We met at the central office building of Denver Public Schools but we both went to the same college, Colorado State University. Graduated at the same time but Jay started DPS after graduation, while Pay started a year and a half later. We both had terrible interviews but somehow got the job. We first started interacting during our Fun Committee meetings planning events for our department. One day, Jay’s team had scheduled time to create marketing videos for their programming and Pay was supporting the creation of these videos. Jay’s video was recorded first then we found ourselves talking in the middle court yard. Pay was “chased” into the building by a bee. While sheltering from this danger, Pay thought to herself, "If he comes back in here with me, then I KNOW he likes me." From the large window that separated Pay from the dangers of the beautiful courtyard, she watched the video project progress and Jay charmingly chat with those brave enough to stay outside. A few moments later, Jay came gallantly into the building to ask if Pay had been harmed by the bee, plus Pay had left her keys outside. We stayed behind the window, talked, and laughed. After what seemed like forever, Jay asked Pay to lunch! We went to grab Mexican food (Jay did Pay!) but the inside of the restaurant had no seating. We went outside to see if we could eat out there but it was windy. We chose to depart and take our food to our separate homes. Pay was sitting in her car and Jay was saying bye but before Jay walked away, Pay yelled, “You not gonna take my number?” Jay laughed and we exchanged numbers. From that day forward, we talked and hung out almost every day. Now we are beginning our always and forever.

Over a plate of unusual tacos, we finally got to know each other deeper than the FUN committee and department gatherings. After lunch, Pay asked Jay, “You not gonna take my number?”

As avid anime lovers, Japan is on our bucket list but we would like to visit during warmer months. For our October honeymoon, Peru (Machu Picchu) is a place we will explore then relax on beautiful beaches anywhere in the Caribbean.

In December 2025, we took a family trip to Ghana. Nearly every morning by 8am sharp, we walked a half a mile to a waakye joint, in hopes of being first in line. Occasionally we get a craving for fried red snapper, fried yam, and pepper so hot tears stream down our faces.