So I guess this is mostly just for Emily since I don't think anyone else that used to use this really does any more.  But I wanted to write something about our engagement and all.

So we were in Blacksburg for a trip I insisted I make for my friend's 21st Birthday.  I went out Thursday night while he stayed home, and then after some late night shopping at Walmart, we went to bed.  We were up early at 8am to go to the Cascades.  We went on our 2 mile hike up to the Waterfalls (I'll post pics on facebook soon).  Here is a pic from the website for the Cascades.

We ate lunch while sitting on the benches on the upper overlook which is the little bridge area up in the left side of the picture.  And then while we were eating lunch he pulls the ring box out of his bag and then gets down on one knee and asks me to marry him.  I started to cry, it was so beautiful.  So we hugged and kissed so much and I jumped up and down and then we started back down the 2 miles to the car. 

I called my parents and started telling people that I was going to be seeing that night when I went out again.  Then later we went out to dinner and a movie and had a nice little date night before I went out downtown with my friends (he isn't much of a bar hopping guy but he knew I wanted to see my friends so he didn't mind). 

My engagement ring is a total of 1 and 3/8 carats.  It has a 3/4 carat center stone with 5/8 carats worth of sides stones.  Here is a picture that really doesnt due it justice since it is pictured with a 3/8 center stone and I have a 3/4. 

I had to take it to be sized because James wasn't sure what size to get and didn't want to have to go through getting it sized multiple times.  So I am supposed to get the ring back on May 6th, and after that I don't plan on taking it off my finger except probably when I shower and such. 

I'm so excited and I feel like I'm supposed to be planning already but we aren't going to be getting married for like 2 years so I feel like there isn't much I can do right now.  But soon I will be wedding planning crazy. And it will be so much fun.

Life and Love

I don't think I could have imagined things turning out this well for me.  I have a boyfriend that loves me so much. His family that treats me like one of their own. Working on the relationship with my dad, and its better than before.  My mom finally doing what she needs to for her own life.  Working towards an actual career goal and seeing that it could actually happen.

I'm just so excited about my future.  And I hope that I'll be able to combine the people from my past into my future.  I just never thought I'd be one of those people that has their whole life planned out, and really knows when they'll be engaged, married, working, and having kids.

boredom ensues.

Classes are good. And fun. I got to dissect a sheep brain last week! I'm excited about working towards Nursing School. I think it will be a great opportunity for me. 
I'm kind of liking this staying home all day thing though.  It's lots of work trying to keep the house cleaned up and taking care of the kitties.  They act just like little kids sometimes. 
And things are so good wtih James and me. After everything we've been through, I don't think there's anything left that would break us up. And after so much wedding talk I dont see us not having one. Probably won't happen til 2010 or 2011 after saving money and me finishing all my schooling for Nursing School, but still.  It's awesome to think about.

Currently Watching Iron Man (Single-Disc Edition) By Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow see related

As much as I complain about my parents, I love that they really love me and will love me no matter what. Had a tiny mishap with my car this afternoon but instead of completely freaking out about it they just were glad to know i was ok and that nothing was seriously wrong. 

[yes, i'm one of those drivers that break their car less than 24 hours after they get it....]