Change

John F. Kennedy said "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are centain to miss the future." More recently, Patty Loveless (a wonderful country singer) sang the lyrics "Life's about changing, nothing ever stays the same."

Both of these quotes hit home with me at this moment in my life. The last time I wrote here, I was talking about summer and the fun I was having, the things I had done. I could have NEVER imagined what would transpire over the next 5 months, and how much my life would change. I must admit, I am not normally fond of change. I a girl who loves tradition, and wants things to remain just as they have always been. However, the change that has taken place in my life the past few months has been exciting, sometimes a little scary, and wonderful!

Change number one happened in late July/early August. For a while I had been thinking about moving out of my parents house and getting started on my own. When I began talking seriously with my parents about the idea, I assumed that I would probably take some time and eventually move into an apartment. That was not to be. Anyone who remotely knows my dad knows that he is very outgoing and is not afraid to talk to anyone... about anything. Well when he found out I was looking to move out on my own, he started talking. This led to a discussion with the owner of a horse farm in Gray Court, only a few miles from my mom's house. To make a long story short, I went and saw the small farmhouse that was for rent on the horse farm and absolutely fell in love with it. It had a charm and warmth that I can't describe with words. Not to mention the farm is beautiful, and the house is surrounded by over 30 horses. I was sold the second I saw it. On August 1st I was able to move in. I had so much help from my boyfriend, my friend Casey, Paula and her daugthers, and my grandmother that moving in didn't seem like a big deal. I have loved living out here on my own. I've learned a lot about responsibility, being on my own, paying bills, etc. I think it has helped me grow up in a lot of ways. I have also met some good friends from the farm! I still haven't ridden a horse, it WILL happen :)

The second change in my life is FAR more exciting to me than the first. As great as moving out on my own was, the next change has and will change my life forever. This story may take a little bit, but I'd like to tell it :) It begins with a phone call from my step-mom asking me if my boyfriend, David, and I would like to go to Gatlinburg on the weekend of December 7th to do some shopping and have some fun. When I asked David if he wanted to go, he hesitated just a bit. He told me that he had planned to take me out that Friday night (the 7th). After a little while, and a trip to the bathroom (which I found out later was to call home-- you'll understand later) he told me that we could go out on Thursday and still go to Gatlinburg over the weekend. I was happy. When he told me that he wanted to take me to Chophouse and on a carriage ride I was really excited, but suprised that he wanted to go somewhere so nice. But I went along with it! Finally, Thursday (Dec. 6th) came. After rushing around that evening (i'll leave those details out, not really important) David met me at my house to take me out. We went to Chophouse in Greenville. It was incredibly nice. The atmosphere is romantic :) I had a really good fruity drink called "Sex on the beach"-- David and I shared it. The food was great as well. As we were about to leave the restaurant I asked him if we were still going on the carriage ride. He nonchalantly (spelling?) told me that we'd wait until another night to do it. I understood because it was a school night and we were both tired. We decided to just go to my house and relax and do a bit of school work. At that point, David decided to make a quick call home. When he did, he "found out" he'd left his laptop at home. When he got off the phone he asked me if it was ok if we went by there quickly to get it. I told him that was fine, so we headed there. When we got to his house I still did not have a clue anything was up. When we were standing in the kitchen, he said "Oh, look, there's a fire going in there... wanna go sit down for a minute?" I fought the urge to tell him that we should probably get going, and said "ok, sure." As soon as I walked into the den, I saw the whole reason for us being there. Set up by the fireplace was a table with a white tablecloth. On it were cangles, a dozen white roses, chocolate covered strawberries, and champagne! There were also two white chairs. I knew then that this was all for me, he was going to propose! After a minute he had me sit, close my eyes, and hold out my hand. He placed a box in my hand and got down on one knee. I was SO happy by that point I could hardly concentrate. As the proposal ended he opened the ring box and asked me to marry him, to which I, of course, said "yes!" We were both as giddy as little kids at that point! He called his parents (who had been cued to leave with his phone call) to come back. When they arrived they had a gift for us, and we celebrated! I wont give too many more details here, but of course I can if you ask :) The bottom line is that I am GETTING MARRIED! I am so happy and so excited that I feel like I am still on cloud 9! See why I said I didn't mind this kind of change :)

To my fiance: Thank you so much for making me the happiest girl in the whole entire world! You are the most amazing guy I know, and my BEST friend. I can not wait for June 6, 09 when I get to be your wife! Until then, I am going to enjoy every single second of being engaged-- you are SO worth the wait :) I love you (more)!