We met at a Datacard happy hour, where Michael is still employed. A friend of ours, Art Paulson, got Chelsea's attention as she walked in to the bar area. He asked if she had met the new engineer, "He worked for NASA! His name is Michael Lind." With no other information, they shook hands and said the usual niceties. Art then asked if she'd like to contribute to Michael's couch fund. Chelsea undoubtedly looked confused, so Michael stepped in to explain. With rakish charisma, he told her that his cube was much too empty and therefore it clearly needed a couch-- for guests, naps, etc. He had 70 dollars in donations so far and was aiming for 200, the price of a love seat he had his eye on. " Would you like to contribute to the cause?" With a skeptical eyebrow raised, she replied "I'm an intern, I don't even buy my own beer." Little did we know that was the start to many absurd bits that would be exchanged over the next couple years. When Chelsea moved into Uptown after completing college, they began to see each other more frequently until Chelsea asked if he was ever going to take her on a date. Michael immediately replied with an invitation to sushi with him on April 22nd 2014, and of course she said yes. Art has graciously agreed to be our officiant.

I came home after work on my birthday, expecting a simple night of grilling. My expectations were blown out of the water by the display. Flowers, drinks, and 6 presents covered the island. Michael, welcomed me home and introduced me to my Birthday Princess Hour. Michael invented Princess hours after I had a bad work week. It’s a happy hour, but includes a treat and small present. Clearly, the original princess hour was a hit— so Michael has continued hosting them. Michael explained each present has a number of bows to indicate the present count down order. Starting with the 6 magenta bows on plaid wrapping, and ending with the single blue bowed cake box. Since I'm a notorious present shaker, Michael had me open the first gift right away. Seeing a package of rubber finger exercise bands, I had to laugh and roll my eyes. Michael had teased me for months that I'd have to workout more to be able to hold a ring up. Typical gag gift from Michael, however, my suspicion was piqued! But I continued to open the presents one by one. There were chocolates, a rainbow pack of cheap sunglasses, coconut coffee, and more. Then I open a pack of cake boxes with pink ribbons. Michael explains they’re for taking my baked goods to people's houses instead of ratty Tupperware. I loved the idea, but noticed the boxes were EXACTLY the same as the cake box at the end of the line of presents except that its ribbon was blue and not pink. I’m now absolutely certain I know that cake box did NOT contain cake. With chum in the water, I tear into the final present. When I opened it up, I see a blue box in a sea of white crinkle confetti. I open the box and see a gorgeous ring and turn around to hand the ring to Michael. Through tears I see he’s down on one knee. I shove the ring into his hand, crying and smiling and saying “Put it on! Put it on!” Michael confirmed “So its a yes then?” He slipped the ring on, and I nodded and laughed and continued to tear up. Best present ever!