This update isn’t about Christyna, not specifically. I’ve been updating you about Christyna for 6 weeks now and shared a little about me. It’s been in service of creating a foundation of trust and a background of relatedness. It’s been strategic. I think we’ve been on the equivalent of 3 dates, so it’s time I put out and give all of myself to you. We are in this together with Christyna. My intention is to round out and fully create myself as a three dimensional human and to have you to fall in love with me, as Christyna has. This is who Christyna has chosen to trust. There are going to be facts and anecdotes. Here goes nothing. 

I was born in Chicago Heights, IL, at St James hospital. I couldn’t wait to show up and my parents were admonished by the team who delivered me, “Why did you wait so long to come in!?” My mom got breakfast in the hospital soon after I was born. I’m a Sunday child- the child born on the sabbath day who will be fair and wise, good and gay. 

I’m an Eagle Scout, the 51st from troop 364, Homewood IL. I got the final signature of the rank hours before I became 18 and ineligible. I was captain on my Highschool swim team, the Hillcrest Hawks. I graduated third in my class and went to college in Lisle IL at Benedictine University. I swam on the college team as a walk on. I was the only person on the team who didn’t qualify for state st the HS level. I swam with national champions and Olympians. Mr Keeley, who’s eldest son still holds the pool record at Notre Dame, and who’s youngest was my classmate and national champion, said to me, “My sons have the innate talent. They would not be able to do what they do without you and your heart. I’d take ten of you over one of my sons any day.” What he meant was that I had heart and showed up no matter what. I pushed myself hard- god didn’t  grant this human a body of a swimmer, but that didn’t stop me! My teammates saw how hard I worked and worked as hard. There is no skating by on talent around me. 

When I met Christyna years ago, we were asked to shared something intimate. What I shared was that I professed simple vows as a Benedictine monk. I took the name Br Konrad, meaning “resolute.” It’s a family name and I manipulated the system to get the name I wanted. I requested dispensation of my vows before I took solemn vows. The abbot wanted me to be a priest. I’m not called to that life. I will not sell out my principles. Christyna heard that and we became buddies. 

I’m a punk rocker. I went to my first show and found my people. I’ve had my color every color of the rainbow and have shaved my head into a Mohawk (including a double and triple). I have 4 tattoos, which are punk as heck! Three are  themed for my favorite authors- Kurt Vonnegut, Ted Geisel (Dr Seuss), and John Steinbeck. The forth is a Chicago flag (I can leave my city but my city will never leave me). I went to a Pegboy show in Philly a couple years back. The singer, Larry, jumped off stage and shoved the mic in my face to sing and the band sought me out after the show. A band I’m a fanboy for was fanboying me!  It was such a thrill!

I’ve had a few professions. I was a Starbucks store manager in the early 2000s, the manager of a Source Plasma center, a Landmark Staff member, and a performance coach for independent auto shops. Around me, performance rises. I was called “Remarkable Contribution on loud speaker.” I leave others empowered, enabled, and present to their own greatness. People are left bigger and more capable by being in my presence. Every role I’ve ever had is an expression of this. I describe myself as an “Unapologetic and unrelenting stand for people’s greatness.” I don’t back down from that. Ever. 

I’m an artist- a screen printer! I’m self taught. My brother, Chad, got me a beginners screen printing kit as a Christmas present. I LOVE IT! I play with words and ideas. Christyna’s favorite print of mine is my first one, which says “The Terrorists hate is or they are loving us the only way they know how.” I put a self-portrait in every print I make. I print under the name “Stu” and my studio is vaST Unknown. Each piece I make is designed for an audience of one AND the print needs to make me giggle. I’ve taken 4 commissions over my time as an artist. I have a decent portfolio. I love to show it off!

There you go. The pic of this post I left to Christyna. I take candid photos of her and post without permission. I let her stage me for this. I was singing along and dancing for the pic. I was trained to sing when in the monastery. I can sing and love to karaoke. There is a signature “Ryan dance” too! When I married Christyna, I promised to empower her full expression. She empowers my bad dancing! What a pair! 

That’s what I think you should know about me. I hope that sheds a little light as to why Christyna chose me. I’m here to stay, as are you. Now, let’s get back to healing my Special Lady. 

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