Depending on when you ask, you will get different versions of how we met. The first story, and the one we use most often, is that we met over a cup of coffee. It was a frigid Saturday in December and we had both set our at our local cafe for warming wake-me-up. It just so happened that we ordered the same unique brew: a vanilla oat-milk latte. This isn't the sort of cafe where they shout your name, it’s a tiny third-wave place with exposed brick and soft acoustic in the background. "One Vanilla Oat Milk Latte!" a tattooed barista announced. Both Tae and I reached for the cup at the same time and our hands touched. "Ope" "Sorry!" Our Midwest sensibilities were instinctually apologetic as we laughed it off. We both hung around the counter as we waited for the second latte. The conversation flowed naturally as we found some comfy chairs in the corner. We chatted and laughed until the last dregs of our drinks had gone cold. "Would you like to go on a date sometime?" And it’s been wonderful ever since. The alternate version is as follows: Its mid-December and Tae had finally decided it was time to get a real tree for Christmas. She had procrastinated and now supplies were running thin; this was the third lot she had visited today and none of the trees had met the mark. I was looking for a small tree to go on my dinner table. I saw here there walking Maggie. They were wearing matching Christmas sweaters, so I knew I had to come over and say hello. "Did you find anything you like?" I approached her, and Maggie came up to me first, sniffing inquisitively. I complimented her matching outfit with her pup, and we walked the lot together to help her find the perfect tree. After a few laps around the lot, our hearts were warm, and our noses were cold. "Would you like to join me for a hot chocolate?" I was nervous, but the promise of seeing her again was keeping me warm. We agreed to meet at a local coffee shop after she dropped off her pup. The conversation lasted 6 cups of hot chocolate, 3 Christmas cookies, and one oversized rice krispy treat. It’s been wonderful ever since. Third version: We met online, and she made me promise I wasn't a serial killer. We have been happy (and alive) ever since.

We wanted to celebrate the end of the year with a nice vacation. After discussion of many different locations, we decided upon Hawaii. I had never been to Hawaii and was keen to see as much as possible. We ended up planning to island hop and see Oahu, Kona, and Kauai. We had been dating for nearly a year, and I knew that I would propose to her during this trip. I hadn't quite decided where. One request that Tae made was to take a helicopter tour. After looking into many of the possible trips we could take, I found the perfect one: There was a trip that took us for an hour trip around the island of Kauai, and included a stop at the famous Manawaiopuna Falls, also known as Jurassic Falls. This waterfall was featured in the movie Jurassic Park. When I saw that tour, I knew it was the perfect spot to ask Tae to marry me. The day of the helicopter tour, we got up very early to make sure we made it on time. While every morning of vacation was a leisurely pace, it was not the case that day. Tae noticed I was a bit more anxious and eager than the days previous, but I explained it away—stating that I was excited to fly in a helicopter for the first time. Even though it had been a fine dry day, I encouraged her to wear a raincoat—in case we get splashed at the waterfall. What she did not know was that this was a cover so I could hide the ring in my raincoat. We ascended and began the flight over the island. It was breathtaking—the island a beautiful gem full of natural beauty. The entire time I am holding her hand, nervous and waiting until we touch down at the waterfall. We even saw and flew through a double rainbow. As we got closer to the waterfall. the pilot began playing the Jurassic Park theme as we descended into the valley. Manawaiopuna Falls is a sacred place, and only one journey a day is allowed to land in this protected forest. With the helicopter safely landed, there was a short walk to the falls. Tae was excited to see the falls, and took off first. I walked behind her and got the ring box ready. When we arrived at the falls, we took a few pictures together. Then I asked her to turn around, look upward, and lift her hands above her head. While she was turned around, I got on one knee and got the ring out. I had rehearsed many versions of my speech for that moment. I had many drafts and run through several iterations in my head. I was ready. But at that moment, on bended knee, the roaring of the falling water behind us, it all went out the window. I looked up at her with the ring box in my hand. "Will you marry me?" That was all I could manage at that very moment. Her yes had me flying higher than the helicopter ride back.

Our dog-ter - Maggie aka the Perfect Pup When we first met, Maggie was still going to doggy day care at least once a week. One day, after doggy day care, Maggie came home and was more quiet and spent than normal. The next morning, Tae was cleaning Maggie's eye-poops and noticed that she had a larger one than normal. It turned out to be a blood clot over a puncture wound on her snout. Doggy day care never mentioned that Maggie had any issues the day before, and said she had a great day and behaved normally. The puncture wound was a clear bite mark, and Maggie ended up on antibiotics--goopy poopys to follow and all. The next week when it was Maggie's normal day to go to Doggy day care, Tae was hesitant to send her again. I stepped in and said that she's never going back--I was going to watch her. Maggie's been at home office-mate and our dog-ter ever since.