I bought my 1956 fixer upper in 2021 and was practically living at Home Depot. Back and forth I went for paint, cleaning supplies, and the oh so unfortunate rat traps (that's a story for another time.) On my last Home Depot run I caught a glimpse of a jeep rolling by with "Richardson Fit Body Bootcamp" on the side. Knowing I had been out of the gym scene for quite some time I thought I'd at least give it a bit of research. After searching on google and seeing five stars, AND finding a co-worker that was already a member, I was sold. I walked into the gym for the evening session and was greeted by two (very) friendly people. (If you know those coaches... you know they have a permanent smile on their faces) But it wasn't the smile that caught my attention. It was an.. accent? Is that Australian? Nope. He's South African. From what began as my assigned "coach," Phil quickly grew into a close friend. Checking on me frequently, caring about not only my physical but mental health, and again, providing that undeniably sweet accent and smile. It wasn't until I got my new puppy Violet that the real connection began. I snuck Violet up to the gym (sorry owners Tom and Katie) and got to introduce her to her now (future) dad. There's something about a man holding a puppy? Am I right? Following that trip to the gym, Phil charmingly asked to go on a walk with Violet and I. What I assumed would be a quick walk around the neighborhood with my coach/friend, turned into a three hour visit that changed everything. Phil and I spoke about all things from jobs to family to faith, and so much aligned. From there Phil and I simply couldn't get enough time together. Pizza dates, movies, goodwill trips, plenty of dog walks, cooking, coming to visit me at school... you name it. I knew I found my husband. And on April 21st he made it official when he asked me to be his wife. So... you know what they say. Go to the gym, find your husband?

Our story has truly been the most unexpected and greatest blessing of my life. Laura was one of the first few members assigned to me at Fit Body. From day one, I knew she was really cool and we had a great connection! As her coach, I was inspired by her dedication to her health and fitness and it was so fulfilling to see her crushing her goals as well as inspire those around her! Our friendship continued to grow over the next few months. Despite Laura and I having a great connection and all the girls on my team insistent that I was overlooking something, we never really thought more of her friendship...Until one day. Laura and I were having a conversation about life and for the first time, my eyes started to open and I had a thought of, "What if this actually might be something?" I asked her to go for a walk with Violet and just like she mentioned, everything changed. I felt like I completely understood her and she understood me or the way I truly like to put it - I felt like we were speaking the same language. From there, everything has been such an adventure! We have experienced so many "firsts" together - Thanksgiving, Christmas, my first Marathon, Easter, Birthdays, international trips, fishing trips and so much more! I cannot wait to continue adventuring with my bestest of friends and love my life! Laura has an incredible capacity for love. She is caring, insanely beautiful, hard working, fun-loving, intelligent, hilarious, wise, supportive, strong and adventurous. In a time where I was trying to make a new home in the USA, God placed her right in my story and said, "She is your home." I am so grateful and so blessed that I get to spend the rest of my life with her at my side.