Things I learned from the bridal faire...

1) I'm not as "graceful" as these other brides. I don't take everything as seriously, as a lot of the other girls I saw, do. I know what I want and I don't feel the need to look at EVERY. SINGLE. LITTLE. THING. at every single different table, just to make sure I'm not missing something that "I didn't know I wanted, to find out that I actually do want it".

2) Printed out labels. I need them. I want them. I will have them next time. I HATED bending over and filling out my name, address, wedding date, etc at every single vendor table...only to have my bag full of "goodies" fall off my shoulder and jerk my hand down while writing, in the process. GEEEEEZ. You girls that have been to one of these before...and didn't tell me about bringing labels...you're buttholes! LOL

3) I hate that they make you go to every single table to have a paper initialed so that you can be in the grand prize drawing. I understand the concept, but that doesn't mean it's not annoying.

4) All the fuss about pre-registering is bull crap. They made this huge deal about pre-registering and you would get in on a special drawing, just out of the people the pre-registered. It ended up being the very first drawing they drew for. They dumped out hundreds and hundreds of pre-registration papers, strowed them out all over the stage, and then drew one. They drew mine, to my utter and total shock...and guess what I won. A picture frame. It had to have been the smallest, cheapest, thing that anybody could have won at that entire thing. I'm glad I won something, because a lot of people didn't...but, a picture frame??? Really??? Why even bother?


5) Everybody that goes with me to the next one...will be a bride. I saw some of the oldest "brides" with TWO (not one) rings on the left hand, ring finger, than I'd like to think about. A lot of them...won stuff. AWESOME stuff. Such as money off of packages for pictures, wedding gowns, caterers, DJs...you know...the big stuff. The fact that everybody does it...doesn't make it right, but damnit, it would be nice to win something to help me out with costs a little bit! LOL

6) If I walk up to a vendor and truly am interested in what they have to "sell" me...then, I will ask. Otherwise, from now on, I will say that I already have whatever it is they are trying to "sell" me...figured out and that I just need them to sign my paper. I had a man, with HORRIBLE BREATH, talk to me for nearly 15 minutes (in the midst of all of these women being packed into this HOT conference center, running around like chickens with their heads cut off, trying to get their papers signed too) about his videography company and how it compares to others. I DON'T CARE. LET ME JUST GRAB A FEW BROCHURES AND WALK AWAY!

7) I will wear my hair up. It was cold and windy outside, but the people running the thing, forgot to take into account that you have a bunch of hormonal women with hot flashes, running around with their eyes on the prize, trying to get initials so they can get something better than a damn picture frame, when it comes time for the drawings.

8) I will also wear as little clothing as possible...for the same reason as above. LOL

9) The "models" they have for the fashion show are not professionals. The girl that was so nervous that she looked drunk, made that obvious. If it hadn't been for the "flushing" of her chest and arms, I would have continued thinking she was drunk...but, I think she was just very nervous. It was pretty distracting, but also quite funny.

10) The reason for everybody being "brides" the next time we go...is because of this. Every "bride" gets a sheet of paper that they have to get initialed at each table. So, the more papers you have, the more chances you have to win something big. The reason I say this, is that one girl won a 4 night/5 day trip to St Thomas and the Virgin Islands. THEN, while she was still standing up talking to the travel agent at the correct booth...they call her name out for an awesome DJ, all expenses paid. What the hell. Those were the two biggest prizes that were in the drawing and she got them both. Obviously...she had more "brides" with her. So, I will have more with me too! HA! (On a side note...I checked out her ring when I walked by her...and she has a ROCK! She obviously did not need much help in the budget area)





Really, though...I did have fun. There was also a lot of good food and I did get some really good ideas and even found out about some things that I didn't know. I learned from this one and the next one, I think, will be even more fun. =)

Tagged...

Well, Leslie tagged me, so I'm supposed to think of 7 random facts about myself and post them...

