I'm not sure if I'm the type to get really involved in these boards, but for some reason I'm feeling very happy and lovey-dovey and in the mood to share...
When I met my finance I think we both knew from the start that we were the ones for each other...yes, we are one of those "when you know, you know" couples. We began discussing marriage and quickly revealed our desires to marry one another. On more than a few occassions he's randomly gotten down on one knew and "popped the question" - in the shower, middle of a hike, etc. Of course it's always a yes from me!
My fiance is very into creative, unique, and handcrafted things and just isn't comfortble picking out a ring from a store - though I always explain I'd say yes a hundred times over for something as small as a ring pop! Awhile ago we/he began the process of having a ring designed and made for me. This is, I am learning, a very long process going the route he's picked. At first I didn't consider myself engaged nor did I want to share me happiness or story without a ring (silly me). Well, unbeknowst to me, one day when he was alone with my parents he opened the topic, asked for their support and explained our intentions. They were thrilled! And I came home to a mother already surfing the 'net looking for dresses she thinks I'd look great in and a father who had created a budget spredsheet of what they could/would pay for (I consider myself more than a little blessed). I quickly realized that the ring is in no way required to feel engaged!
I also couldn't hold my secret any longer. The first chance we could get all of my family together we made our announcement. We've each told our individual groups of friends and then a couple weeks later I did that whole facebook status change thing. The outpouring of support and joy for us has been so awesome. And only a few people went right to inquiring about a ring...which actually gave me the fun chance to brag about my guy and the effort he wants to put in for me (yeah yeah, shallow I know).
As it gets closer to ring time I am getting fewer details so that there is some surprise involved. And, based on whispers, secrecy, and flat-out taunts I know that I am getting some sort of special something for the presentation of the final product. All I know is that it will be sometime in the next several weeks - I'm a high school teacher and go back August 1 and been told I'll go back to school with my beautiful sapphire ring on. I CAN'T WAIT!
I've never been a traditional girl who takes the traditional route, and I'm actually thrilled my engagement story is a bit different...heck, I'm still getting proposed to all the time in many different and adorable ways...what fun! Thus far being engaged is mostly fun. I'm sure stress will come (I know it), but now it's just thinking about the great wedding day we'll be having, planning a kick-ass honeymoon, sharing it all with loved ones, and most importantly basking in the joy of finding the person we want to commit a lifetime to!
So there I am, a 32 year old "girl" who never thought she'd fine a good one and I found the best one (for me)!