The Verdict

Here ye! Here ye!

The verdict is in. My darling partner in life has been accepted as a pilot candidate into the United States Marine Officer Candidate School. My initial thought was, "and I thought I wanted the waiting to know to end." Boy was I wrong. Knowing he's going is ten times as nerving as waiting to know if he can go! Despite the nerves, fear and anxiety, I have an underlying sense of satisfaction and happiness. It's definitely scary and life changing. However, for the first time in Michael's entire life he has the opportunity to live his dream. He has dreamt of flying planes since he was 5 years old. Now that dream is a burgeoning reality. Michael will be able to wake up everday and say "I love my job!" Now, how many Americans can actually say that?! (I think it's like 4%). In the fall of 2007, I spent several weeks pondering whether or not I would be strong enough (and willing) to support Michael through this endeavor. I decided to stand by him. Today, though fearful of the unknown, I stand strong and firm. I'm going to do my best to support Michael through his journey.

So what's next you ask?! Michael will depart Austin on January 9, 2009 to report to OCC training in Quantico, VA. This 10.5 week program is 7-days a week of WORK WORK WORK. So, no phone calls, emails, visit...nada! Assuming all goes well, on March 20, 2009 Michael will graduate from OCC and receive his official commission as a United States Marine Officer. From there, he may or may not have a leave (time off) depending on the start date of his next training period. If there's a backlog of officers waiting, he could come home for a couple of months. If there isn't a waiting period, he may not get a break at all. Whenever he goes back in, he'll be training for 6 intense months. Fortunately for me, I will likely be on summer break during this time and able to visit Michael in Virginia. Once Michael completes this laborious boot camp, he is on to Flight School for roughly 2-years.

Whew! A lot going on, right?! Well I'm up for the challenge and he's very excited. He's working out harder than ever. He is determined to get his 3-mile run time at or under 20 minutes. These are all the military updates I have for now. Lots of life changing things going on with us so please stay tuned!

Where Do the Thank You's End?

The engagement party was a HUGE success (largely in part to my 2 assistants). The setup was beautiful and the food was delicious. Over 40 guests joined Michael and I to celebrate our engagement.

My family really worked hard to put together an amazing event. My dear cousin, did my make-up and put together all my floral arrangements FROM SCRATCH. Did I mention she's 8 months pregnant?! My grandfather made the official announcement of our engagement with the assistance of my dad and Michael. My dad put together a playlist for the evening and setup his speaker system to ensure our guests were entertained. My dear friend Gail made stuffed mushrooms for the buffet table. All the other goodies were created by my lovely assistant Jessica Knox. (Weird she has my name, I know). My other assitant Oanh decorated the foyer and dining areas in shades of pink and brown. My grandmother and cousin Nita jumped in to help Oanh and Jessica K manage the party as the guests began to flood the foyer. Oh and the guests...the guests...Michael and I were so very delighted to see so many of our friends from California. It was truly a memorable event. Words cannot express how thankful Michael and I are to all of our family and friends. This was an evening we will remember for years to come.

Enjoy the photos from the party.