1) I have horrible nightmares almost every single night. They are different from just bad dreams that someone would remember when they woke up. These are nightmares that wake me up from a dead sleep. They are always involving death and I never wake up before I "see" the dead loved one that is starring in the particular nightmare.

2) I'm scared of bridges. They make me extremely nervous, I get hot flashes and my palms begin to sweat, and my heart rate speeds up a little bit. The fear is worse when someone other than myself else is driving and I have to keep my head down to where I can't see off the sides of the bridge. And, when people find out that I'm scared of them, and they like to swerve around and "joke"...I don't think it's cute and it really does piss me off.

3) I like the smell of gasoline, permanent markers, nail polish, nail polish remover, you get the point...I just don't like it when any of these smells are ON me.

4) I got an award for being an excellent "cutter" in kindergarten. Apparently, it was quite a big deal that I could actually cut things out and stay on the lines. They thought it was such a big deal that they called me out into the middle of the football field to receive a paper certificate. HAHAHA.......(I'm sorry...I'm not really sure why this popped into my head, but it asked for random, so you got it!)

5) I have VERY bad road rage. I'd probably be in prison if I carried a gun in my car.

6) Chop calls me Nonya.

7) I weigh myself every morning, but refuse to do it before I pee. You would be so surprised as to how much of a difference that actually makes. ;o)





I don't really know who else to tag...that hasn't already done this. My brother Matt is about all that is left...and he won't do it.

Confirmation...

Well, today, we got confirmation from the preacher that I had when I was a pre-teen and into my early teens. I LOVED him. He was always my favorite. He preaches at a different church now, but we heard back from him that he would be happy to be a part of the wedding. Hopefully, the preacher at my church now, will allow him to do the actual act of marrying us and all...and maybe he could do a reading or some other part of it all. I guess we will work all of that out later.

Our flower guy also said that he is not booked up on the dates that we wanted him for...and we just need to send in our deposit to him. =) He wants me to start cutting out clippings of arrangements I like and colors and types of flowers, so that he can draw from all of them and make it into his own design, and so he will have an idea of what I like. He said he doesn't need to meet with us, though, until about 4 months before the wedding. So, I guess we are done with a lot of the decorating aspect, because he will be doing the ceremony AND the reception. WHOO HOO!

One of my best friends, Rachel, has an aunt (Capri) who is more like a sister to her. Since Rachel and I have been friends for so long, I feel like her family is like my second family. Capri has done a lot of wedding planning and has helped friends out and so I figured she would be perfect to be the wedding director, if I could talk to her and see if she'd be willing. Well, I talked to her the other day and she said she would be more than happy to. So, I am EXTREMELY happy about that. She is a PRO at that kind of thing and I know she will do a good job. =D

I think that's about it for updates today. I need a nap. I worked yesterday and we were up real late on a transfer...

Pecan Grove...

Well, it's officially ours now! Mom talked to the man that owns the property and the hotel and he has us down in the book for special groups. He has it under "Jeselnik-Suggs Wedding" with a special room rate of $69...and that includes breakfast too.

We just have to meet up with him about 60 days out from the time of the wedding so we can talk about how we want the bar set up and what we want served, so he can go ahead and order it all at whole sale price.

That's one less thing to worry about. Not too bad!




The guy that we are trying to get down to do all of the flowers and arrangements is out of Chipley. I just know that we have always referred to him as "Kirby". My mom and aunt know what his actual full name is...but, he does a wonderful job. He did both of my cousin's weddings AND Chelsea's (Chop's sister-in-law). We are supposed to talk to him tomorrow and set up a day to meet so we can talk about what we would want, the look we are going for, and prices. I really hope he isn't booked for the day of our wedding. He's a busy man...so, we will be lucky if we can get him. I'm thinking since it is so far in advance, though, that maybe he will not be booked yet. I guess we shall see......

Colors...

