This is really happening...

At the marathon yesterday between mile 23 and mile 24, a woman was cheering folks on and said, "This is really happening. You are doing this." That was running through my head last night and today...this is really happening. K and I are engaged! But, I don't think it has fully hit me yet.

The vast majority of my friends are already married (and have been for years at this point) and several already have children. So, I've been through many bridal showers, baby showers, weddings, and bachelorette parties, all the while quietly and patiently wondering if and when my time would ever come. It's so exciting to realize that our time is finally here!

The news so far today is that my ring won't come off. When I woke up this morning, my fingers had swelled up and the ring hasn't budged. Fortunately, Sadie called this morning while I was in the midst of trying every remedy I found online to try to get it off...she assured me that this was normal and not to worry. Well, I managed to stop perseverating about it after that in order to go on with my day, but it's still not moving. At least my finger doesn't look like a sausage anymore! I know, I know, there are worse problems a girl can have than having a beautiful diamond ring on her finger that was given to her by the man she loves.

I haven't immersed myself in the planning as I thought I would now that it's finally time. I think I just want to enjoy this moment for a little longer before I go all bridezilla on K. I did buy a bridal magazine when I went to the grocery store earlier and started flipping through it to look at dresses (Sadie, they only had 1 so I couldn't buy 4!). I am starting to get anxious about how many decisions there are to be made.

Thank you to everyone who has shared in our news. Certainly an important part of a strong relationship is being surrounded with people who love and nurture you. We are lucky to have that in abundance...

AWESOME!!! congrats!!!
-Sarah

Congratulations and Best Wishes to you and Kurt! What a wonderful day!
-Sadie

Congratulations, Mel! That is fabulous news! (:
-Brook

SO happy for you. You deserve it.
-Russ

Congrats! That is awesome news. You guys are a great couple and it's really cool the role marathons and running have played. Can't wait for the wedding!!

-Phillip

Congratulations....Looking forward to the big day.
-Pam

That’s exciting news Mel! Congrats!
-Jake

And to think that I was there "at the creation, if you will" -- I remember seeing you in some new boy's lap, your Uggs or Ugg-like boots kicked up in the air...:)

Good times.

- tara

Mel, congratulations!!! I am so happy for you both. How exciting!
-shailagh

Congratulations!! that's awesome!  Let me know if you need any help
with the planning.  I'm a pro!  hee, hee.. .
My best to Kurt;  We're so happy for you guys!
-Gabby

CONGRATULATIONS MEL AND KURT!! TOM AND I ARE SO EXCITED FOR YOU GUYS AND ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN AUSTIN THIS FALL. KEEP US POSTED ON THE DATE!!
-MEG

I am SO glad for you both! And how romantic to us runners!

-Carolyn

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! When is the big day??

-Michelle

Melissa,

Congratulations! I'm thrilled for you and Kurt. Let me know if I can help in any way.

-Rachel