Having Questions is More Important Than Having Answers

A little more than a month has passed and already so much is changing.  Krista & I are still together and continually growing as friends and as a couple.  The dogs are doing well, despite a brief stint of total canine fecal terror.  The family in CA seems to be on the good foot.  The family in Ohio is having a rougher go of it, but I’ll discuss that later.  Friends are returning from abroad. Work is, well, as uneventful as ever.  Hmm, that sounds like everything has more or less remained the same … but wait!

Krista and I are growing and learning as time goes on.  I have never loved her so much as I do now, but we have never argued so much as we have recently.  Let us call it ‘growing pains’, because it would seem that as we hit new strides in our life together, each stride comes with a little pinch in the side.  We are reminded that this life is not a sprint, but rather a nice distance course with plenty of scenery and changing conditions.  Sometimes the road is a gentle downhill, sometimes a harsh incline.  Whatever the case may be, she and I are running the course together.

The latest ‘pinch’ is the realization that my orders at my current duty station are soon to expire.  This means that I will rotate back to the ‘Fleet Marine Force’ (FMF) and resume a more typical schedule, including training operations and deployments.  For us, and especially for Krista, this is new territory.  For me it’s not so unfamiliar, but for K it’s a dive into the unknown.  New territory, some of which is unknown … these are the makings for a scary situation.  This is the current ‘pinch’ we’re up against.

Krista is a bit frightened by the possibility of being uprooted and moved to a new location, to live in a new home and have me doing new things with a new unit.  She is not familiar with anything outside of our current area and has not even the comfort of being exposed to a typical Marine Corps life (as I work for the Training and Education Command, I go NO WHERE).  She is facing more changes in one instance than most people deal with over several years.  I can understand why it is so scary for her, and I sympathize.  The problem is, I cannot empathize.

I’ve spent a great many of my years moving from one place to the next, never really knowing what was going to happen when I got there.  I actually quite enjoy moving and experiencing life in a new area. I also don’t mind the uncertainty of what the new location and life will hold.  I’ve taught myself to enjoy the mystery and adventure of it all.  I do experience a bit of anxiety, but nothing that isn’t easily dealt with.  Separation anxiety, adjustment disorder, fear of the unknown … these are not things I have ever had to deal with, so I am a very bad partner when it comes to assisting someone through these hard times in their life.  Poor Krista, she has to deal with my shortcomings.

I feel helpless in the whole mess.  I’ve always been the fix-it guy, the one who has pulled things together to make it all work out … I can’t do that now.  I can’t just ‘make her better’, the same way she cannot just ‘make me understand’.  Feeling helpless adds to my frustration, one that already existed at not being able to really empathize with Krista.  So now I feel out of touch, out of control, unable to help, and complete inept at handling the whole damn situation.  This is horrible … especially since all I want is for her to feel comfortable and safe in the whole thing.

Krista is frustrated with me, and rightly so.  Here I am, her best friend and partner, and I’m of no help with this matter.  Quite the opposite really, I only seem to complicate things further.  She probably feels as though she’s dealing with the whole damn mess by herself; which to certain extents, she is.  She’s most likely upset at me for not offering more comfort or reassurance.  Upset because, ‘I just don’t get it’, or I just ‘don’t understand her’; which is to a point, true.  She needs answers, and I don’t seem to have them, which is irritating. 

A lack of answers, as she and I have learned, is the source of a lot of frustration.  However, regardless of how much frustration is caused by not having the answers, it does not compare with the amount of frustration generated by not having the questions!  Yes, feeling so overwhelmed that you don’t seem to be able to formulate the questions you need to, is exceedingly more frustrating than not getting the answers you want.  This, as we have identified, is more of our problem now. 

Krista and I are sitting down to contemplate what the impending changes in our lives actually mean to each of us.  We’re focusing on generating some quantifiable questions that can be answered.  We’re seeking out the answers and then we reforming our concept of the situation at hand.  It’s a tedious and lengthy process, but it’s one is believed to hold satisfaction at the end.