Right now I'm trying to figure out what "theme" to go for for the wedding.

The colors I have chosen are a very deep purple (think eggplant), gold/ivory accents, and a deep ruby red.

I found a picture on photobucket of the purple, gold, and ivory together...and then I found a picture on a bridal site that had the eggplant colored BM dresses, with gold shoes, and red flowers. It's really close to the look I'm going for. I was even looking at having different necklines for all the girls, depending on what looks good on them, since everyone is shaped differently.

Here are the pictures:

I think the best way to go with these colors would be a more romantic theme...lots of flowers and elegant looking pieces. I feel like if I do the more simplistic/modern theme, that a lot of people are doing right now, it will sort of clash with the colors I've chosen. Plus, I just tend to think the former looks better, for my style.

Anyway, that's what I'm thinking so far...

We decided on a reception site...

Well, mom took us today to show us the pecan grove next to the Best Western hotel. It's beautiful! The man that owns the place said that as long as we would allow his employees to serve and supply the alcohol (since it will then be covered by his liability insurance) and then have 10 of the rooms booked (which will be very easy, since we have family coming in from other states), then we could use the property for free. The rooms will also be at a special rate, since it's for an event and there will be so many. =D

It's perfect. Also, if anybody gets to drinking at the reception and doesn't have a pre-planned designated driver, they could always stay at the hotel and just walk across the parking lot. The grove is also well-lit and there is plenty of room for the reception tent and there is plenty of parking. It's going to be great. I forgot to take a picture so that I could post it, but I may try to get one up soon.

We also went by the church so that Chop could see what it looks like and he loved it. He is thinking about having the rehearsal dinner in the Chataqua building across from the church because he has always really loved the lake yard. So, he is going to talk to his parents and find out what they would like to do.

I'm in the process of filling out the paperwork for Leslie Roark Photography to do all of the pictures and I spoke with her and I'm marked down for that date. Yay! We are also getting ready to send the deposit in for that, as well.

We decided on what time to have the wedding, as well. We put thought into what time the sun sets because the church has beautiful stained glass windows all throughout the sanctuary. So, when the sun is setting, it would look even more beautiful. =) So, we decided on 4:30. That will give everybody plenty of time to get everything ready before the wedding. Also, if the wedding lasts for an hour (at the most), that will put the guests at the pecan grove at 5:30 and then the wedding party there shortly after the rest of the pictures are taken. So everybody...guests AND wedding party, should all be at the reception by 6, we are guestimating.

It's all starting to come together. Once all of these initial things are figured out, then we can finally start working on all of the details. YAAAAY!

Choices, choices...

Mom and I just got back home from driving all over DeFuniak, trying to find a good reception location. The first place we went to, ended up being the most beautiful of all the places. The only thing I'm worried about is that it's a 20 minute drive from the church. I don't know how people normally feel about driving to a reception...so, I'm a little stuck, right now on what to do.

There were a couple of other locations that were closer to the church that I liked a lot too, but none of them were as pretty as the first place. Also, keep in mind, we haven't talked to any of the property or house owners for any of this yet...so, a lot is just going to depend on what they say.

So, for anybody reading this...is 20 minutes too far? Mom said that she knows of lots of other people who have had their reception in different towns, even. The location that we picked is down HWY 83, just past HWY 2. It is gorgeous. There is a white fence and an open field with a pond in it and there is also a red barn. The driveway is lined with gooseberry trees. We would have big white reception tents set up out there and there would be plenty of room to park. As for bathrooms, mom said they have the portable bathrooms that you can rent that are NICE ones...and not your typical nasty ones. They are more like having actual bathrooms. She would just have to talk to the man that owns the land...who doesn't even live there.

Opinions or suggestions...PLEASE.

First Announcement Printed...

