first impressions

Jarom and I first laid eyes on each other in February. We actually don't label this as the first time we met. And for good reason -- I had only been home from my mission for a week. So naturally, I was awkward to be around while remaining oblivious to the extent of my awkwardness. Jarom thought I was shy, really quiet, and overall unfriendly. I thought Jarom's chafro (Chinese afro) was out of control and that his high intellect would clearly disqualify me as a potential candidate for dating.

Some time later, after slight recovery from the post-mission syndrome, Jarom and I found ourselves in the same circle of friends. We still weren't interested in each other, and ironically, Jarom was using this time to set me up with his best friend/roommate. Part of this matchmaking regimen involved game nights at their apartment and joining the co-ed intramural frisbee team that they were both on (Team Pinoy!!). Well, the game nights and frisbee practices must have worked because we started dating...and by "we" I mean his roommate and I.

Shout out to Team Pinoy!

Things with the roommate ended up not working out and shortly after, I realized that I could get over Jarom's chafro and potentially date him. He took me on a spontaneous date that Friday...the best date I'd ever been on. We played street hockey in our bare feet in an underground parking lot on campus, then waded in the JFSB courtyard fountain to wash off. We ate salmon and crackers, and all I recall thinking was, "I hope he doesn't try to kiss me; I smell like fish!"

Well...kissing did eventually happen. And six days after that, we got engaged.

So yes, it was fast.