So there’s the update on K & I.  The ‘Garden of Eden’ our life is not, but we never claimed it as such either.  We continue to live life and take the course in stride.  We live and learn, love and laugh, we even cry, but through it all we hold hands and go about it all as friends and partners.

Until Next Time …

SA&LC-

Ryan

SAFA

VANSO

Life Inventory

I haven’t blogged for quite some time.  “Why?” you ask … for no particular reason other than I haven’t been available to do so.  At present, I am sitting alone in the condo, having returned early from a training outing, and find myself with ample time catch up.  It is for reasons of training, not this particular trip but another, that I have been so unavailable.  Although my failure to maintain the electronic chronicling of my life here in southern California, with Krista and the dogs and the Corps, is somewhat frustrating … I can think of no reasons, aside from visiting family and vacationing to remote locations, for which  I would rather be detained other than ‘training’.  Having returned, however, I am taking the afore mentioned ‘ample time’ and reinitiating the also afore mentioned ‘electronic chronicling’.  So, I’ve sat on the couch with the dogs, who are napping as usual, turned on the melodies of Frederyk Chopin and have let loose my fingers upon the keyboard.

I have always valued my time with the Marine Corps, but I am now experiencing a renaissance of initial affections for it, and I’m excited.  That being said, I have never felt the heartache and longing for a home so far away as I have on the last day of any training or operation which has removed me from my family and friends.  As activities come to closure and bags are staged for transport, the long stowed thoughts of home come flooding back as if an emotional retaining wall and given way.  Excitement, longing, anxiety, sorrow and frustration merge together split apart and reunite in the wildly majestic symphony: Human Emotion Run Amuck. Not a catchy title?  Hmm, perhaps that can be rethought, reworked, submitted to a focus group for new discussion, and then – only then – be exposed to a sample audience via cleverly placed fifteen second commercials squeezed between the weekly situation comedy television show most frequently watched by the targeted demographic.  I digress . . .

The point is, there’s no good label, nor simple description, for the feelings a returning service member just prior to their return.  Some feeling are easily empathized with, others seem irrational and out of place.  Regardless of your opinion on the subject, unless you’ve experienced those moments personally, you will never understand.  So when I speak of enjoying my training/operational trips, yet also speak of my longing for home, please do not question either set of emotions.  Also, if you’ve never been forced to ignore everything you consider ‘normal’ in order to focus on a more pressing matter, maybe one of life and death, please do not pretend to understand or attempt to counsel me on the way in which I “turn this, the normal world off” while I’m away.  It’s a coping method that has done very well to bring me home safely.  Thank you.

So I’m back, again, and so many things have transpired since my last posting two months ago.  I attended schooling on the east coast and did well.  I returned to discover a new bed in the bedroom!  As well as two dogs who had made vast improvements regarding their overall behaviors.  I learned that I am capable of far more than I ever thought, and that the will to succeed regardless of the obstacles in our path can be found deep down inside us all … even the dogs!  I also returned to the sad news of death in the family and the onset of aggressive illness.  Friends had babies, friends filed for divorce, friends got married, friends moved away, and friends moved closer … the world continued to turn. 

That statement sounds as though I am on the verge of thinking more of myself than I actually do, but the truth of it is as simple as the words typed.  I am always amazed, upon returning from a trip, at how much life can happen in such short periods of time.  I let so little phase me while I’m away, that it takes several days after coming home to fully conduct the inventory of life and all that needs to be noted.

I’ve let myself ramble so long to come to this basic point: Continually take inventory of your life; make note of the joys and sorrows and thank God for just having the opportunity to live Life.  The more I do this the more I consider myself blessed, and the more reasons I discover for which to be grateful.

SA&LC-

Ryan

SAFA

VANSO

Thoughts of Randomness

1.) If you are going to call and try to sales pitch me DO NOT stumble on your words, you sound like you don’t know what you’re talking about. I will say “not interested” and hang up. This applies to work phone and my cell.

