Ah, the enchanting tale of our modern-day love saga! Picture this: it all started in the mystical land of Tinder, where we navigated the treacherous waters of potential matches like two pirates on a quest for the hidden treasure of compatibility. Our dates were like scenes from a romantic sitcom, filled with laughter and awkward moments that would make even the most seasoned comedians jealous. But then, like a beacon in the storm of swipes, we realized there might be something more. So, armed with optimism and a dash of hope, we ventured into the uncharted territory of in-person dating. Imagine a rainy December evening, the kind that would make even a pessimistic cat reconsider its disdain for water. Two brave souls, me, the maestro of conversation, and Michael, the nodding knight, entered a quaint Italian restaurant in Walnut Creek. Post-feast, we sought refuge in Dan's bar, where a simple game of pool became the unexpected hero of our love story. Who knew those chalked sticks could be the unsung therapists of budding relationships? As the night unfolded, Michael's metaphorical walnut shell cracked open, unveiling the gooey center of his charming self. With the rain giving us a temporary truce, Michael gallantly escorted me back to my trusty steed (a.k.a., my car), and we eagerly plotted our next date. And then, on the 23rd of December in 2014, history was made. Michael, channeling the bravery of a knight in shining armor, summoned the courage to pop the big question, "Will you be my girlfriend?" The rest, as they say, is history... well, at least until the next chapter! So here's to our love story, where Tinder swipes turned into sweet embraces, and pool cues paved the way for a lifetime of laughter and love. Cheers to us, the protagonists of this quirky, funny, and heartwarming romance!

Ladies and gentlemen, grab your popcorn and get ready for the love story that's crazier than a romance novel co-authored by Dr. Seuss and Shakespeare! So, we find ourselves in sunny California, where the weather was acting so wild, even the squirrels were considering caffeine rehab. And there's our hero, Michael, with a heart as big as Texas, pestering me for a hike at Skyline Park in Napa like it's the entrance to a love-themed theme park. I swear, he brought up Skyline Park more times than a squirrel counts nuts! And speaking of nuts, let's rewind to our first hike in 2015, where Mike, with the charm of a deranged chipmunk, dropped the L-bomb like it was a surprise party for love. Love was in the air, along with a few loose screws! As we climbed the hillside towards Marie Lake, Mike was so ecstatic you'd think he found a secret stash of hiking socks. Hopping around like a kangaroo on Red Bull, engaging in playful skirmishes – probably trying to prove that hiking with him was better than a roller derby match. Just when we thought it couldn't get any zanier, a parade of cyclists zooms past like they're auditioning for the Tour de "We Don't Know Where We're Going." Finally, we reach the majestic crest overlooking the lake, only to find a gathering that rivaled a circus sideshow. A conga line of cyclists and hiking groups, young and old, like it was the Woodstock of hikers! Who knew the great outdoors had such a devoted fan club? Now, as we were about to make our descent, Michael, in his signature quirky style, goes, 'I guess this is a good spot, right?' And I, being the master of wit, retort, 'To push me into the lake?' But as I turn around, I find Michael, ring in hand, looking like he's auditioning for a one-man band in the middle of nowhere. Shock and excitement battle it out in my heart, and the audience (that's you) probably thinks, "It's about damn time!" But the real kicker? Michael had chosen that ring a year into our adventure, guarding it like Gollum with his precious. So, here we are, nine years into this hilarious, incredible journey, sharing our special day with all of you. It's been a whirlwind of squirrels, hikes, and a dash of romance! And they say all you need is love – and maybe a squirrel-proof caffeine stash. Cheers to the rollercoaster of love, where every twist and turn is worth the ride!