Almost a Whole Year

Today marks the 11 month anniversary of a rather special event: when my boyfriend and I started dating. As the year draws to a close, I wish to reflect on a couple of special events which are our first date and Valentine's Day of this year.

First date 

11 months ago, I was working weekends in the JFSB. I was in the basement putting a classroom back together. One thing that you must know about the basement of that building is you pretty much have no cell-phone reception. Imagine my surprise when I heard and felt my phone go off in my pocket. I stopped what I was doing and looked at the text...it was from a number I didn't recognize. But, it was all good because it was my now boyfriend, asking me what time I got off of work. He then asked if I was interested in going with him to watch a film at the International Cinema an hour after work. I of course enthusiastically responded yes. I proceeded to text two of my really good friends saying that the man I had a crush on for three months finally asked me out. I called my mom to tell her and she brought me an essential item: a hairbrush. I'm very glad that she brought me a brush because my hair was in a messy ponytail. I met him at the International Cinema, my heart pounding like crazy. We proceeded to watch the movie (Twilight Samurai, which by the way is a very good movie). I put my arm away from his, not wanting to touch his arm for fear of being too forward. Later on during the movie, my arm was hurting from where I put it. I put my arm in front of his so that it wasn't touching his, making my arm much more comfortable. As the movie went on, our arms moved closer and closer towards each others'. Next thing I knew, we were holding hands. I thought to myself "Wow, that was fast!" but hey, I wasn't complaining. :) It felt really nice holding his hand. After the movie was over, neither one of us wanted the date to end so we went over to the Creamery to get ice cream. Afterwards, he walked me back to campus where my parents picked me up. Needless to say, we both enjoyed the date and thoroughly enjoyed sharing the details with our family members and roommates. 

Valentine's Day 

Valentine's Day was 2 weeks after we started dating. I knew that we were going to go out on a date that night but didn't know what exactly we were going to be doing. He texted me, asking me if I had any ideas. He also told me that he wanted the date to be a little fancy. I started freaking out after that text. I told my best friend and anyone that would listen at my ward's Valentine's Day dance that I felt like he was going to kiss me that night. After telling this to a guy in my ward, he told me that if it happens, it happens and not to worry about it and to be myself and have a good time. We decided to go to a masquerade ball. I wore a pink and red blouse and skirt...he showed up wearing a nice suit accented with red. He also showed up with flowers and chocolates. :) The dance itself wasn't a very good one. He tried doing a waltz with me, something we both failed miserably at. While we stood there on the dance floor, he kissed me for the very first time!!!!! After he kissed me, we went outside. While we were outside, he held me close and sang to me. That was the very first time he had sang to me and the very first time a man has ever sang to me. It melted my heart. :) 

It's crazy to think that for the majority of this year, I've been dating this wonderful man I call my boyfriend. Here's to 2016 and hoping for another wonderful year with him. :) Happy New Year everyone!!! 

Christmas This Year and Last Year: A Reflection

Reflections on Christmas Time

As we come to the close of another year, I can't help but think about what my life was like last year around Christmas time. Boy, was it sure different than this year. I would like to briefly talk about what my situation was last year and then talk about what my situation is like this year. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the reflections! 

Last Year 

As the year drew to a close last year, I had experienced a very interesting several months. About two and a half months prior to Christmas, my last boyfriend broke up with me. It was very hard for me because of how fast we moved and how far we had moved...we were engaged to be married. It was very hard for me to share with him my promptings from the Spirit indicating that this relationship was not meant to be. Despite the fact that I knew that the relationship wasn't right, I was still devastated when he broke up with me.  After he broke up with me, I tried so desperately to maintain a close friendship with him. Every interaction with him after he broke up with me felt off...something wasn't right. January came around and I took a class centered on the Family Proclamation. I read a principle saying that not only did I need to forgive him, I needed to forgive myself and allow myself time to heal. It was after I allowed myself time to heal and to mourn the lost relationship that something wonderful happened, a new relationship came along!! :) It's amazing what happens when you listen to what God wants you to do. 

This Year

At the end of January, I was sitting in sacrament meeting and I finally surrendered my will to God regarding the status of my relationship with my ex-boyfriend. I felt as if a giant weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. Five days later, my current boyfriend asked me out on a date to the International Cinema. Two weeks later, he kissed me for the first time. And from that point on, we were pretty steady as far as dating goes. Last year I spent Christmas and New Year's Eve at my house wondering if he liked me the way I liked him. This year, after almost 11 months of dating, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that he loves me the way I love him. :) I will also be spending part of Christmas and New Year's Eve with him and his family. Wow, it is so crazy to think that we've been dating for almost an entire year! It's been a crazy year for sure, lots of trials just like in any other relationship. But like all good relationships, it's had numerous golden moments also. This man has taught me so much about respecting myself and others. He's been a great example of kindness. The best example I can think of is where my calves were cramping up because of stair climbing two days in a row. He spend 30-45 minutes massaging them with oil. He didn't have to do that, but he saw how much pain I was in and wanted to help alleviate that. No matter how many times I am emotional over silly little things, he always takes the time to sit down and talk to me about it. He does little things for me to let me know that he is there to help me and support me to be my best self.  One of the best things about him is he is always able to make me smile and laugh. :) I'm so glad that I switched buildings back in 2014, otherwise I wouldn't have met him. Thank you Michelle Leavitt Gibson for suggesting that I work there! All I can say is, God is good! Trust Him people! If he's telling you to go in a different direction than you already are going, it is only because He's got something so much better prepared for you. :) This was confirmed to me when I met Adam Robert Evans and began to date him. 

Merry Christmas everyone!