So, I was sitting in a union meeting this morning for work, when I get a text message saying that the announcement in the Chipley Bugle looks great and that it's a great picture of us! I didn't know they would post it online so fast! =)

I went and looked at it...and let me just tell you...that was the CRAZIEST feeling when I finally saw it in official writing for a newspaper. It made it all seem so real!

I'm so stinkin' excited!

Here is a screenshot of it:

On another note, we found a bridal fashion show in Fort Walton, for this month! A few of my bridesmaids, mom, and granny are going and possibly Chop's mom and sister-in-law. It's going to be fun, I think and it will be the first thing that most everybody is able to be a part of. I'm hoping to get some good ideas from it. :-)

Busy Bee...

I sent in our engagement announcement today. I sent it to two papers in the Chipley/Washington County area and also to two papers in the DeFuniak/Walton County area. We are also planning on sending in an announcement to the paper in Albany, Georgia...where my dad grew up and my grandpa lived before he died. It needs to be 6 months from the wedding, though, in order for them to accept it.

Here is what the announcement is going to look like:

Dr. David L. and Cynthia Martin Jeselnik of DeFuniak Springs, Florida are pleased to announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their daughter, Briana Celeste Jeselnik, to Joseph Daniel Suggs, son of Michael R. and Myra Pettis Suggs of Chipley, Florida.

Briana is the granddaughter of Tom and Sabra Martin of DeFuniak Springs, Florida and the late Anton and Blanche Jeselnik of Albany, Georgia. She is a 2004 graduate of Walton High School, a 2004 graduate of the Emergency Medical Technician Program at Gulf Coast Community College, and a 2006 graduate of the Chipola Fire College. She is currently employed as an emergency medical technician and firefighter with the Walton County Fire/Rescue Service.

Joseph is the grandson of Mrs. Madine Owen and the late G.C. Suggs of Chipley, Florida and Mrs. Ouida Pettis and the late Eudon Pettis of Bonifay, Florida. He is a 2003 graduate of Chipley High School and a 2005 graduate of the Emergency Medical Technician Program at Chipola College. Presently, he is enrolled as a student in the College‘s paramedic program. Joseph is employed as an emergency medical technician with the Washington County Emergency Medical Services.

Joseph and Briana were engaged on December 25, 2008 and are planning an early November 2009 wedding.

I also went to the church and got November 14, 2009 officially reserved. So, that is now our wedding date!! I don't think the next 10 1/2 months are going to go fast enough.

I talked to Leslie Roark, whom I actually went to highschool with, and she has agreed (so far) to shoot the wedding. I'm SO excited because she is AWESOME! So, here is a link to her site (http://leslieroark.com/) so you can see for yourself! She is supposed to call me tomorrow so we can talk details.

I'm really excited about everything and I can't believe I did so much today!

The Proposal...

The subject of getting married has come up quite a bit. After being together for quite some time, he would always tell me that he knew he wanted us to spend the rest of our lives together. So, I've known for a while now that "this was it". He has also always known that I would like for him to ask my dad for his blessing before he ever asks me to marry him. I've never been that "old fashioned", but I just feel like it's really respectful and I knew my daddy would appreciate the gesture. I knew that he would know that Chop was serious and that he wasn't taking it lightly, if he talked to him about it first. I told him that when the day comes, that I don't want to even have a CLUE that he is about to talk to dad, because I don't want to be a bundle of nerves the whole time they were having their talk. So, those were the only two things I ever asked of him.

In November, we decided to start our Christmas shopping. Our friend Rachel went with us. While we were at the mall, Chop asked if I wanted to go inside a jewelry store or two so that I could just show him what types of rings I liked. I was having all sorts of hot-flashes while trying a few on, because the thought of him ever spending that much money on a piece of jewelry, stressed me out. He kept asking me if I liked this and if I liked that...I just told him I didn't care; that they were all pretty and sparkly and that he didn't need to be spending an arm and a leg on me.

That was the last it was talked about. Fast forward to Christmas morning.

