I remember the first time I had ever met Ryan. I was working on the floor and noticed a tall, blond, pretty good looking guy checking out my boss’ ass. I laughed to myself and went up to Bates and told her that that guy ‘over there’ was scopin’ out her booottayyyy. She looked over at who I was pointing at and laughed sheepishly, as he walked up to her to give her a hug.

… Obviously.

They had only been seeing each other for a few months then. It’s crazy to me to think Ryan and I both met Bates around the same time, and now looking back on the progression of all our individual relationships with her, it makes me shake my head in disbelief. Life is craaaazyyyy…

What you need to know about Bates is that she was more than just my former boss — she became a mentor, an older sister, a true friend. She is such an integral part to the story I tell about my Toronto chapter. She is the woman who really put me on. Like Puffy put on Biggie, Bates is my Puff Daddy. She saw something in me from jump, when I first started working with her, and when I sat down and had my first goal coaching session with her, it was then that I gained a completely different respect for her.

Goal coaching is her passion. You can see it in her eyes as she looks at you and digs for the real. She’s a no bullsh*t type of woman — she’ll call you out on all the areas that you’re being mediocre and push you to want to live your life balls out and balls deep. This is what she has taught me. And from that first year of working with her and having her push me and inspire me and encourage me… I have somehow ended up Here. On my way to Somewhere. And I have no doubt in my mind that this Somewhere is farther and bigger and crazier than I can even imagine right Now.

Bates is such a special person in my life, and to see her on her wedding day, saying her vows and dancing her first dance with her husband, Ryan, was such a blessing and an honor. I couldn’t be any happier that someone I love has found someone she wants to spend the rest of her life with, and that I could share that day with the both of them. Ryan is an amazing man, and he brings the best out of his woman. I have always felt good energy from him… especially when I found out that he, too, is a P-funk fan. LOL. I have no doubt in my mind he’ll take good care of her.

To Bates and Penty! The craziest wedding I have ever been to. Your guys’ love inspires me more than you’ll ever know…

[Bates-Penton Wedding at Seldom Seen Farm]

[Bernie and Simi, my partnaaas in crime.]

[Rachie and me]

[Flip Flops Saved My Life!]