2.) How would you feel if you left home for an "extended business trip," kissed your spouse and swaddled baby goodbye and when you returned home, X months later, your child was walking?

3.) You know that game we played when we were little where you twist the stem on an apple till it comes off while reciting the alphabet and whichever letter you land on is the first letter of the last name of the person you would marry? Well I landed on “D” and have been all smiles ever since…….. that happened 6 days ago... See :D

4.) 1 is the loneliest number?.... I think not! Try 2 + The Marine Corps. When I was single I never felt lonely or sad that I was “alone.” Now that Ryan and I are together I find myself throwing pity parties whenever he’s away.

5.) Ryan and I both have nieces named Kyndal/Kendal, although not spelled the same it is nationally a more popular name for boys.

6.) Sometimes I’m ashamed of my generation in how little they know about what’s going on in the world, you know outside of facebook and partying.

7.) I often find myself relating things I run out of or need to buy to time passing. For example, about a week after Ryan was gone I ran out of coffee creamer and was bummed because the one I had used up was the last one Ry used. Today I bought dog food and was a little excited that it would be the same bag of dog food when Ry gets home…. Weird I know!

8.) Go Big Red! In 2002 I was a cheerleader for the Estancia Eagles and Ryan was a cheerleader for the Otterbein Cardinals. I was a freshman in high school..... he was a freshman in college. And Yes we have tried to partner stunt together...... it doesnt work, we just start laughing.

9.) Petco lady: (upon seeing my USMC hoodie) “Isn’t it weird for you knowing your husband has killed people?”

Me: ……. (crickets) I didn’t even know how to respond!

10.) Awhile ago we discovered that Ryan is allergic to acai (or it just makes him throw up) Well I bought a case of Vitamin Waters and I’ve made sure to drink all the acai ones first so there is no chance Ry will once he’s home.

11.) Did you know there are food banks on Camp Pendleton? Even worse… Every Marine Corps family I know with kids has to use them. That angers me… just sayin.

To all you cute mushy in love people, enjoy your Valentines Day!
To all the "free birds" im sorry this holiday is so horrible...


SA&LC,
Krista

Taylor Swift - Mine

"You were in college working part time waitin’ tables
Left a small town, never looked back
I was a flight risk with a fear of fallin’
Wondering why we bother with love if it never lasts

I say "Can you believe it?
As we’re lying on the couch?"
The moment I can see it.
Yes, yes, I can see it now.

Do you remember, we were sitting there by the water?
You put your arm around me for the first time.
You made a rebel of a careless man’s careful daughter.
You are the best thing that’s ever been mine.

Flash forward and we’re taking on the world together,
And there’s a drawer of my things at your place.
You learn my secrets and you figure out why I’m guarded,
You say we’ll never make my parents’ mistakes.

But we got bills to pay,
We got nothing figured out,
When it was hard to take,
Yes, yes, this is what I thought about.

Do you remember, we were sitting there, by the water?
You put your arm around me for the first time
You made a rebel of a careless man’s careful daughter
You are the best thing that’s ever been mine.

Do you remember all the city lights on the water?
You saw me start to believe for the first time
You made a rebel of a careless man’s careful daughter
You are the best thing that’s ever been mine.

Oh, oh, oh

And I remember that fight
Two-thirty AM
As everything was slipping right out of our hands
I ran out crying and you followed me out into the street
Braced myself for the "Goodbye"
‘cause that’s all I’ve ever known
Then you took me by surprise
You said, "I’ll never leave you alone."

You said, "I remember how we felt sitting by the water
And every time I look at you, it’s like the first time
I fell in love with a careless man’s careful daughter
She is the best thing that’s ever been mine."

Hold on, make it last
Hold on, never turn back

You made a rebel of a careless man’s careful daughter
You are the best thing that’s ever been mine.
(Hold on) Do you believe it?
(Hold on) Gonna make it now.
(Hold on) I can see it,
(Yes, yes) I can see it now."

