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We first met freshman year on the high school bus. We rarely talked with each other, and years later Mike told me that I was considered the "book nerd" of the bus because I was always reading and never talking to others on the bus.
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After spending four years in different classes and only sharing a bus ride, Mike and I graduated from high school and led separate paths in life.
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After graduation, Mike and I went separate ways. We had not talked much in high school, despite living less than a mile away. I went off to school at UCF and Mike went to ITT. It took 8 years before we would be reacquainted through a mutual friend's family.
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I ended up graduating college a few semesters early from UCF. My brother had just graduated the semester before after spending a longer time in college, so the smiles from my parents were before the 2nd 6-hour long graduation ceremony. Oh, I may also have a big thing for garden gnomes. Mike isn't a huge fan though (even though he buys them for me...)
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In 2011, after some life changes, Mike finished his undergraduate degree from ITT.
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After undergraduate school, I went directly for my Master's degree in Library and Information Sciences. This time the ceremony wasn't nearly as long.
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I was a religious school teacher who was tutoring Hannah for her Bat Mitzvah and Mike happened to be good friends with Hannah's family. He had worked with her dad for a number of years and we met again at Hannah's Bat Mitzvah in 2013.
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My favorite part of the day is sunset. It means that the entire day is over and that the beauty of the day is being put to sleep. Little did I know at the time but that also happens to be Mike's favorite part of the day. There is always something about a sunset...
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I caught my first snapper and Mike was so kind to filet it for me. I may be able to hook the fish on my line but everything else he handles for me -- I can't deal with all the slimy scales.
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One of Mike's family members snapped this photo of us visiting. I think this was one of the first times I had met his extended family.
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One of the common places that Mike and I go to fish and enjoy spending time at happens to be by the water. One afternoon we caught sight of this beautiful rainbow while fishing.
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Surprisingly it took 3 years into our relationship before we carved our first Halloween pumpkins together. They didn't turn out the greatest but it was fun to do together!
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Mike moved up north to help family out but he and my parents planned for him to drive down and surprise me for Thanksgiving. Seventeen hours later, and a phone call at nearly 3 A.M. in the morning I was greeted by his dog and him attached at the leash. It was definitely one of the best surprised in my life.
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Mike and I enjoying a scenic view on the Blue Ridge Parkway during Memorial Day weekend 2016.
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I am a huge history buff and really wanted to go see the Natural Bridge while visiting Mike, so he surprised me with a day trip and the weather was downright gorgeous for the visit!
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For Christmas/Hanukkah, Mike gave me a promise ring to celebrate our nearly five years together. It was completely unexpected and one of the biggest steps we have taken in our relationship.
