Engaged

So, I should be doing school-related activities, but I'd rather write about my engagement. Murad and I were engaged today. While, I knew it was coming I was shocked by the proposal! He came to my classroom while I was planning and he pretended to have lost his keys. He then revealed that he didn't lose his keys as he got down on one knee. He asked me to be his wife and of course I was surprised. I wanted to start crying, but then I realized I had to tutor!!! It was so beautiful. Words cannot even describe it.

We had been talking about getting engaged for a while. I knew I wanted to marry him immediately, and when he brought it up this summer I was ecstatic! We kind of picked out the ring together, which some people may find non-traditional, but we are, so who cares. I knew I wanted an oval diamond by itself. I think the oval is so special and different. I wanted a simple setting...no diamonds and he wanted something in platinum, so we settled on a tiffany style platinum band. I think the ring perfectly symbolizes our love and how well we work together. It's so perfect and I'm so honored that he wants me to wear it. I can not wait to be his wife.

I will have to wait though. No date is set, but we're planning a Dallas wedding for spring '09. We really want to have it in Dallas because we met here. We both love spring and spring colors, and since spring '08 is too soon, we figure spring '09 will be perfect. We want to contribute to the wedding and my mother wants to make my dress, so this will give us lots of time to do both. I'm sure after today this blog will turn into a wedding planning blog, but who cares...it's my party!

Well, Murad and I plan to celebrate tomorrow night. Tonight I just want to let it all soak in!

Dinner

Just want to say how much I love this meal. I really don't enjoy breakfast. In fact, most days I down a Slim Fast on my way to work. I enjoy lunch, but it's more of a necessity. It gets me through the rest of the day. Dinner is something truly special I get to sit down and enjoy it.

Last night a few girls from work and one of my best friends from KU came over for dinner. We had some pita pizzas, salad and of course wine. It was just fun to sit, eat and have some girl talk.

Today while Murad and I were at Sam's Club, he invested in a reversible grill and griddle. This thing is awesome. For fifty bucks, we get to enjoy wonderful meals. As I'm typing, my boyfriend is cooking up some tasty kabobs!!! I can't wait for a nice relaxing dinner that we'll have tonight. I may even have a glass of wine....don't tell, it's a school night!

My Best Friend's Wedding

Wow! It finally happened. The friends I've known the longest finally got married! I've known Jason since Kindergarten and Amber since second grade, and I could not be more happy for them. Having witnessed every aspect of their relationship, I feel as though no couple could be more perfect for each other than these two.

I also would like to brag about their wedding. Hands down the best wedding I've been to in a while. As a career bridesmaid, I've attended a ton of weddings. I see the same aisle decorations and hear the same organ and trumpet processionals. I yawn over the same centerpieces, as well. Not Amber's wedding. Every detail of her wedding reflected the personal style in Amber I've come to know. The aisle was lined with pails of flowers. Instead of carrying a traditional bouquet, she collected flowers from audience members as she walked down the aisle. The music was fun and performed by a variety of friends which made the wedding extra special. No organs here, just guitars and soaring voices. The reception was a blast. Instead of hearing cheesy songs from the 70's we danced the night away to hip-hop favorites of today and the 90's. The food was a wonderful assortment of fancy hor d'ourves. Salmon with raspberry barbeque vinagerette (can't spell)....can anyone else say yummy?

What I loved best about her wedding was that I really felt a part of it. I loved every minute of it. I also enjoyed seeing old friends from Wichita and KU. I wish we could do it all over again.

I love that it was my best friend's wedding...or should I say my best friends' wedding!

Back to School

Well, I've finally made it through almost my first two weeks of my third year of teaching. With all the mishaps that have happened, it's amazing I'm still alive to blog about it. Between not receiving my copies and taking on added responsibilities, I am a chicken with it's head cut off. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

My kids are amazing. I'm learning so much about them through their writing and personal portfolios. Some of them have the strangest sense of humor. Some of the things that come out of their mouths are so mature. Some of the things that come out of their mouths are a little too mature.

I also love my classroom this year. I feel like I finally have an organized system. I'm sure this will all be shot in a few weeks though! My room finally reflects my personality and I think it is a safe environment in which my children can learn.

On top of that I am really excited about my new responsibilities although I am not excited about the amount of work I will be doing outside of the office. I'm excited to take over as the Student Assistance Team leader. However, I do not know what this title entails. I'm ecstatic to continue working with the National Junior Honor Society and still working at the Writing Lab after school. In addition to that, I start Saturday School in two weeks. Although I'm not excited about waking up for work on a Saturday, it's only 4 weeks and I get paid $400. Plus, I think I'll learn a lot from the lessons that we teach and I can take that back to my kids at my school.

All in all, it will be a good year with good times. Oh did I mention I'm going back to school. AAAAHHHH!!!