The summer before I started the MFA program at Portland State University, I got an email from Pat Brogan inviting me to attend a meet and greet with professors and students in the program. I assumed Pat was an alumnus or faculty or both. I swear I was the first person to arrive. I even walked around the block a few times after peering into the door and seeing how empty the place was. Pat introduced himself to me and attempted some small talk but I was too nervous about meeting my new cohort to stay engaged. Fast forward four months: Lo and behold, Pat was not a faculty member after all, he was the guy who sat across from me in colloquium, dressed in loud plaid, his laugh matching his wardrobe. Our mutual friend Rachel texted me one night (at 12:51 in the morning to be exact) and, out of the blue, declared that Pat and and I would make a cute couple. Then she asked if I would be "in to him" and my response was "Yes. Absolutely." Rachel arranged to have us all go out for drinks a week later at the White Owl Social Club. It was a good sign when Pat named Townes Van Zandt and the Clash as his favorite music, but what really won me over was his kindness, humor, and respect for me. It's been two years now and we feel so lucky to have each other.