The Next Chapter

So something very exciting has happened last week.

I GOT ENGAGED!!!

To be honest, it was a complete suprise. I thought I was going to have to wait until Valentines, but I didnt! I couldnt be happier about it. I figured it was about time I blogged about it. Things seem to have picked up with life in general in the last 5 days, even without wedding/engagement stuff and this is the first chance I've had. I know people are wanting to know how he proposed. So here it is:


We had already made plans to go see my favorite musical, The Color Purple. He had never seen a big show like that before, and its one of my all time favorites so I was already pumped up about this day. I will say the thought had definately crossed my mind about him proposing then, but it was more of a wish. A wish so wanted that I even had tried to get my sister to suggest it to him (she told me to stop it and leave him alone haha). However, by the time the day came, Id written off the idea that it would happen. We were just going out on a nice date. We were both all dressed up. I had on a dress I'd never worn. He was all cute in his new purple dress shirt. We were cute as a button. We ate at Zios before the show, which was delicious and complete with peach belinis. Everything was normal. No hints. No awkward moments. Just a regular night out with my man.

So when we were leaving he wanted to smoke prior to getting to the theatre. At the time I thought it a bit weird but didnt matter as long as I could wait in the warm car. A skirt on a cold night was feeling like a bad idea at this point. We were walking toward the theatre, and I assumed we'd go in the closest doors. Because of where we parked that would mean the side doors. However, Jer asked what the front of the building looked like. I said more stairs and some statue. He insisted we go to the front because he'd never been there. I was a bit annoyed simply because of how cold it was, but was going to go along because it wasnt anything worth making any deal of. Well thank goodness I went along with it.

We got to the statue and he wanted to know who it was. So we stood there, reading the statue, and I said "ok can we go in now?" and his response was "almost". He then turned to me, got down on one knee and said "I love you so much Mallory and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?"  I of course said yes immediately. The ring was beautiful (one of the ones Id pointed out to really like a week prior). He kissed me, put the ring on, and said "Now we can go in". I was all smiles all evening (and even still). I kept looking at my ring reflect in the safety lights on the stairs during the show haha. It was a perfect evening.

So now, we're getting married this fall! Its pretty crazy how fast it feels like its coming and yet it also feels like it will never get here. We're checking things off one by one, doing what we can when we can. This is a day Ive waited for since I was a little girl, and now its finally on its way! I know theres going to be a lot of things to do. A lot of details to track. And we're on a budget, a pretty small one though undetermined, so we'll be doing as much of it as we can by ourselves. Ive been craigslisting, bargain hunting, and asking the people we know. So far I feel like its going pretty well. Its just a matter of money really. Im so frugal about it all that I eat weird cheap home lunches, pick up any and all change I see laying on the ground/in flower beds, and we're going to start collecting cans for cash. So, if you have any change or cans you want to donate, all donations gladly accepted! hahaha no really...

 So thats my engagement story, and whats going on with life right now (for the most part). One day I'll get a chance to update other things but for now, starting the next chapter of my life is the thing that is more important and time consuming. I love it. And I love Jeremiah.

Looking forward to the future

No better time for a blog than lunch break!

My holidays were amazing. I couldnt have asked for anything better. I not only got to spend them with the man I love, Jeremiah Parris, but I got to spend them with my family and his! It was truly one of the most special christmases to me. Christmas has always been a big deal to me. It makes me happier than any time of year. I put up my Christmas decorations two weeks before Thanksgiving and still havent taken them down. I LOVE IT! I think theres such thing as Christmas Magic. People start being kinder to one another, little miracles start happening...its a beautiful thing!

Jer's family from his mom's side came to visit right after Christmas. I'd met all of his dad's family, and this was my first time to meet Debbie's siblings. They were wonderful!! Unfortunately one aunt and cousin were unable to attend, but I had a great time with those who did visit. I think I've truly found a man with the most wonderful family ever. They are all so sweet and welcoming. I consider myself lucky.

