After one of our student choral organization’s shows in college. We shared the same title for the SSAA and TTBB groups (managing stage set-up and tear down) but she was far more competent than I was and so she offered to let me shadow her. After the show we were moving to put away the equipment and the Director said “Someone’s got to open the door”. I joked, “I’ll race you” and as we both got to the door she tripped and fell into my arms. It was the first time I really looked into her eyes.

A trip to IKEA within the first month or so of us dating. We had taken a weekend trip to Kara’s hometown and I saw the IKEA sign while driving. I asked her if she would be willing to make a brief stop and we spent the next 3 hours there. IKEA is already such a fun furniture store but I loved walking through the rooms and picturing what a domestic life would be with her. It wasn’t anything special. She was just happy to be with me doing something mundane, and I think that was all I could ask for.

With $20,000 we’d invest in our future together. Having the money would alleviate some of the burden of transitioning into our independent lives as Kara begins a career in software engineering and I would prepare for grad school in chemical engineering. This money would support our initial living expenses and allow us to focus fully on our goals without worrying too much about the initial cost of living in wherever we decide to settle down. It’s an opportunity to begin our life without stress.