December 23, 2008

So, here's the deal:
Ryann and I have had a lot of banter sessions about Gay Marriage, and it's really taken some time to find where I stand on the issue. I had taken a lot of pleasure in voicing the opposing viewpoint regarding Gay Marriage to Ryann, because she really gets FIRED UP about things and there's a part of me that always likes to see her overreact.. Anywhoo, my opinion was largely based upon the fact that I couldn't get past the idea that I am not part of a societal "norm" for the pure fact that I am gay. I am not "included" in many of the things that I once was when I masqueraded as a heterosexual. My logic has been, if I am not part of the "norm" then why should I want to participate such a fundamental "norm" as marraige? Why try to pass myself off as something that I am not? Why would I endorse the institution of marriage, when by societal standards I am an outcast? Needless to say, I had some really good conversations with myself about this issue...For the most part I was content with my stance.. UNTIL the Proposition 8 debacle. UNTIL I really looked into what "marriage" is. I won't bore you with my change of heart, but sufficeth to say, I have come to understand that there are 2 aspects to marriage, the religious rite of marriage and the civil action of marriage and I am now ON BOARD with supporting Gay Marriage!

It has taken a lot of time for me to work through "my place" in society on this issue....and to figure out what would make me happy....so, here we are December 24, 2008 and I have proposed to my lovely partner Ryann....
About 2 months ago, I started looking online for a ring for my darling Ryann....I found a beautiful ring, and then began making plans for a proposal. I knew that I couldn't just "ask her" because Ryann is all about the build up and presentation.... Plus, she has done so many cute lil things for me through the years that I really wanted to knock her socks off.
It was completely ODD that Ryann didn't catch on to what was happening, because there were plenty of signs that I was up to something (i.e. missing money, strange ring fittings by coworkers, time off of work for odd reasons, and mysterious fortune cookie fortunes)..
So, I contacted friends / family and enlisted their help in sending Ryann on a scavenger hunt.
At the end of the scavenger hunt, I was there, with flowers, ring, and poetry.
Below you can see the videos building up to Ryann's arrival.

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My baby's response:

End... :)