-Love Always,

Krista

I just wanted to say Thank You

3

Not encouraging him when he needed you has made him think that I am his personal cheerleader. 

Making him believe he was a monster brought him to his lowest which allowed him to be lifted back up and realize how great, great really can be. 

I am something “amazing” to him because I take responsibility and admit when I’m wrong. 

Your need to be taken care of, makes him appreciate my independence, which in turn makes him want to provide physically, financially and emotionally. 

For your lack of compliments, I receive a giant glowing smile whenever I tell him how handsome he is. 

Your inability to forgive makes me “compassionate” and him to never do things that are unforgivable. 

Giving up meant walking away, your decisions have forever changed our lives in the best way imaginable. 

So sincerely, from the bottom of my heart - Thank You.

FMD,

Krista

After Thought: I posted this last night and re-read this morning. I’m really not sure how many people actually read our blog but I wanted to clarify that this was not written out of malice or spite. I really do believe in this case when God shut the door he did not open a window. Instead, he had given Ry the “tools” to build a completely new house. I was simply reflecting on how amazing things can truly grow from bad situations.

You never know how wonderful it is to have one until you don’t...

A bed I mean...

Our new Serta pillow top mattress was delivered today via big beautiful Macy’s truck. We have been enjoying the luxury of an air mattress since we moved and I am so happy that I could get this taken care of while Ry is away. It brings me such joy to know that Ryan will be coming home from 2 months of grueling training to me, as well as an extremely comfortable bed to sleep in. Not to mention I am completely IN LOVE with our new bedding! The mattress was a huge one to check off on our list of things needed and I can’t even begin to explain how “complete” it makes our home feel. 

Next up… maybe a dining room table?

SAFA,
Krista

Knows Just What To Say...

Mama:

   Our world is that of endless possibilities. New opportunities with each day, renewed hope with each passing moment. In this endless sea of exciting uncertainty it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the vastness of it all. To look out at wave top after option wave top can consume your perspective, dizzy the senses and isolate the mind. This is a scary place to exist...
   Until you feel your partner's hands on your waste as he wraps his comforting arms around you and presses his cheek to yours and you feel the power of his loving embrace. As he takes your hand and boards the ship with you, it’s realized that you are not alone and suddenly the journey isn't so frightening nor fraught with such peril as you once thought. You are not alone and the voyage now seems more of a thrilling escape from the drudgery of "normal" life.
   That's us! You are not alone in this. I love and support you, comfort and shield you. I lift you into the warm rays of the summer sun and provide a soft place for you to lay. Take comfort my love; I am your friend, your partner and your lover. Above all, I am with you.
-Papa

Posted By Krista,

SAFA

Taking a chance on "What If"

Story of the girl who prides herself on being "the one that got away"

and what happened when she met the boy who makes time stand

still and her heart want to stay.

Never did two souls so beaten and broken shy away from the fear of

love and loss of which is infant and unspoken. Breathing, beating,

jumping, falling, catching or crashing. Honesty in its rawest form.

Envy of innocence, envy of experience. Open eyes, open minds,

closed hearts? All these obstacles will make for a truly rough start.

Side by side, hand in hand all is new and alive, trusting in that feeling.

Waiting with caution, hoping for healing and wishing for meaning.

Taking a chance on what if.

  I came across this “poem” I wrote shortly after Ryan and I starting dating, reading it now takes me back to how scared I was to fall for him. We were both in places in life not ideal to start a new relationship and handle all of its trials. Now here we are stronger than ever, hand in hand looking forward to a year full of blissful change. Wherever life & the Corps may take us we are ready to take on anything and we are doing it together.

