I was scrolling through OkCupid and saw this cute girl. She was a scientist and we seemed to have some interests in common - and the moment I liked her profile she sent me a message! After a handful of mishaps (she was sick, then I had a work engagement, then scheduling was weird) we finally got together for dinner. I picked a restaurant but didn't know it was insanely popular - when we got there the wait for a two person table was easily two hours! So we ended up at the burger bar next door and after some lively conversation (and cider) we decided to see each other again.

Over the next few weeks we met up several times, we went to the art museum and bowling, and to the aquarium with her adorable nephew, Harrison. We realized that we had a lot in common and I fell for her hard. Genelle is so kind and smart and fun to be around! She asked me to be her girlfriend and I said yes!

It's been a little less than a year and a half since then, and we have been on many adventures together. The latest has been living together in lockdown, where we realized truly how well we work together and how much we want to build a life together. I wouldn't have made it through lock down as sane as I did without Genelle. She is so supportive of me and I hope I can be the same for her. When Genelle asked me to marry her, it was the easiest decision I've ever made. I'm so glad I have her with me especially with the world as crazy as it is!

Onward to the next adventure of being married!

Erica and I met the old fashioned way... on a dating app. I remember the way she looked on our first date; wearing a red and black flannel jacket over a gray Iowa sweatshirt, with snow flecked purple hair. It wasn't long into the relationship that it felt different and special. I quickly learned how close she is to her family, and how caring and protective she is with people she loves. I was all in from the beginning and have never been great at playing my cards close to the chest. Like most people this pandemic has been clarifying for us both. It made me realize how important it was for me to be able to protect her in any way I could. It also helped us realize that we both wanted to start a family, and how precious time is. I asked her to marry me on June 28th, 2020 with a little help from Harrison. Our plans are to apply for adoption in the near future. I'm the luckiest.