The night I became a Mrs.

Oh, I bet you guys thought I tied the knot over the weekend. Gotcha! Because he figured flying home wasn’t enough, Dane surprised me with the Kate Spade Mrs. necklace that I’ve been lusting over. Turns out, he stalks my blog AND reads comments for surprise ideas. #imkeepinghim

He got in on Friday and as I was driving to the airport, I couldn’t help but smile knowing that he flew for 16 hours, knowing he would only be able to spend about 70 hours with me. Again, he’s a keeper. But he DOES have a brother.

He wasn’t home an hour and we were off on wedding appointments. We met with the priest who will be marrying us and had our cake tasting. Oh sweet heaven, how do you choose when everything tastes delicious AND is gluten-free?! You choose a different flavor for every level, that’s what.

Turns out, I’m not the only one who is proud of Dane, because his alma mater asked him to come back on Saturday and say a few words to the children on what it’s like to be a respected leader in the community. I wasn’t thrilled about driving through a blizzard to get there, but they put us up in this sweet little bed and breakfast so I hardly had room to complain.

As he was addressing a room of more than 250 people, Dane was asked to give the audience a final piece of leadership advice. He talked about eating humble pie once in awhile, maintaining a sense of humanity, and you know what else?

“And even though I promised her I wouldn’t say anything, I challenge all of you to find someone who makes you a better person every single day. Someone who allows you to find that balance between professional and personal and is there for you no matter what.”

Cue: Me blushing and an entire room applauding.

Sunday brought engagement photos and I am so excited to be able to share them with you…when I get them. I know, I sort of syked you out there. 5 locations and over 1,000 shots is sure to bring some winners, no?

I had to put him on the plane yesterday and I’ll be damned…it never gets easier. Never. Fostering 5,600 miles between each other in a relationship is hard. It’s challenging and sometimes you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.

But it’s also rewarding. There’s no greater feeling than seeing him race toward you in the terminal. The butterflies you get like it’s the first time. My happy and full heart knowing I’ve found my other half. But for me, long distance is not forever. In fact, it’s only temporary.

In this life, there are no do-overs and time is our biggest non-renewable resource (thanks, Anne!)

Life is all about perspective, and I plan to make the most of it.