Where Do I Begin?

As my title presupposes (and I can hear Ricky Ricardo yelling, I got some 'splainin' to do!), I am finally beginning again to reveal the intimate and privy gossip of my life to the cyber void...ok, I'm not getting that personal, but I will enlighten you a bit to the happenings of the past several months, especially the past week.

1. I'm engaged. I realized that Stacey Lynn Powell is my lifemate several months ago (long before, mind you, that she realized this...but that's another blog--or perhaps not). She is everything I have prayed for and hoped for...and more. She is the proverbial perfect woman-she's honest, trustworthy, intelligent, extremely beautiful, and recognizes the extreme importance of real love. She also appreciates the things that I appreciate--such as hobbies and movies, and most importantly, a Christ-centered relationship. I hate cliches, but...she's my everything. When I realized that she was the one that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, I wanted the rest of my life to start as soon as possible. So, I bought a ring. And not just a ring--this ring has a story and every story has a memory.

In April, Stacey and I were walking through the mall, randomly looking at rings--not in a serious, resolute way, but in a more, "So what do you like?" kind of way. We found rings of all sizes and prices, clarities and shapes. But there was one that really stood out to her--one that almost caught her offguard. It was on sale. It was 1.12 carats. And it was staring directly at Stacey through the brightly-lit fluourescent exhibits. When she put it on, she said, "It's beautiful...but it's way out of our price range." However, that ring stayed on her finger for quite awhile...she was intoxicated by its appeal. It had an almost Gollum-like attraction. Anyways, we finally left the Zales associates and went home. Little did she know, I told the associate to hold the ring and I went back several days later to purchase it. Then, from April til now, I've had to file it away--not only in my drawers and gloveboxes, but more importanly, in my mind. Never had I kept such a profound and consuming secret in my life.

But, as you may know by now, I proposed to Stacey in Chicago on Saturday night with that very ring. And what follows is the story of that night...

The premise of this night focused on three basic instructions that I gave to her in three envelopes. The first envelope read, "Buy a Dress" and had enclosed in it $120. Now, you must understand that Stacey would not simply go out and buy a dress for the sake of it...she must be forced, which is why I gave her the condition that she had to spend ALL of the money. So, we headed straight for Michigan Avenue, towards WaterTower Place-more specifically, White House Black Market. The dress she picked out (mind you, it was a little over budget, but that's just fine with me) looked absolutely stunning, which you can see for yourself to the left.

Then, after this, we headed outside the mall to catch a ride--a carriage ride. I had pre-booked our ride, which garnered us quick access through the others wanting rides. We took a beautiful, romantic ride around the old district of Chicago. Our great tour guide led a beautiful white steed down the streets of the Windy City, while passers-by waved at the dressed up couple riding in the exemplar carriage. This was a lot of fun for her-she loved each moment of it.

Next, she opened her next envelope, which read, Dinner with a View: Signature Room @ the 95th. We headed towards the John Hancock building, dressed to the hilt, ready for the 1500ft elevator climb. Once we reached the top, we were shocked to see the view. I'd seen it before, but it still took my breath away. I attached a picture of our view, as well. The dinner was wonderful. She ordered the gnocci and I the duck breast. Both were delicious. As we smiled and laughed together at the view and the night, I noticed that the young man next to us revealed a ring to his girlfriend, asking for her betrothment. Some foreshadowing, I think...?

After dinner, she was begging for me to allow her to open the final envelope. I simply said, "Soon." We drove around a bit--my end goal being Grant Park's beautiful Buckingham Fountain, which at night is simply stunning. However, thanks to the Taste of Chicago, we were not permitted anywhere near it. So, becoming a little discontented and stymied, I headed towards Chicago's next best oasis-Millennium Park. I thought that there would be no better place to start our life together than at the Cloud Gate--the 110ft elliptical steel. It was slightly raining, so it had to be quick! Therefore, we found a seat and allowed her to open the third envelope. Enclosed, it read, Start the Journey Together... This was about the time that I revealed to the infamous 1.12 carat ring, telling her simply that I loved her very much, and that I would truly love her forever. As I knelt down on one knee, she put her hands over her mouth, tears rolling forward, and I asked, "Stacey, will you marry me?" Guess what folks. She said yes!

I put on some pictures of the ring. Hope you find it as beautiful as we do.

--
This ends part one of two. If you're wondering why I'm able to deliver this blog from the comfort of my home and not from the African bush, I'll fill you in. Talk to you then.


-BJY