After a night of dancing and laughing, we knew that there was something there. Since that day, we have texted or called each other every day. We knew that 2,785 miles would not keep us apart. We knew #thejourneyhadjustpagan.

I wasn't going to go out that night, I had a bad day and I honestly just wanted to stay home. Luckily my brother Leslie called me and changed my mind. He said he wanted to go out and that I shouldn't be home on NYE. I usually don't succumb to peer pressure but I'm glad I did. We've been to the FBP before and always had fun so we knew we had to go there to celebrate. Little did I know that was the night that I was gonna meet my soulmate and the future Mrs. Pagan. When Leslie and I arrived at the bar the line was long, and the bar was packed but I was determined to get in. When we finally got in, we were fortunate enough to find 2 seats at the bar. So, we both agreed that we would stay at the bar for the rest of the night. As the night went on, I was starting to get that "I just want to go home feeling". But once again Leslie used his phenomenal Peer Pressure skills and convinced me to stay until the ball dropped. Just before the ball dropped the bartender gave Leslie and I mini bottle of champagnes for being such good customers. That magical bottle changed my life forever and not just because it was free. Right before midnight, I noticed over my right shoulder the biggest prettiest smile I've ever seen. The type of smile everyone speaks about when they say it can light up a room. Of course, that smile changed when she tried to get the bartender's attention but he was too busy. I knew at that moment I had to do something to see that beautiful smile again and if I did she'd love me forever. The answer was simple give her the champagne so that's exactly what I did and the smile returned. She didn't hesitate to take the bottle and said thank you. When the ball dropped, she went to celebrate her sister and her BF. Soon after that she rewarded me for my gesture and my drink with a dance. We continued to dance together for the rest of the night. The rest is exactly as she said in her version. It doesn't matter who initiated what because I find my soulmate.

On New Year’s 2016, I had no idea the plans God had to forever change our lives when He united our souls. My sister, best friend and I planned a trip to watch the ball drop. We ended up booking a hotel room next to Bryant Park. Fortunately, Shanna’s flight was delayed, and we had to change our plans because we would not make it to Times Square before the NYPD block off the streets. We asked the concierge what the best last-minute option was. He gave us two option: head to Greenwich Village (Manhattan) or attend the NYE party in the hotel. Later during the trip, we would figure out that Howell from concierge actually grew up with Jay. Back to the story…. So we all get dressed hop on the Subway and head Greenwich Village. We walk around to see whether we wanted to go to 3 Streets Saloon, Fat Black Pussycat, or the Blue Note Jazz Club. We checked out the lines and crowds at each bar. Then we decided to go to Fat Black Pussy Cat. Right before the ball drops, I headed to the bar. I tried to move Jay out the way, so I get the girls drinks before midnight. He ends up handing us mini bottles of champagne. I kissed him at midnight, and we all danced the rest of the night away. At the end of the night, we all grabbed hotdogs before heading back to the hotel. When we got there, we all passed out. The next morning Jay went to get breakfast for the group. We hung out for a while and then he headed home. I saw him one more time before leaving New York. We have talked every day since we met. Before my birthday that year we discussed if I could handle the snow in New York or if he would move to San Diego. He came out to San Diego for my birthday the same year. We had fun at the Zoo, Disneyland and hanging out around town. He moved here that July and the rest is history.