March 29, 2022 - First Date

"Did you know Pigs will eat bones?"

Somehow, between the booklet of animal stickers in lieu of flowers, and bringing up marriage ironically on the first date--I'd like to see them again.

-K.

April 3, 2022 - Zoo Date

Our fourth date (within one week, mind you) is to the zoo. Have you ever been to a zoo with a veterinarian? You should, it's the best thing I've ever experienced. Though she sees animals daily, she gets giddy while looking at the variety of animals at the Columbus Zoo and provides commentary as we move throughout the park. We see her favorite (red pandas) and my favorite there (Tasmanian devils). We even held hands! Though we didn't see any butterflies, they were definitely there in my stomach.

-A

April 16, 2022 - White Carnation (Date #??)

If it wasn't for Sandhya taking my phone because I was panicking and asking Alex to be my date for me to White Carnation, I'd probably still be sitting at Woodlands Tavern catastrophizing. They clean up very nicely though, and apparently can make friends with literally anyone. Cute.

-K

May 11, 2022 - The Most Amazing Three Words

After the most amazing several days in Cancun with MOH Olivia, I was working myself up to tell Kyra I was in love with her. Though only an official month in, I knew. I had known since the first date. I had brought her a seashell from the beach because I knew how much the shore meant to her. It seemed like she had a similar plan, bringing me a book from Chicago (celebrating her graduation with her family), I opened it up and found this message. I was speechless and PISSED she said it first. We have always been in sync like this. I found her and relayed my message with the seashell.

-A

June 4, 2022 - Baby's First Pride

At this point, we have been living apart for about a month. Ky moved down to Cincinnati to work at her first Big Girl Job and I am still in Columbus doing the pride circuit during June. The one Saturday I had off was during Dayton Pride - the perfect distance between Cincy and Cbus. Ky had never been to pride, while I had not been to one I wasn't tabling in years. It was amazing to experience with her by my side.

-A

June 28, 2022 - This Wild Life Concert

"You've always been just what I'm missin

But never ever knew

You've always earned just what you're given

Never handed to you

You'll always be my best decision

My one and only truth

You'll always be my heartbeat my rhythm

It's always been you"

-Catie Rae, This Wild Life

By this point in our relationship, I'm realizing hardcore that I'm "Better with you", so much so that I took them to my safe space; the middle of the GA Pit at a concert.

-K

June 2022 - June 2023 - Long-Distance

From Columbus to Cincinnati was 111 miles each way. It took 1 hour 45 minutes (barring that Cincinnati Traffic)

We took turns driving to each other. If we took our turn driving twice a month, we spent 5,328 miles on the road and 5,040 minutes doing so for a full year. Combined, we spent roughly 10,656 miles driving back and forth and 10,080 minutes in the car.

And I would do it so many more times to spend even a day with her. (But also thank god we live together now).

-A

October 8, 2022

I don't do musicals. But I messaged Olivia months ago, telling her not to let Alex buy tickets for Les Mis. And here we are, pulling up to the playhouse square as Alex connects the dots that this isn't just a casual peruse through Cleveland. Cue happy tears immediately.

-K

October 29, 2022 - Murder Mystery Party

Jay Gatsby could NEVER. Somehow we managed to pull off almost a 30 person murder mystery party with self catered options, and the only major hiccup is that I have small and sometimes illegible handwriting. And the letter "K" can sometimes look like "R" if you squint hard enough. I can't wait to host more events with you.

-"R"

November 20, 2022 - First Holiday Together

I never thought I would willingly go to New Jersey. But I would follow you anywhere...

-A

June 1, 2023 - Moving In Together

Of course, we had been talking about moving in together. It was inevitable with how much we saw each other. However, we both had never lived with a partner and did not realize how much work it actually was. I was afraid she would see my mess and run for the hills - little did I know, we would be joined together less than two weeks later.

-A

June 12, 2023 - Loving Day

No, you can't wear yoga pants. I understand there's so many books but look at this gilded copy of Peter Pan. Will you marry me?

-K.