11/12/2021
Once upon a time I was invited by a charming Armenian-Australian surfer whom I had recently started dating to go on a camping trip. Seeing as I was already smitten with his blue eyes, olive skin, and calm nature I said yes without asking any questions. On Friday afternoon I jumped into his old Tahoe and asked “what campground are we staying in?”
“I don’t know,” he replied with a relaxed smile “whichever has a spot.”
“You’re joking! It’s a holiday weekend” I said trying not to show that my anxiety had already kicked into high gear. He shrugged and said “worst case scenario we get a hotel room or head home.”Whilst I was a little indignant at his lack of planning I swallowed my pride and went along for the ride. Ryan could sense my nerves so he held my hand and made me laugh. We giggled and talked about our pasts and our dreams as we traveled up the coast and got turned away at 3 campgrounds.
Around sunset we pulled into Morro Strand and Ryan asked the ranger if there were any openings. She laughed, but a woman walking by stopped. Looking Ryan directly in his baby blues she said “you can share our spot. I’m alone with my daughter, it would be nice to have a guy around.” And just like that we had a campsite.
It’s kind of been that way ever since. Ryan’s disposition (and I mean this as the highest compliment) is that of a golden retriever. He is easygoing, loyal, silly, and sometimes impulsive- but when it comes down to it, he is someone who’s confidence is clear. That unassuming strength is paramount to balance my border collie personality. Type A, driven, and a bit neurotic. Ryan’s optimism has steered us into a future I only dreamed of back then. Through countless work challenges, raising 2 beautiful kids and navigating 3 moves he finds a way to disarm me and to maintain a sense of humor.
We’ve been married five years today and while I don’t pretend that marriage doesn’t require work, there’s no one else it would be worth working with. We’re celebrating our anniversary back at Morro strand campground. I’m so appreciative of the lightheartedness and success this man has brought to my life, but this border collie did book 6 months ago.