Five-Hundred Twenty-Five-Thousand Six-Hundred Minutes

Dear Future Wife,

One year.

Twelve months.

Three-hundred sixty-five days.

It doesn't matter how you slice it, this next year will be one of the most important of our lives. How are we going to measure the time until we are married? I'm definitely all for measuring it in cups of coffee... but, perhaps not. We both know that too much caffeine, and I become a ball of crazy.

No, I know how I want to measure this next year. I would propose that we measure it in journey's to plan. Because it's not just about the destination... it's about making our own way together, and enjoying each other along the way.

A year from today, we will be married. I will be your husband, and you will be my wife. Let's savor the rest of this part of our journey. After all, this will be the last time we'll have this season of our love before we move on to the next as husband and wife.

I look forward to the next 525,600 minutes, and the journeys we will plan together.

Yours As You Wish,

-J

"Measure your life in love"

It's (Almost) the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Dear Future Wife,

So, it's almost October. The greatest month of the year. Not just because of Halloween, but because it's arrival truly signifies the death of Summer... even though Autumn supposedly begins at the Autumnal Equinox this month, we always seem to get a bout of "2nd Summer" at some point.

Soon we will not have to worry about allergies... feeling gross because of the ungodly temperatures and humidity... and you will get to work on achieving Nirvana with your hair straightening routine.

You make things in my life so easy by simplifying everything. Everything gets so complicated in my mind because I'll spend too much time thinking about it, and you are able to cut through the fog and make everything clear. Your ability to do this is what makes you a great person.

I look forward to our own "Valentine's Day" at the end of the month.

I love you, Sweets.

Dates, Venues, and Guest Lists, Oh My!

Dear Future Wife,

So, I know the majority of this has been a bit cutesy, and corny... but, from here on in, I'm going to take the tone somewhere similar to our own conversations.

How crazy was today? We have felt many emotions today, and have been drained. In a week, we've picked a date, got most of our guest lists done, and found a venue. I'm glad those things are done, or mostly done. I'm also glad we've figured out our groomsmen and bridesmaids already. But, I want to make sure we don't overdo ourselves.

That being said, Devil's Head was everything I would want out of a place to be married. From getting there and Alanis Morissette playing (even though it was a bad rerecording), to leaving and Evanescence playing... It made me happy that was the cue you took from the universe to say yes. Then there are things like places to be secluded to break the attention being given to us... the potential of beautiful fall colours... the eclectic style and a room that has not been used for many weddings ever.

However, I can tell this week has taken a toll on you. People paying you so much attention, and so much unwanted touching... I will be a little worried, but always support you in every way. Over this next week, we will do none of the things... and next Thursday we will revel in a day tailored for us in seclusion. Strawberries, cartoons, movies, and maybe even a proper homemade dinner.

Corn Fields the Size of Kansas

Dear Future Wife,

Well, now you've done it. You went and said "yes". Soo... should I start planning the honey moon now? Or... how does this even work? You've said you want to be married on a Friday the 13th, and I'm okay with this. However, there's no more in 2016, and only 2 in 2017.

I'm guessing it'll be the latter of the two... because unless you're filthy rich, who the hell can plan a proper wedding in 6 months? Let alone save for it.

For now, I look forward to the next several months where we get to figure out a non-pretentious way of calling each other "fiancée", and starting to figure out where we go from here.

---

As for anyone else that's reading, here's the ring in it's proper place:

A special thanks goes out to Brett Linskens @ The Diamond Center in Madison, WI. His helpful demeanor, and positive attitude made the whole experience great! Thank you also to Jason, Caroline, and Tricia for making every stop memorable! If you live in Wisconsin, I highly recommend you seek out The Diamond Center - they're local, and when it comes to buying something so important, going to Jared's or Kay's just isn't worth the hassle.

The End of Life as I Know It...

Dear Future Wife,

When you had me watch "P.S. I Love You" with you, I knew from that moment that it would come up at some point if I decided to ask you to be my wife. I can't remember the day we watched it, but it had a deep and lasting impact on me. I just watched it again last night. I decided a long while ago that I would watch it the night before I was going to propose to you, and work it into this blog.

