After a scary bout of COVID that landed me in the hospital for a few days, I took a retreat to set some intentional goals for the next few years. I spent most of that time mapping out what I ended up calling my "five Cs" (Community, Care, Creativity, Culture - and Cash!), but in my pockets of recharging, I read a book my friend recommended and was surprised at how drawn I was to the chemistry between the two main characters. As part of my wrap-up reflections for the weekend, I wrote: "I'll never stop hoping for a life partner, but I'll also never stop refusing to settle for the wrong one." I then deleted all of my dating apps - except one. I told the universe I was still open to meeting a guy this way, although I was skeptical. The universe accepted the challenge, and twenty days after I wrote the reflection above, a (very!) attractive man sent me a message. I was impressed by how well he gave me a run for my money in keeping the conversation going with good questions, and about a week later, we had our first date at a Mexican restaurant in my neighborhood. We arrived at the restaurant at the exact same time, which set the tone early for the beautiful partnership we would find in each other (although Scott would be 15 minutes early to our next few dates - I learned quickly that in the military, if you are on time, you're late!). The date ended just as beautifully, with Scott beeping his Vespa horn to say a friendly goodbye as he drove away. Scott picked a great spot for our second date on New Year's Day (dinner at Rumi's Kitchen). He asked me about my goals for 2024, and I got to share more about my five Cs, including that I had actually been reading Rumi's poems recently! I loved that his 2024 plan was to focus on the arts and had no idea at the time that I would get to experience most of the operas, plays, movies, and historical castles alongside him - even marrying him in a museum! Our third date was just a few days later at Hillwood Estates, where we had our first kiss in the Japanese Gardens (despite Scott declaring an hour earlier that his Harry Potter house was "Hogwarts"). One year and three months later, Scott proposed to me in the exact same spot after feeding me copious amounts of cheese and crackers on a picnic blanket (he learned well). Best of all, I discovered that Scott has an identical tattoo to the character in the book from my retreat. I'm not claiming I manifested him, but I'll let you come to your own conclusions...

Sometimes when you know, you know. And at first, well...I didn't know. The dating app scene in DC wasn't what it's cracked up to be and after mostly disappointing results, I had decided to give it a rest. But before doing so I happened across Kristen's profile and was intrigued enough to break my 'respond only' rule and reach out to her. She loved to read...check. She loved new experiences and to travel...check. She was beautiful and preferred short first dates...double check. So I dialed up the charm and messaged her, thinking maybe I'll get a response and maybe not. May the odds be forever in your favor. Luckily for me, this time they were. Fast forward a couple weeks and a couple hundred characters exchanged and we agreed to meet for margaritas at a Mexican restaurant near her apartment - never mind that it's December and margarita weather is still months away - it's a great sign that it's the company she values. Time flew by as great conversation flowed like the margaritas. We closed down the place and I gave a little Vespa honk as I drove past her walking home. That honk sealed the deal. Second date here we come. Our second date was a candle lit New Year's Day dinner at one of DC's best restaurants, Rumi's Kitchen. Aromas of saffron rice, grilled lamb, and red wine filled the air. We talked about nothing and everything. Little did we know the start of 2024 would be the start of building a life together. In the weeks and months after Rumi's Kitchen we would explore DC's museums, runs along the waterfront, and walks for ice cream. Before we knew it we were planning international travel and negotiating which of our belongings would go into storage when we moved in together. At first, well, I didn't know. But it didn't take long, and once I knew...I knew.