Oh boy. I actually remember getting a text from a coworker at Maggianos who had done Charlie's paperwork when he was hired. "New boy from Michigan, very cute!" I was on the road at the time.

I came back and sure enough, there was a very handsome and quiet new fellow in carryout who liked to read and was very funny. I found myself abandoning my bar duties more and more to sneak into carryout and be my charming, witty self. When I couldn't wait any longer for him to ask me on a date, I asked if he had a phone he knew how to use and would he maybe be asking me for my number soon? He did later that evening and I guess, the rest is history ;)

Let me just say here that it took a long time for us to find each other, some days felt more hopeful than others and I wondered if I would ever be one of those" lucky in love" ones. Now, over 4 years in, I know the joy of a true, deep love and I know it has nothing to do with luck. I love you Charlie and am excited for every day we have together!

The first time I saw Sarah, I didn't realize it was Sarah because I didn't know her yet - however, her carefree walk, friendly attitude and beauty made my subconscious remind me about the fact that I need to find a girl like this for keeps. Ironically, she was wearing a wig when we first met, unbeknownst to me, and it took some time for me to realize that Sarah Lou and "Sarah Jo" were in fact the same person.

After a pressured phone number exchange within the hollows of Maggiano's, a pontoon trip on Percy Priest Lake, and a romantic getaway to Chattanooga, it was clear that this relationship was moving forward.

Leaving behind a life of odd roommates, freedom from wallets, and late night walks to 5-points, I settled in to my new home with Sarah Lou, Casey Jones and the cats which I henceforth have referred to as our home.

This life is short and I am truly fortunate to spend the rest of it with Sarah. I hope everyone looking for love who has not found it yet discovers their "soulmate", and experiences all the joy that me and Sarah have.