The engagement story

I mentioned this in my MeMe post, and figured I would follow through and give everyone the whole story. Jason and I "met" online November 2003. We were both in a Charleston chatroom, and struck up a conversation. I didn't think anything of the conversation, really, as I was just procrastinating to avoid doing my homework. We added each other to messenger and would talk here and there when we didn't have anything else to do.

Around the same time, I was trying out internet dating. It did not go well. I met one guy, who seemed nice, but he decided I didn't meet his physical standards (ouch). I tried again, and experienced what was quite possibly the worst date of my entire life. After I finally removed that nightmare from my apartment, I got online to vent to one of my friends. Jason happened to be online, and I shared my horrid experience, stating "I will never, ever meet anyone off the internet again!" He responded by asking if that included him, and I laughed and said "Maybe, maybe not."

We exchanged phone numbers, and he called that **night. That was quite possibly the longest telephone conversation I have ever had - I think we lasted about 6 hours? We agreed to meet the next day at Barnes and Noble for coffee. That meeting went well, and I distinctly remember coming home and telling my girlfriend, Angel, that "I don't think he's Mr. Right, but maybe he's Mr. Right Now." Little did I know!

**Sidenote: This was also the night that my beloved goldfish, Jeremiah, committed suicide. He was dead on the floor in front of his bowl when I awoke the next morning. Can you say traumatic? When I met Jason the next day and related this story, he tried to buy me a new goldfish, but alas, the Petsmart next door was closed. Sweet, huh?

Our first official date was December 8, 2002. The date was wonderful, but things kind of sputtered from there. I went home for two weeks for Christmas break, and he went home for a few weeks in January. In early January, I got very sick, and ended up having to withdraw from school, take a leave of absence from work, and go home where my family could help take care of me. Jason tried to stay in touch, but I was really too sick to talk. I finally returned to Charleston in February, and he came over to see me the first night I returned. That night something just clicked, and from that point on we were inseparable. He met my family for the first time in March, on my nephew's birthday. One week later, he proposed.

It was a Sunday, and we spent the morning together. I had a work meeting that afternoon, and he left to go run errands. He called while I was in my meeting, which I thought was odd, but he wanted reassurance that we would be spending the evening together. He wanted to go and have dinner with his friends, Rob and Jeri, whom I had never met.

Dinner rolled around, and we had a great time. Unfortunately, during dinner I got a terrible headache. When it was time to leave, Jason wanted to go to see the Angel Oak, which is a very old and beautiful tree in Charleston. I didn't want to go - I had a headache, it was dark, and the park would be closed. Jason suggested driving back to my apartment to get some Tylenol in hopes I would feel better.

We arrived at my apartment, and I went into the bathroom to get some medicine. When I walked out, Jason had a present in his hands. I remember thinking to myself "Crap, now I have to go!" It was a mp3 player. So, grudgingly I piled into the car and we headed out.

This is the point where I should tell you that I acted like a brat the whole way out to the Angel Oak. I whined about how dark it was. I whined about my headache. I whined about how long it would take us to get there. It is a miracle he didn't just call it off.

We arrived at the Angel Oak, and as I predicted, the park was closed and it was pitch black outside. We parked the car right outside the gates and left the lights on so we could see the tree. I was content to sit in the car while Jason admired nature, but that just wouldn't do. I didn't want to get out of the car, but Jason looked like he was about to murder me, so I did. I stood by his side, not really listening to him talk about how old and enduring the tree was, how beautiful, what an amazing example of nature, blah blah blah. Y'all, I just wanted to go home.

After a suitable period of tree admiration, he dropped to his knee. I honestly thought he needed to tie his shoe! I was spaced out, eyes darting here and yonder to catch a glimpse of the serial killer I was sure was about to spring out and kill us. I wasn't focused on my future husband, other than to wish he'd just hurry up so we could get the heck out of dodge.

I wish I could tell you what he said, word for word. But you know me - I caught a glimpse of the bling and my attention was focused on the sparkles, not the conversation. I do know he made a lovely speech about how he wanted our marriage to be like the Angel Oak, old and enduring, and for us to one day be surrounded by our family and children, like the tree is surrounded by its limbs. What a lovely sentiment! He had me at the bling.

Oh course, I said yes. :) And we lived happily ever after... most days. ;)