SAFA,

Krista

December Of Support

I give the 2/1 guys full credit for mine and Ryan’s introduction to one another back at TEN so many months ago. Thus, I have become very close to them and when they recently deployed to Afghanistan I felt like I had a duty to make sure they would be taken care of. (at least for a few weeks anyway)

At the end of November I set out to organize a care package drive for them, when I brought the idea to the CEO of my company, Cell Business Equipment, I expected to be shot down as I have only ever seen straight business out of my boss. Surprisingly though, he was all about it and gave me complete control of putting the drive together and running it, he even donated some supplies and paid for the shipping costs to send all the packages overseas. 

The entire month of December was dedicated to spreading the word about the drive and gathering supplies from co-workers as well as customers. Our IT department sent an email flier to every address in our data base, I folded and stuffed at least 3,000 mailers and I emailed all the employees here weekly with updates and pictures of the guys in Afghanistan. Towards the last week of the drive a rep. from Maxim Magazine came to my office looking for me, they heard about the drive from one of our customers and wanted to help so they brought a small pallet of the January issue with Katy Perry on the cover for me to send along with the care packages.

Boy! Was I surprised my efforts really paid off and I cannot wait for the guys to get this stuff. In the closing of the drive we sent out 250 lbs stuffed in 21 large flat rate boxes to 11 guys in 6 locations. Did ya get all that? :) here are some pics.

 Thank you to the guys of 2/1, your courage will not go un-recognized. I can’t wait for you to come back so we can return to the beach just in time for summer!!! Burgers & Beers For All!

SA&LC,

Krista

Posted by: Ryan Davis, c/o Krista Hoffmann

Blog Entry:  10 Jan 2011

The last few days have been a whirlwind of family time, work duties
and school preparation.  “School?” you ask, yes, ‘school’.  I am off
to a seven week military logistics school on the east coast and I am
realizing that this is the first, albeit not the last, time that I am
away from Krista and the pups due to training.  Krista has not the
experience of my absence due to my military duties and this trip is
poised to be a great learning experience.  We will stand the test and
find our strength in one another and in our faith.

I lay on the couch, a night or so past, with Krista napping next to me
and the puppies lounging on me.  The television was playing a movie in
the background and the lull of the conversations brought slumber with
each passing minute.  It was at this time that I felt safe and secure,
accepted and understood.  I smiled gently, closed my eyes and joined
the others in their rest.

So much in my life has changed, evolved, over the past … nearly a
year.  I found my emotional breaking point and fought back from it,
rising above to be healthier and stronger than ever.  I learned how to
change my life for good, where my energies need to be and what to
focus on.  I learned how easily some people can quit, and what that
says about subconscious dedications.  I have grown and matured in many
ways.  I have invested myself into my community, I have found a solid
church home and I have surrounded myself with good people.  I have
reconnected with family and old friends.  I have made new friends and
new family.  I have realigned my goals and set out upon the path.  I
am optimistic, upbeat and happy.  These are good times.

I cannot thank God more for His introduction of Krista into my life.
I have few ‘great friends’, Krista is the best.  I have never been so
understood and supported by anyone.  Even when times are hard and I am
performing horribly as a person, she is there to encourage me through
it.  I return the favor and share her difficult times with her.  I
encourage her and love her.  We balance each other well and expect
nothing more from the other than a whole-hearted 100%.  We are
brutally honest with each other, but delivery our ‘reality’ in the
most loving of ways.  We receive one another gladly and hold no
defensive positions.  It is a wonderful friendship to share and a
nurturing relationship to be a part of.

I know that my absence hurts her heart, as it does mine, but I know
that this is particularly rough on her.  I know that she is supporting
me, but gritting her teeth as she smiles, working to remind herself of
all the good that can come from this endeavor.  I know that she is
AWESOME.  I could not be more blessed.

Always Faithful, Always Forward.

SA&LC,
~Ryan
*****

"Come On Down To - How Well Do You Know Your Partner!"

Q’s About Ryan

Does he have a favorite color? If so what is it?

Krista Said: No favorite color but he likes wearing black, brown and light blue... Or at least those are what he tends to wear most.

Ryan’s Actual Answer: Yes. Blue.

When was the last time he ate a PB&J sandwich?

