September 2020: It all began in the thick of the pandemic , with two fated “swipe rights” on Hinge. We don’t quite remember what our first text conversation was about (probably something about music) but we do remember our first in person hang at Palo Alto’s Local Union. We talked about Therapy, Mind Craft, and wore masks 😷 April 2021: This is where things got more fun. Tim slides into Arnelle’s DM’s with a chill “Happy Easter! Also today is my birthday.” Later that month, a casual boba “catch up as friends” turns into a slightly less casual and more ambiguous dinner “maybe date.” The ramen we eat is spectacular, matched only by the conversation flow. Tim and Arnelle officially like each other. After dinner, they clarify that they are going on “dates.” July 2021: Tim and Arnelle are a couple! Tim attends Arnelle’s multiple birthday celebrations (a bit overwhelmed by her friends who all know who he is and are expectantly waiting to interrogate him). They continue to learn about each other, go on their first bike ride together (thanks for the loan Patty!), and uncover their shared appreciation for San Francisco’s culinary scene Jan 2022: Their relationship deepens. They support each other through the loss of Tim’s father and Arnelle’s grandmother. Grief does work creating more vulnerability and shared intimacy in their relationship. Feb 2022: Tim and Arnelle go for another bike ride to Hawk Hill (this time a much harder one) and then they stop riding with each other for a year. This one didn’t go well (but is important for the story later). June - Oct 2022: Their season of “home” visits. Tim travels to Connecticut for the first time in July to meet Arnelle’s family and visit her boarding school. Meeting Arnelle’s mom makes Arnelle make much more sense. Arnelle travels to South Bend to watch a Stanford x Notre Dame game with Tim’s closest college friends. Arnelle comes to understand who has been encouraging Tim’s bad (aka VERY FUNNY) jokes. Jan 2023: Tim and Arnelle spend time together in Taiwan! They eat the BEST food (Arnelle still misses the black pepper buns) and spend time with both of Tim’s grandmothers. Even more learning ensues. November 2023: The big day! Tim and Arnelle go for another bike ride (same location that stopped their riding previously). This time it’s much better! The fog is glorious, the sun is shining brightly, and Tim has a surprise for Arnelle at the top of the hill 💍