So, I did it. I worked up the nerve, found the cash for a ring, asked the father, and then proposed to Amanda. The day I chose was somewhat clicheic, but everything fell into place perfectly.
It's been a bit of a crazy year. At the beginning of the year, I lost my grandmother, and for the last few months amanda has been taking care of a dieing aunt. There have been many ups and downs, but the one constant we've both had has been each other. I was unsure at the beginning of this year where I was going, where we were going, and had the typical guy problems with commitment on top of it all. I learned, however, that love changes a man. Amanda's been there for me when it's counted most, and that means a lot. But, most of all, she's probably the only person on this earth that both gets my aweful sence of humor topped with a general weirdness, and is willing to put up with my insanely off-tempo personality.
So, Christmas day (the first I've spent without my grandmother), we went through the typical day. Went by my parent's house for a small gift exchange (yeah, my mom still likes to do stockings, and I'm not going to complain, toys and oral hygene!) and then head out to the farm for breakfast served by my grandfather. At about 1:00, we have an extended family gift exchange and then people start to dispurse between 3:00 and 6:00.
I jetted outa there with Amanda around 2:00. At this point the rain had let up and the clouds were breaking a bit. This was a good thing because the next stop was to the place that we shared our first date and our first sunset: Deception Pass (ok, I wouldn't reccomend reading into the name).
We went out onto our little private bluff, I busted out the ring, and popped the question....and I guess you know the rest.
Well, that part's over, now the next part is going to be working out the makings of a mixed-culture, huge-ass wedding...as, at first count, we estimate sending out over 300 invitations, with most showing up! ...well, at least the Mexican Money Dance should be lucerative...