A HopeFUL Romantic

I used to say I was a hopeless romantic. Loved the idea of being in love. I still do love the idea of being in love. But hopeless is so sad. I was never a hopeless romantic, but a hopeful romantic. Full of hope that someday love would come. And it did! Several people helped me find it. Friends, family, books, songs, moments, and even random couples who will never know I saw the love they shared; all gave me advice, inspiration and knowledge. I tucked all that information away in both my heart and my mind. And when love came, I knew it was strong because my mind and my heart were in sync.

Often, when we think about finding love, we think about finding a person. And that once you meet a person, you know. But love isn't a person, love is so much more. It is a transcendent feeling that comes when two people, sharing their lives, have mirroring images of the world.

Everyone views the world differently. To find someone that sees it the same way you do, makes the journey of life easier.

"A burden shared is half the burden. A joy shared is twice the joy."

Discovering that you're sharing your life with someone that shares your vision of the world is beautiful. Amazing.

I love you.

Things are a LOT more meaningful when...

...you have to wait for them.

It's difficult to realize the beauty of that thought, until the waiting is over.  But it is SO true.  

Six Man, Crazy Six Man

Since my days of ultra-competitive, indoor volleyball have ended, I've been able to take part in one of the most fun and hilarious beach volleyball events: the Manhattan Beach Charlie Saikley 6-Person Beach Volleyball Tournament.  Click here to get a sense of the craziness of the event.  The first year I played in it (2004), I was mesmerized by all the people and crazy costumes.  While I still love seeing the creative team uniforms and watching good volleyball, it has become a place for me to play competitive 6-Man volleyball and see friends that I don't cross regular paths with anymore.

Here are some pictures of this year's event.  My team was sponsored by OB's Pub & Grill and we had a jungle "Tiki Tarzan" theme.

For the rest of my life...

...I get to kiss him!

After 27 months, six cities, three continents, hundreds of emails, countless hours of conversation, and lots of kisses, Bradford asked me to marry him and made me the happiest girl in the world! He proposed on a tree-lined street, next to the tree where we first said, "I love you." He gave me a perfect, beautiful speech and I soaked up every word of it... sweet, genuine, and true. Then he grabbed the ring from the car, got down on a knee, and asked me to marry him. I said YES, he stood up, and I wrapped my arms around his neck. After hugging and kissing for a time, he slipped the ring on and it fit perfectly. Once I had the ring on my finger and Bradford in my arms, I couldn't stop smiling, crying, saying 'I love you,' and giggling, because I couldn't believe it was actually happening!

Once we settled down, we went out to dinner and enjoyed two hours of delicious seafood, where no one else except our waiter knew the big news. It was our beautiful little secret for two hours.

I am so excited for the adventure, passion, and happiness that will now be a part of my life forever.