Krista Said: Hmm, It’s been awhile, I think it was back when I still lived in CM, but we have the stuff to make them!

Ryan’s Actual Answer: When Krista made me one, Costa Mesa I think.

What concert would your partner fork out big bucks to sit front row at?

Krista Said: Muse or Mumford & Sons.

Ryan’s Actual Answer: Muse, Mumford & Sons

What radio station does he listen to most?

Krista Said: NPR…. That’s all he has programmed lol.

Ryan’s Actual Answer: NPR

What CD’s are in his car CD player right now?

Krista Said: Temptations, Muse, Mumford & Sons, Forest Gump soundtrack and….. Learn to Speak French CD’s.

Ryan’s Actual Answer: Louie Armstrong

How would your other half dress 24/7 if they could?

Krista Said: In a towel… lol probably in beach bum ware like board shorts and flip flops.

Ryan’s Actual Answer: Shorts and a short-sleeve button-down, or jeans and a sweatshirt, but always flip-flops.

What kind of burial preferences does he have?

Krista Said: Cremation, some ashes in a plot & some spread in Canada.

Ryan’s Actual Answer: It’s in my will. (Cremation, but still with a plot folks can visit)

Has your partner ever wanted to know how to speak another language? If so, which one?

Krista Said: YES! He is constantly asking me questions in French and who knows what will be next.

Ryan’s Actual Answer: French, Russian, Italian.

Name their two closest friends.

Krista Said: Besides me? Lol its Joe Dallacqua & Brandon Westerman. (if I’m wrong I’m really sorry to break the news to you guys)

Ryan’s Actual Answer: Joe, Brandon

What stressors are they facing right now?

Krista Said: Lejeune & my well-being while he is away.

Ryan’s Actual Answer: The same as everyone else: money; and my impending training.

What is their favorite way to spend an evening?

Krista Said: Blue Ray rental, dinner and a bottle of wine or champagne… Shhh don’t tell, I got me a big softy :D

Ryan’s Actual Answer: Either dressed up to the nines out on the town (rarely), or cuddling on the couch in ‘bedtime casual’ attire (usually).  A movie should be involved regardless.

What are their favorite desserts?

Krista Said: Tiramisu, Cheese Cake & B&J Phish Food. (not all at once, or at least we have never tried it)

Ryan’s Actual Answer: Ice Cream (Phish Food)

What is their favorite vacation spot?

Krista Said: Canada! July come faster!!!

Ryan’s Actual Answer: Canada & Hawaii.

What is their favorite sports team?

Krista Said: He doesn’t have one but I bet he’ll say Lakers to appease me… or Raiders so he doesn’t get ambushed by our families.

Ryan’s Actual Answer: I’ll cheer on whichever team causes the biggest argument!

What foods do they hate?

Krista Said: Mayo, artichokes… Hmmmm I can’t think of any others, he pretty much eats anything you put in front of him.

Ryan’s Actual Answer: Some ‘soul foods’.

What were they wearing when you met?

Krista Said: Jeans, burgundy short sleeve with tan button down over and tan flip flops, remember it like it was yesterday!

Ryan’s Actual Answer: Jeans, maroon t-shirt, khaki button-down short sleeve and flip-flops.

Name the city your partner was born in?

Krista Said: I wanna say a big city in OH like Toledo or Columbus but I honestly don’t know :( but I bet he won’t know mine either.

Ryan’s Actual Answer: Columbus, OH

Where was your first date?

Krista Said: MJ’s hahaha no our real first date was Pizza Port in San-C.

Ryan’s Actual Answer: We met at a party at 10, but our first ‘date’ was to Javier’s (I think)

What is “your” song?

Krista Said: Tainted Love…. jk it’s Jason Mraz-Beautiful Mess.

Ryan’s Actual Answer: We don’t have one specific, but ‘Beautiful Mess’ by Jason Mraz has a special place.

What kind of house would he like to have in 10 years?

