This segment was written by yours truly, James. Katy asked that I jot down a timeline story for you, the inquiring minds who find themselves on this page. As such, I find it fitting that I write this my way, as if the words were spoken from my mouth. Missing some degenerate and foul language, naturally.

Our story begins at the end of Fall in 2014, during my senior year & Katy’s junior year.

I (James) happened to be chatting with the editor of our school yearbook. Seated next to the editor was a very shy, yet cute brunette. Being the man I am, I decided not to engage and bother the editor later about my own relationship issues (being single). The editor brought up their friend (the shy cute brunette) who I had seen earlier and mentioned they were single. Fast forward about 3 days and I am with my bros at our local movie theatre, when I see the same editor and a group of their friends, cute girl included leaving the building. Being the spontaneous teenager I was, I greeted each person with a hug, cute girl included (I would later learn this became a core memory for her). I took notice once again of this shy brunette and asked the editor about her the next school day.

Fast forward a few weeks & we are chatting regularly via text and soon meet up in real life. Our first meeting was at Jennings Park where I saved the shy, cute girl whom I had come to know as Kathryn (Katy), from slipping in the mud. We continue to hang out and eventually in January 2015 during lunchtime a friend of ours bluntly asked “are you two dating yet?”, without a chance to defend myself Katy spoke up and said “yes”. Her rationale? We held hands. The deal was sealed, thanks Tyler.

Four years go by, we graduated from high school and had begun working, and still building on our relationship. We had survived the angsty teenage years and were slowly becoming young adults. The next large step in our relationship was when I enrolled at Western Washington University & I knew I would need to move north to attend school. I debated on the best path forward, should I move into a dorm? Look for a potential roommate online? As I had come to learn by then, I could look to Katy for input & guidance, and the thought struck me, an option I hadn’t thought of, moving in together. Would she consider it? How would we afford the bills? So many “what if” & “oh no” moments later we decided it would be a leap of faith and to try our luck. We moved to Bellingham in August of 2020. I remember my mom being absolutely devastated and to this day, she still hasn’t gotten over it.

Honestly, moving to Bellingham was a huge win in my book. I love the vibe, lots of energy in the community, a healthy mix of city, nature, and plenty of things to see and do. The downside was that we were poor. Like counting pennies poor. We could not have made it without the help of friends and family, all of whom I hope to see on our wedding day. Despite our low funds, we made the most of what we had and ended up making some of the best memories (and to this day we hope to move back). We even decided to adopt some cats, Jinx & Mochi. Who were “secret kitties” because we couldn’t afford pet rent. While Jinx was intended to be “my cat” and Mochi (the most food motivated cat I have ever seen) was Katy’s, they’ve definitely swapped, and Katy now enjoys waking up to Jinx stomping on her, licking her, and sometimes munching on her cheek every morning. However, we wouldn’t trade them for the world.

As my time at Western was coming to a close and I began to look at the next steps of my life, I was reminded of the uneasy feeling of when I graduated high school. I was to be released back into the world, primed and ready for new experiences and to get my first “grown up” job. This uneasy feeling was further compounded by the fact that we needed to also find a new place to live, I needed to start applying at jobs, and I had made a promise to Katy, that marriage was not to be considered until after graduation. So much happening all at once. This poor patient girl had supported me through thick & thin, through sickness and health, and now she wanted that shiny ring on her finger. She had earned it. We had survived the living together test, eating ramen and cans of soup for every meal test, we survived covid, and much more.

As a result, I asked her to marry me January 1st, 2023. This occurred at the same park where I saved her from slipping in the mud. While I will keep my lips sealed here about my phrasing of the question “will you marry me”, I assure you, I did it with my channeled bro energy pulsing through my veins.

Currently, we live in a wonderful house in Arlington with our two cats. We spend much of our free time with friends and family and are looking forward to the next steps together.

Our road map over the next few years includes purchasing our first home, having kids, and most likely adopting more animals. If you made it this far, congratulations, I hope you enjoyed my summary of “our story”. We are excited to see you all this May and hope for good weather.

Below, Jinx (grey white tabby), & Mochi (our little piglet cat)

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