Colt and I met in a way that almost 25% of the population currently meet their spouses... on the vast expanse of the Internet. It was not really my intention to meet someone online since I had only signed up for a month. Honestly, I had joined online dating because I had told one of my dear friends that I would join the website with her. I now lovingly joke with her that she is the reason Colt and I ever met.

Contrary to my initial concepts of online dating, I found it extremely refreshing. Instead of going out and meeting people at bars and clubs where I couldn't immediately know their political affiliation, religious beliefs, or whether or not they liked animals, on the internet I was instantly alerted to these aspects of an individual. It was great being able to watch a movie, eat popcorn, and occasionally browse through hundreds of profiles all while in my pajamas. Colt instantly struck a cord with me and intrigued me with his witty responses and his desire to find a friend and potential soul mate. It helps that I also thought he was pretty handsome. More than his love of adventure and comedies, it was inevitably his desire in pursuing a Christ centered relationship that drew me to first contacting him.

After a few weeks of talking over the Internet, Colt organized a perfect first date for us to meet in person. We introduced ourselves outside of the Tampa Pizza Company in downtown Tampa and first attempted to dine "al fresco." However, the weather was unpredictable as usual and forced us to finish our meal inside. After dinner we decided to go to Anise, a local gastropub for a cocktail which involved us running and laughing a block in the rain to get to our destination. I remember how he laughed and it made me even more interested in getting to know him. Once the rain ceased and we had each enjoyed a cocktail we walked along the Tampa Riverwalk and openly talked about life and our dreams for the future.

I knew that night that I had met someone really special and we have been inseperable ever since.