Chop got off work that morning and headed straight to my house. Our plans were to spend the first half of the day with my family and the second half with his. So, he got to my house and we did our exchanging and opening of the presents. Once we were done, I was the only person that hadn't had a shower yet and gotten ready to go to my Granny and Pop's house. Chop and my dad kept having to tell me to go get ready, because I was procrastinating and continued to just sit on the couch. Finally, I got up to get a shower. I got out and put my clothes on and walked to the living room and the only person I could see was mom. I asked her where Chop and dad were and she said that they were outside. As soon as she said that, I started freaking out in my head, wondering if he was having THE TALK with dad. I reacted exactly how I knew I would if I had known about it ahead of time and I almost started to cry in my room. About 10 minutes after that, I heard dad and Chop back in the house...so, I walked into the living room. I was looking around to see if I noticed anybody acting differently, because I was just SURE I would be able to tell. I didn't notice any awkward glances, nobody seeming uncomfortable, no tears, no black eyes...so, I figured that they were just outside helping put something together.

We spend the rest of the morning and early afternoon and my grandparent's house and then we head to his parent's house. Right before we opened presents, Chop and his brother Jason, had to run to Chop's house so he could grab his dad's last Christmas present that they hid there. They got back about 10 minutes later and we opened all the presents. After that, I was holding his baby niece Addyson so that Chelsea (his sister-in-law) could have her hands free and eat. Everybody kept telling me to get me something to eat, but I was just fine sitting there playing with Addy. I had my back to everyone else.

Well, Chelsea finished eating and came to get Addy from me and told me to get my butt in the kitchen and get some food. So, I stand up and I get to where the kitchen and living room meet and Chop says, "Ummm...I forgot to give you your last Christmas present." I just said, "Oh! Okay!" and didn't think anything of it. Next thing I know, he is saying something that makes NO SENSE...about our dogs being dysfunctional (One is deaf and the other has bad eye problems). I was thinking that he was going to surprise me with another pet...LOL! But, then his eyes started to tear up and he was choking up and he took a step back and took a deep breath and stopped what he was already saying. Then, he reaches into his pocket and gets down on his knee and, while smiling and crying at the same time, says, "I was wanting to know if you would marry me..." I put my hand over my mouth in shock and started bawling my eyes out and hugged him and said "well, YES!!" Then, for some stupid reason, I asked him if he was serious and what our dogs had to do with it. Then, he said that he had planned on saying that he wanted to OFFICIALLY give our dysfunctional dogs a mommy...but that he couldn't get it all out and just decided to stick to the basics. His whole family was crying (and his mom snapped pictures without me knowing it) and they all hugged me and welcomed me to the family and told me that they loved me.

I had never thought I would want to be asked in front of a bunch of people, because I get embarrassed crying in front of people. But, I'm actually glad that he asked me the way that he did. His family got to experience it with him and it kind of fit them into the puzzle. Bride's tend to get a lot of the attention because they are the one's that usually do most of the planning. So, it was nice for him and his family to have a little piece of it to remember...if that makes sense. I also liked that not even HE knew he was going to ask me to marry him...

You see, my feeling was right, when he was at my house. He WAS asking my dad for his blessing. He said that everything they talked about was between him and my dad, but that it went well and it was a lot easier than he had imagined it would be. Once their talk was over, dad shook his hand and welcomed him to the family. But, it went so well, that when I was looking for any clue that they had talked, nothing showed on their faces because nobody was upset. He said after he got asking my dad out of the way, that the ring felt like it was burning a hole in his pocket and that he just could wait another week, until we were on vacation, to do it. He said he had to do it THAT DAY. He didn't know, until he started saying the words outloud, that it was going to be even harder than talking to my dad was. When he and Jason had gone to get something from the house, that's when he told Jason that he thought he was going to just do it that night. So, Jason is the only one who had a clue it was going to happen when they got back. So, right before he asked me and I wasn't paying attention because I was focused on Addy...he winked at his brother and mouthed to him that he was about to do it. His mom caught on and mouthed back to him to hang on until she could grab the camera. All the while, I was totally oblivious to the fact that it was all going on behind my back. Then, the rest of the story...you know.

