-close and personal visit! The morning of his birthday, I dragged him out of bed extra early, and told him we were heading out. He had no idea what we were doing, and in fact, he was supposed to work that morning! I told him there was no saying ‘no’, and that he would be calling in sick that day. So, we get in the car and head over to the Aquarium. He must have thought I was crazy for telling him to call-out, just so we could go to the Aquarium, but after parking and walking in the side-door, it would all make more sense! The moment we walked through the side-entrance to the aquarium, we were greeted by a dive master, already in scuba gear, who excitedly asked, “Who’s Ready to Dive with the Sharks??” You should have seen the look on his face! Only after the debrief with the scuba master would I learn that Mark not only wasn’t Scuba certified, he’d never operated scuba equipment before! I started to panic, and I wasn’t the one about to be lowered into a tank full of sharks! After talking to Mark, we decided that he would still give it a go- the Aquarium assigns a scuba master to each diver, which meant that if anything went wrong with the equipment, an expert would be right there with him. Well, we’re both really glad he went- he got to dive with sharks, and a sea turtle, and eels, and had an absolute blast! Be sure to ask us for the pictures and videos, it was a truly unique experience!