He Went... To... Jared?

A year ago today, my sweet husband got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. We were talking last night about how quickly this year has passed. I so vividly remember walking to the admissions building at Furman thinking I was meeting my sister to "talk" and being swept off my feet by a candlelit proposal in a place that was so special to our relationship. I remember getting in his car and not knowing who to call first or where to go to celebrate because everyone was studying for exams and I was too excited to think straight. I remember going to McDonalds before going back to tell my friends and getting a soft-serve ice cream and then not eating a bite of it and leaving it in Price's car for 2 days. Clearly, I was distracted as ice cream is not something I ever waste. I remember running around the J apartment complex telling friends, both awake and asleep, about our exciting news. I remember standing in front of my closet for a good thirty minutes trying to decide what to wear on my first day with a fiance. I remember painting my nails once a week for a good month or so. I have a good memory and could go on and on but am going to stop for your sake.

Sitting here thinking about a year ago, I'm struck by how much has changed. Right now, Price and I are sitting in the living room of our apartment in our pjs (it's 8 pm, mind you) watching Mary Poppins on ABC family. We will probably go to sleep in an hour. My nails haven't been painted in awhile and I can't remember the last time I cleaned my ring. Our friends are all over the place. We are both teaching, something that really wasn't even a consideration a year ago. We have to pay bills... okayyyy... he has to pay bills. And I don't make the gourmet meals I pictured myself making as a wife because I tried that for a month or so and realized it wasn't amenable to our budget! Confession: tonight, I scratched the plan to make chicken enchiladas and instead opted for leftover ravioli from the PDS lunchroom. Price told me it was delicious. Apparently I am a great food heater-upper.

Things are so different from where they were last year and from what I imagined they would be like, but they are different in a good way! I really had no idea what a blessing marriage would be. I get to spend all the time I could ever want with my very best friend. We watch movies. Laugh about the grasshoppers that have infested our apartment. Fight about putting up the Christmas tree and then happily hang ornaments together. After dating for 5 years I really didn't think we could get much closer but everyday I am surprised. Price is gracious, kind, and so encouraging. I always knew these things, but being married has made me see them on a deeper level. A year ago today I was a very lucky girl! I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us in the future.

Disclaimer: Price did not actually go to Jared.