So, picture this: it's January 2020, and I'm swiping through Facebook Dating, feeling like I'm searching for a needle in a haystack. A friend told me about the dating site but I was just playing around with it. I had no intentions of taking it seriously or even thinking I would find someone worth meeting. Then, boom, I stumble upon Rita's profile. We hit it off right away over the phone, and at many times our talks lasted for hours.

Fast forward to our first date at Smoky Bones—it wasn't exactly love at first sight, but there was definitely something there. Then life threw a curveball when Rita got sick, later revealed to be Covid. She understandably withdraws, but I refuse to let her slip away. I keep checking in, sending little gestures of care, hoping to brighten her days. You know? Giving her that gentlemanly touch :)

And you know what? That patience paid off big time. Rita warmed up to me, and before we knew it, Valentine's Day rolls around, and we're scheduling our second date. From there, it's history in the making.

We made it official in March 2020, and from then on, it's been an adventure like no other. Rita's love for traveling became mine as well. Our first trip within the United States was in September 2020 and gave me that first introduction to the hobby she loves so much. By the time our first international trip came around for my bday, I was just as addicted to traveling as her.

Through it all, we've had our ups and downs, but one thing's for sure: we've got each other's backs. Here's to many more adventures with the love of my life. Cheers to us! 🥂

Love, Jimmy