To be honest, Gerry said it best... Caroline, from the time we had our first kiss, it was the end of life as I knew it. There are reasons behind why I decided to write this blog. It's because I knew I needed to do two things:

1) To paraphrase the movie: "I needed to tell you how much you have moved me... how you changed me. You've made me into a man by loving me, and for that I'm eternally grateful."

2) I needed to do it in a way that I wouldn't break down sobbing while trying to ask you to marry me, and to tell you why you're the one that I want to spend all the rest of my days with.

So, when you're ready... I'd like to ask you a question...

P.S. I love you.

Murphy & His Shenanigans

Dear Future Wife,

So, by now you know that I have had quite the crazy past couple of days. Murphy tried to pull some crazy stunts, but he has been defeated.

Now you also know why I had a bunch of mason jars sitting in my apartment that day... Totally going to have to make jam now, aren't I? What's funny is that these were hiding in plain sight this past Thursday.

I thought of another to add to the jar on the left...

"Because you're the strongest person I've ever known."

I picked up your ring yesterday... and felt the heady realization that it's finally going to happen, and happen the right way. It's so beautiful, and I cannot wait to see it on your finger.

"Everything's Shiny, Cap'n!"

Blessed Be

Dear Future Wife,

So, today I met your parents in Baraboo at a really cute diner and asked them for their blessing to ask you to be my wife. I was so worried and anxious. After lots of conversation, & lots of great questions, Keith extended his hand seemingly out of nowhere and told me that I had his blessing. I was so surprised!

I am glad I got to do this, and that they got to ask me questions that they felt they needed to ask me. I actually look forward to spending family holidays with the three of you.

I Hope Jewel's Husband Heard You :)

Dear Future Wife,

Yesterday we went to Wizard Con with Gnomie. I had so much fun at my first con! I wish I was not in so much pain with my shoulder, but there's not much I can do about that.

Thank you for being okay with allowing me to geek out over seeing Jewel Staite. My favorite part of the whole thing was the fact that you got upset with me when Jewel was talking about her lasagna, and I turned to you and said "It's delicious!" - when you said "How would you know? You've never had it!", I wanted to laugh so hard lol

Then to find out that Jewel's husband was sitting directly behind us with their son? I really hope he heard you say that lol

I'm getting close to having your ring. There have been some delays, but if you're reading this, you'll know by now that I've got it.

Why's It Always Have To Be Frogs...

Dear Future Wife,

I've never had so much fun playing a video game with a partner before. The sheer chaos of watching all that we built tonight burn down in a fiery blaze of pixelated glory... I can't help but smile.

The ring is starting to come together, and become a real thing... and I've tried asking you if you'd like to go see your parents in Viroqua... this is mostly under the guise of I'd like to try to ask them for their blessing, but I don't know how it's going to work yet.

"I can't say how every time I ever put my arms around you, I felt that I was home."

-Earnest Hemmingway

This Is Your Song...

Dear Future Wife,

So... from popped balloons, to late night grocery store snack runs, to creepy hallways... Sitting with you listening to a guy performing as Elton John took it out of me. Sometimes I want to put a fast forward on life so that I can hurry up and be your husband, but I don't because I'm sure I'd miss so many important things that way. That moment with you is one I'm afraid I'd have missed... I wouldn't trade that memory for anything.

This year has been the best thing ever. I'm still not sure why I thought it was March, or that our first date was on the 17th... but, I'm glad we got to do something memorable... even if the food was dreadful lol

(WTF IS THIS? THE SHINING?!?)

Your Birthday, Christmas, and the New Year

Dear Future Wife,

Over the past couple of weeks we've had so many things go on. Your birthday... I am so glad you trusted me enough to make your day great. Your tattoo turned out amazing! I'm so happy you like it. You are the one person I've ever wanted to do so much for. I will never stop. Even when 7 years rolls around, 14 years, 21 years... etc. I won't stop.

Christmas was the best I've ever had. The joy in your eyes when I gave you "The Giver" made my year. Thank you for spending the New Year with me. I enjoyed going to the museum with you, and getting to kiss you when the new year rolled in. I'm looking forward to the craziness that will happen this Spring.

I adore your parents. Keith seems like a really funny guy, but he seems like he doesn't want to show his cards. You mom is definitely a kind soul - She seems very protective of you. I'm glad for that. I wouldn't have it any other way. However, it scares me to think I'm going to have to ask them for their blessing at some point...