Saturday, November 27, 2010

A life with the man I love...

Our engagement story...

If you know Chris, you may have a small inkling of his personality and his love for joking around. You may also know that he secretly dislikes surprises. Even though HE doesn’t like surprises, he LOVES surprising other people. Because of this, any time of year involving presents turns into a game.

Chris has been hinting at what I was getting for Christmas this year. One day he would hype up the gift, the next day he would downplay it. Monday morning, November 22, I got a text from Chris, telling me that he’d picked up my present. I asked what it was, he told me he wasn’t telling. I asked what store he got it from, he wouldn’t say. I asked what TYPE of store he got it from, and he laughed. Then he said that he would give me my present early if I took him out for barbeque. Good deal for me – I agreed.

During our date, I asked him if he was SURE he wanted me to have my present early. I didn’t have his present ready, so I felt a little bad about accepting my gift early. His explanation went something like this: “Well, I want you to get good use out of your gift, and you need it for these cold weather months. You should really have it now so that you can use it. If you don’t get it until the end of December, you’ve really lost half of the good cold weather time…you should really just have it now.”

So after dinner, he handed me a decent sized box, wrapped with Christmas paper. When I shook the box (I love shaking the box), it clunked around. He really had me convinced that I was getting something like boots, or a scarf, or some gloves. I opened the box to find…..a three hole punch and a stapler. I started thinking that he made up this huge ruse just to get me excited about my present, and wrapped up junk from the house. We would just laugh at how I fell for it and go home. I turned to look at him (maybe to call him a jerk), to see him holding a ring box, asking me to marry him. Of course, I said yes. Surprisingly, I didn’t cry! (Those of you that know me understand what a feat that is!) The ring is beautiful, and I’m so excited to be engaged to such a great man. I am very lucky!!!

Our current plan is to have as small
of a wedding as realistically possible in the Kansas City area during the early summer of 2012. That gives me about a year and a half so I can stay sane while planning! Thankfully, I have a close friend with experience, and a sister-in-law that is an unending fountain of wedding tips and advice.

I do look forward to the party associated with the wedding. But more importantly, I look forward to a life with the man I love.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Add that to the "thankful for" list!

It's time for Thanksgiving again. We gather with our relatives, think about what we're thankful for, and stuff our faces with a very highly fattening and carb-filled meal. I have decided that it may be time to regain some realism. My quest for increased health and a better diet will be partially tabled until the new year. What can I say? My family consists of incredibly good cooks, and I really don't want to miss out. Add that to the "thankful for" list.

As I drove to work today, I happened to be awake enough while crossing the Missouri River to notice the beautiful sunrise. I'm thankful that the route I take for my commute crosses the river at such a picturesque location...even though in another week or so, my route will be shrouded in darkness once again. I love spring and fall, when my commute happens to coincide with the sunrise over the river. It reminds me how big the world is, and how small I am. The problems and issues that stress me out are nothing compared to the rest of the world. Add that to the "thankful for" list.

I have an amazing family. About once a month, my dad is in town for work, and I get to share a few evening meals with him. I'm thankful for the relationship he and I have. I've always been close to my mom - she's one of my best friends. But now, my dad is one of my best friends, too. I am so proud to be their daughter, and to have the relationship with them that I am blessed to have. Add that to the "thankful for" list.

Lastly, I began putting together a Christmas "Wish List." As I stared at the blank computer screen, I realized that I didn't know where to start. Other than practical items, there isn't much that I need or want. As I started searching the internet for things I could put on a wish list, I started to see how truly blessed I am. Of course, I'll always want less debt, more clothes, a few more pairs of shoes, maybe an electronic gadget or two... But overall, I am in need of nothing. This year, I am truly happy, healthy, and ready to take on the world. Add that to the "thankful for" list!