Two years ago, we met in a discussion group. It was the first week of our graduate program, UOteach, and we connected right away (in part over how ridiculous other people's opinions could be and in part over how similar we were). The first thing I noticed about Will was his sense of humor- Will immediately knew how to make me laugh and I couldn't get enough. I remember being so relieved every time we were put in the same group because I knew it would be exciting. The first thing Will noticed about me was my style. According to him, I always looked super cool (agreed) and he thought I was the most interesting person he'd ever met (also agreed). What began as academic discussions about textbook readings and lectures on pedagogical theory soon developed into a classic school yard romance. It started with Will making faces at me across the room when he knew a discussion was irritating me and with us always finding ways to be in the same discussion groups. It developed into slipping notes to each other, discretely holding hands under the desk (we were told later that we were not discrete at ALL), countless movie dates, and late night drives. And, we've been inseparable ever since.

After a fair bit of saving and several "just having a look around" trips to the jeweler, I had the ring I was going to give to Archer when I asked them to marry me. The only trouble was finding the right time to ask! I wanted it to be perfect: romantic, unexpected, meaningful and beautiful. But most important to me was that Archer not see it coming whatsoever. Finally, I thought I had the perfect time: Archer and I took a spontaneous trip to Florence, a beautiful little coastal town near us. We had coffee at one of our favorite spots, walked around the county fair that was in town for the day and got our caricature drawn by a local artist. The whole time, the ring was like a thirty pound weight in my pocket. I had never been more nervous in my life. We ended the day with a trip to the same beach we had goofed around at on one of our first totally-not-a-date dates back when we were telling everyone we were just friends. It couldn't have been more perfect. Unfortunately, I forgot one key detail: if Archer has no idea the proposal is coming, they might just say "nah, I don't want a stranger holding my camera" when I suggest we have someone take our picture (ie. so that I can get down on one knee while said picture is being taken!) So when Archer suggested we get in the car and head back to Eugene, there was nothing I could do or say without spoiling the surprise. That was that. We drove home, meaning I would have to once again find another perfect, spontaneous, romantic moment. Surprisingly, I didn't have to wait long. About two weeks later, Archer and I woke up on a particularly lazy Sunday on Memorial day weekend. We both laid around the house until mid-morning when I asked (as casually as I could manage) if Archer wanted to do anything fun that day. They replied that they would, but they weren't sure what. When I suggested something outdoorsy, like a hike, Archer jumped at the idea. Instantly, I knew it was the day. Archer had made me swear up and down that when I asked them to marry me, it wouldn't be at the end of a hike: they couldn't bear the idea of us being sweaty and red-faced in our engagement photos. I chose a short, easy hike to the base of our favorite waterfall near Eugene. I got my car keys, Archer grabbed their camera bag, we hopped in the car and set off. The hike was perfect: Spring in Oregon is beautiful, especially in a coastal forest. The sun was shining down through the trees, it was just a little bit chilly and when we arrived at the base of the waterfall, we were all alone. We crossed to the other side of the stream and took pictures of each other under a canopy of leaves, rocks and roots. More nervous than I've ever been in my life, I set up my phone to take a video of Archer where they were standing, asked them to turn around and then reached into their camera bag, in which I had successfully hidden the ring. I felt very clever for having tricked Archer into unknowingly carrying the ring to the proposal spot. When they turned around, I said something very nice (which I can't remember because I was so nervous), got down on one knee and asked them to marry me. It was the happiest day of my entire life (so far). Oh, and they said yes!