Krista Said: The one he designed and wants to build when he retires & his housing fund is nice and loaded :P

Ryan’s Actual Answer: Whichever I build.

Q’s About Krista

Does she have a favorite color? If so what is it?

Ryan Said: Yes. Pink.

Krista’s Actual Answer: PINK!

When was the last time she ate a PB&J sandwich?

Ryan Said: When she made sandwiches for the both of us in Costa Mesa.

Krista’s Actual Answer: I think it was the same time as Ry back at my old place in CM, so like 3ish months ago.

What concert would your partner fork out big bucks to sit front row at?

Ryan Said: Anything ‘Classic Rock’.

Krista’s Actual Answer: Beatles or Led Zeppelin… if they had a concert.

What radio station does she listen to most?

Ryan Said: 98.7 FM

Krista’s Actual Answer: Star 98.7 or NPR cause we ride in Ry’s car most of the time.

What CD is in her car's CD player right now?

Ryan Said: Gary Rae’s (2 of them)

Krista’s Actual Answer: Gary Rae Worship, Gratitude & Heaven, haha I have been holding them hostage from Ry.

How would your other half dress 24/7 if they could?

Ryan Said: Bedtime casual: Comfy PJ bottoms with a t-shirt and zip-up hoodie.

Krista’s Actual Answer: Comffies! A shirt of Ryan’s and boy shorts.

What kind of burial preferences does she have?

Ryan Said: In a box, in the ground.

Krista’s Actual Answer: Buried in the ground with a standing headstone.

Has your partner ever wanted to know how to speak another language? If so, which one?

Ryan Said: Yes.  Perhaps French?

Krista’s Actual Answer: Yes lots of them! Italian would be awesome!

Name their two closest friends.

Ryan Said: Sister & Susanna.

Krista’s Actual Answer: Sister & Ryan… ewwww how cliché.

What stressors are they facing right now?

Ryan Said: The same as everyone else: money; and my impending training.

Krista’s Actual Answer: Ry leaving for 2 months & me running the show while he is away.

What is their favorite way to spend an evening?

Ryan Said: Either dressed up to the nines out on the town (rarely), or cuddling on the couch in ‘bedtime casual’ attire (usually).

Krista’s Actual Answer: Getting all dolled up for dinner out and coming home to our couch and a bottle of champagne.

What are their favorite desserts?

Ryan Said: Red Velvet Cake.

Krista’s Actual Answer: Tiramisu and Red Velvet Cake

What is their favorite vacation spot?

Ryan Said: Hawaii, or any place I take her.

Krista’s Actual Answer: :( I haven’t really been on too many vacations, looking forward to Canada & Vegas is always fun.

Which is her favorite sports team?

Ryan Said: LA Lakers

Krista’s Actual Answer: Lakers!

What foods do they hate?

Ryan Said: Pineapple and shell-fish, and anything spicy.

Krista’s Actual Answer: LoL this is a LONG list I’m pretty picky. Tomatoes, mushrooms anything steamed (except rice) shell fish & pineapple and so on.

What were they wearing when you met?

Ryan Said: Blue jeans, white scoop-top shirt and a zip-up hoodie.

Krista’s Actual Answer: Skinny jeans, white scoop neck top and white/black polka dot heels.

Name the city your partner was born in?

Ryan Said: Costa Mesa (?), CA 

Krista’s Actual Answer: Fullerton, CA… Ghetto!

Where was your first date?

Ryan Said: We met at a party at 10, but our first ‘date’ was to Javier’s (I think)

Krista’s Actual Answer: Pizza Port! Nom Nom Nom

What is “your” song?

Ryan Said: We don’t have one specific, but ‘Beautiful Mess’ by Jason Mraz has a special place.

Krista’s Actual Answer: Beautiful Mess

What kind of house would she like to have in 10 years?

Ryan Said: Whichever I build.

Krista’s Actual Answer: A house in general would be awesome but I find that home is what you make of it so my only requirement would be Ryan…. LoL