So, it makes me feel really good that he was so excited and nervous about it that he just couldn't wait. That might be my favorite part of all. That, and the fact that I have NEVER seen him cry. He isn't one of those "tough guys" that show no emotion at all, but he definitely doesn't cry. So, the fact that he did...showed me just how much it meant to him.

Playing "Catch-Up"...

So, Chop and I have been engaged for almost 2 weeks now.

We got engaged on December 25, 2008 and on the 27th, I headed to the Books-A-Million in Dothan to pick up some wedding planning books. While I was there, I picked up a big new journal so that I could write about everything that was happening. Then I was possibly going to give it to Chop after everything was over with. I started to write in it, but then decided this was a little bit more convenient, in that I was able to type instead of write...AND...all of the people that are interested in everything and helping me plan, can read about everything I've planned or thought about up to that point (and possibly share some ideas, as well). On the 28th, we left for TN for our annual winter vacation, so today is the first day that I've really had time to set something like this up.

So, I guess first, I will tell how we met and I'll go from there:

My friend Barbra worked at the hospital in Chipley, Florida as a registration clerk. Chop is one of the EMT's with Washington County, so he was at the hospital dropping patients off every shift. They became good acquaintances and Barbra was interested in meeting one of his friends, at the time. So, one day, Barbra told me that she had invited this "Chop guy" and some of his friends to the bar to hang out with us that night. I didn't really think anything of it. So, we get ready and head to the bar (The Honky Tonk, to be exact...lmao!). We are there for about an hour and a half and Barbra comes inside from stepping outside for a minute, grabs my phone and puts a phone number in it, and tells me to call the number and ask why "they" aren't coming like they said they would.

Well, I had had a few drinks that night, so I was feeling JUST RIGHT. I walk outside and I press the "send" button and a guy answers the phone. At this point, I have no clue as to whom I am speaking with, but I then commence to blurt quite a few explicatives, directed to this person that answered the phone...along with accusing statements of standing my friend up. The voice on the other end, shocked and unable to say anything until I'm done, says, "EXCUSE ME?! WHO THE HELL IS THIS?!" Then, I go into saying that I'm Barbra's friend Bri and that I don't appreciate them standing her up. He then goes on to explain to me that they had started drinking at his house and that they did not want to risk driving. I basically tell him "whatever!" and hang up on him. I don't remember ALL of the EXACT things that I said, because, like I said...I was feeling just right.

Well, the next morning after I wake up, I receive a text that says, "You need an attitude adjustment." It took me a minute to realize who the text was from, but then I realized it was the same number that I cussed out some guy through, the night before. I replied to him and told him that I didn't need one, and that I'm normally a sweet girl, but that I don't like it when people mess with my friends. Then, he proceeded to inform me that he was not the guy that my friend had wanted to hang out with, but that his name was Chop and that he was the one who had tried setting everything up. We started messaging each other over the computer, and we would talk about the most random things. I was usually a smart ass to him...but, he would always give it right back to me. About 4 days after the initial cussing out, we were in the middle of texting while we were both at work, and he had a call. He said he had a call and that he would CALL me when he was done. I was in SHOCK. We hadn't talked on the phone since the night I was such a brat...and at that time, I wasn't even aware of the fact that it was him. I was thinking he had accidentally typed the work call and that he really meant to say "text".