Jana and Ryan took Jer and I out for a double date extravaganza. This meant we went ice skating and to see the movie Black Swan. Ice skating was fun, though my ankles werent really letting me enjoy it. I swear I could only get around the rink once before my feet cramped and my laces loosened. And Black Swan, well, weird. It was not what I expected. It was amazing and beautiful and dark and twisted and wow. I had no idea it would be so graphic! It was awesome though..in a "I have no idea exactly whats going on" kind of way. All in all our date extravaganza was a win. I love Ryan and Jana so much. They're two of my favorite people.

Preston , my mama's man, came to visit. And I must say....Im really hoping this is the man my mom is going to marry!!!

Ive started going back to the costume shop now that the elevator is fixed. Its a zoo. An out of control zoo. Ive slowly gained a little control but there's still SO much to do. So for the next months or so I will be spending a few hours a week there to get it under control. Madness I tell you. There are going to be some rules set for that place if Im going to continue to work in it. I refuse to pick up after someone who doesnt have the respect for others enough to throw their halls wrappers away, or not throw bobby pins on the floor. I dont need the money that bad to have to put up with that crap. So ya, this year I'll be back around a bit more. I will be stage managing the big show this summer under Cyndi....plan on helping out with ushering/concessions/sets etc a bit more. Ive missed the theatre...and from what I hear it misses me. The good news is, Jer is interested in helping with the set construction etc! So how awesome to be able to get to share something I love with someone I love and vice versa!! So exciting.

Last fall I did HCG and lost 30 pounds. This new year I've been teeter tottering around with the idea of a round 2. The only thing keeping me from it is the idea of eating more tomatoes makes me want to vomit...and being that was one of the only vegetables I liked that I could eat...its hard to go back. BUT I think, I think, Ive decided to do it. It will either be when the groceries I just bought are run down or the first of february. Why not do another round and lose another 30 on the easiest diet I've ever done in my life? Sure. I'll give it it a shot...i think. ;)

I still love my job at Coldwell Banker, though right now my boss has been severely sick so my work load has been weird. Ive been trying to keep things afloat while finding enough to do while I'm at work. Needless to say its a bit difficult. AND I miss her! She's such a life force to have around, its sad when she's not been her in....2 weeks? Ya that sounds right. I want her healthy and healed asap.

Speaking of jobs!!!! Jeremiah started a new job working for Stillwater National Bank. This week he said goodbye retail and hello office job! Its a super awesome thing for him. Its what he's wanted to do since I've known him. Not neccessarily the exact position he works, but he's always hated retail and wanted to work in an office setting. So after a month or so of applying for any job available, he got hired! This is his third day of training and I think its going to be a good thing...for him and for us (though its making him super duper tired right now...his body isnt used to really functioning that early anymore). I couldnt be more proud of him.

2011 is going to be one hell of a year. Im excited about all its going to bring. Lots of changes, lots of events. Its super exciting. Its the year of penny pinching, weigh watching, planning, organizing, loving, and so much more. 2011 will be my year. I couldnt be happier about it.

On a final note...apartmement dwellers. PLEASE be considerate of your neighbors. And I dont just mean dont turn your tvs up so loud I can feel your subtitles (yes, i know)....I mean with your love lives. If Im sound asleep and I get woken up because your head board is banging the wall and your girlfriend is screaming and talking so loudly I can understand what she's saying.....THATS A PROBLEM! And if it happens TWICE in one night....I should come down there and knock on your door just to interrupt you. That is NOT okay!! Yes each person pays rent and has the right to do what they want in their own homes...but when it affects me and my sleep, you're being disrespectful. I dont do my jumping jacks and stride jumps early in the mornings because I respect your sleep. But dammit, if you dont start respecting me and the noise levels (which they talk about in your lease about respecting others with after 10pm...) then expect me to start running marathons and doing jumping jacks that sound like elephants at 6am. Im over you and your ridiculous sex noises....honestly, its not natural....and I think she's faking. The end.