The Story

I want to write a blog post that has been a while coming- the story of how Nathan and I got engaged. It’s been more than a month (hard to believe!) and I know some of you have been wanting to know, so here’s fair warning that we’re getting to the mushy stuff! :)

                Last month, I flew to Halifax to visit my boyfriend for reading week. We hadn’t seen each other since New Year’s Day, and although I mistakenly told several people we hadn’t seen each other in two-and-a-half months, it was actually one-and-a-half…just goes to show that I can’t count and also that it felt like a long time between visits. You’d think I’d be used to that by now…

      

          It had been an absolutely crazy couple of weeks leading up to that, and although I couldn’t wait to hit Friday evening (one sleep!) I wasn’t even too excited by that point due to exhaustion. Saturday, my friend drove me to the airport, and after a fairly pleasant day of travelling, arrived in Halifax. I had to putter around the airport and kill time before boarding the bus into the downtown – so close and yet not really there yet.

      

          I waited in the rain at the bus stop downtown and it was a little like being in a Leonard Cohen song but he appeared out of the opposite direction I was staring into and it was a happy reunion. We walked to his place, skirting giant lakes in the sidewalk between snowbanks (crazy Halifax weather) and had a low-key evening, glad to be in one another’s company again.

                The week is a bit of a blur, and I wish I remembered each day better. We spent a few pleasant days together. I was so glad to be on break and to have that time with Nathan just to spend together and have a slower pace.

                On Monday night, I decided I’d run the next day since it would actually be sunny, as I’m training – I use the term loosely, haha – for the Bluenose Half in May. Tuesday, Nathan suggested we go for coffee at a place nearby that we like, and I said, “Oh, but I was going to run…” and he said we could just go after. I headed out and had a beautiful, sunny run in which I got a little lost and added a couple of kilometres onto my run, which worked out nicely. Other than not getting to run on the road as much as usual, it was wonderful, and the gravel paths through Point Pleasant Park were lovely and shared by several dogs and people.

           When I got back, Nathan was marinating salmon for supper, and it smelled amazing. We went for coffee and enjoyed a nice while there. We reminisced to the first time we’d gone there together. Next, we headed back to do some more reading of the novel we were reading together out loud. (Best thing ever.) After a few chapters, we made our lovely supper: marinated salmon, rice and veggies with a delicious sauce.

                Afterward, Nathan said, “Oh, I have another song for you.” We’ve been sending each other songs online since before we were dating, and it was a neat connection point for us from the beginning. I was surprised, and said okay, and sat at his computer to listen to this song he’d found while he cut up some chocolate cheesecake for dessert.

  

              It was a really moving song, and even though I’m not much of a crier (to the point where I wonder if I’m human), I got tears in my eyes and got all choked up. He came over and gave me a giant hug, then dropped to one knee - so we were now at eye-level, haha- I was in shock and maybe didn’t respond the way one might…he proposed and I said, “Really!?” Then followed it up with, “I mean yes, of course!” I was so surprised and so happy and overwhelmed, all at once.

               

              He had some Prosecco under the sink and we had some of that, with cake, and then called our families. It took him about half an hour, and me, about two hours – lame – I just wanted to enjoy the evening with my – eeks!- fiancé but had to make sure all the siblings found out on the same day.

               

             So that’s the story, in a nutshell! We’re getting married this summer, which is both exciting and terrifying! Ha. Plans are coming together though, and that’s encouraging.

                What can I say – I’m so grateful to have had a “chance” meeting almost three years ago that reminded us of each other again, and I’m happy that our relationship is built on a solid friendship.

                What a guy. I am so blessed. Thank you, God.

And yes, I know, it's a giant beard. Don't mention it, it'll just encourage it. ;) haha.

Now it's time to finish up the semester (this week), move (in less than a month), start my final year on a campus I've never been to - scary! - and, oh right, plan a wedding somewhere in there and also actually get married. ;) You can say it- it's a little crazy! Don't worry, I'm terrified and excited all mixed together. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated at this time. :)

p.s. Sorry for the long delay! I haven't given up the blog, just haven't had much time to blog with school and work. Miss you guys!