Sure enough, though...he didn't make a typo, because he called me about 20 minutes later. I had seen pictures of him, but as soon as I heard his voice, it was exactly what I would have imagined he would have sounded like. I don't know HOW to explain it, but he just SOUNDS like a big/tall guy with a really "hearty" laugh. It's a friendly laugh. He was also really funny and I didn't feel weird talking to him, at all. We talked on the phone that night for at least an hour, maybe more...which is a long time for me, because God knows I hate the phone. He would constantly pick at the way I talked. He always said my accent was really thick and he would always repeat what I was saying and would do it in a very twangy/southern mocking-accent. The next day, he said that he was going to try to make the weekend before up to Barbra and I and that we could all try to meet up and hang out again. I agreed to it and told him that they better not "stand us up" this time. We decided on the same place...same time.

So, on Saturday, September 1, 2007, he and his friend drove to DeFuniak to meet up with us at the good 'ole Honky Tonk (Geez, I can't say that without getting embarrassed by the name). He called me when he was about a minute away from the bar and told me that I needed to come outside so they wouldn't have to "walk into this stick-n-stab" alone. I told him to "grow a set" and to come in without me...lol! He then pulled into the parking lot and saw the place and said they were DEFINITELY not coming in unless I walked outside. I said "FINE!" and hung up on him and stomped out. As soon as I opened the door, I saw him leaning against a truck. He was exactly like I had thought he'd look in person...very big and tall and football player-ish, if that makes sense. He was wearing a yellow and navy blue striped polo shirt and khaki colored shorts. The reason I remember this so well, is because as soon as I saw him, I looked him up and down from head to toe...lol. He smiled really big at me and said, "That's what I thought!" (in reference to him telling me that he wasn't coming in unless I went out first). I remember thinking how good looking I thought he was and how great his teeth were (I have a thing about teeth...). He and his friend followed me inside and they sat with us at our table.

The rest of the night, he kept messing with my phone and picking at me. I tried to give it right back to him, but it was harder to do in person than it was on the phone. In person, I just giggled too much, but on the phone, I was able to act more "tough". Rachel and Amanda showed up at the bar and they both asked me who he was and I told them and they just thought they whole thing was weird. Rachel says that he and I kept holding hands underneath the table, but I don't remember that happening. I hadn't had so much to drink that I wouldn't have remembered that kind of thing...

The bar was closing at 2 and it was time for everybody to go home. Amanda was going home with me, so she got in my car and I told her I was just going to go say bye to Chop really quick and that we'd head to the house after that. I walked to his truck and his friend was going to drive since he had been drinking a little bit (how responsible)...so, I walked to the passenger side. We talked for a little while and he asked me if he could see me again sometime. I was so OUT OF PRACTICE when it came to dating, that I just sort of shyed around his question and just kept saying "maybe". No matter how many times I said maybe, he kept asking me if certain days of the following week would be okay. He figured up when our next day off together was and said that we WERE going on a date. I just agreed so he'd stop talking about it because it was making me nervous. I said bye and started to walk off and he said, "You're not even going to give me a hug?" I acted like I didn't want to and walked back to him slowly. I hugged him and when I started to walk off, he held onto my hand and pulled me back and said, "kiss me on the cheek." He was VERY persistent. I said no, but after he begged me, I said "fine." When I leaned in to kiss him on the cheek, he put his hand on my cheek and pulled my face in and kissed me smack-dab on the lips. I was in shock because this was NOT like me (later, Amanda said she was thinking the same thing to herself while she saw it all happen from my vehicle) and this was the first time I'd ever met this guy. Afterwards, he saw the look on my face and said, "mmmMMM! I'm gonna marry you!" and then busted out laughing. He was clearly joking (and he even joked about it to his friends, telling THEM that he was going to marry me too), but a year and a half later, we are engaged to be married.





So, that's the story of how we met. I'm at work right now and we are up next for an out-of-county, so I need to get to bed before dispatch wakes us up again with a call. Tomorrow, if I have time amongst registering for a couple of prerequisites for nursing and sending in engagement announcements to the papers, I will write about how he proposed and all of the planning I've done up until now (Please excuse any spelling/grammar errors, as I was in a hurry).