It is the end of an era.

About a year and a half ago, I met a girl named Melissa. I didn't like her, and she ignored me. Over time, however, we became friends and even began dating earlier this year. The time I have spent with her has largely been the reason why I've made such infrequent appearances online the last few months. Melissa has dragged me all over creation and back, taking me away from the hermit lifestyle I once enjoyed and showing me what it's like to truly live the life I've been given. I have grown more as a person in these last six months than I have at any point in my life previous, and I've loved every minute of it.

On Wednesday the 17th, I brought a rose to Melissa, as I have done before, and as before she loved it. She put it in a vase, then fussed over and arranged it several times before we got ready to leave her house that day. I was disappointed when she was ready to go -- after so carefully studying the rose so many times, she had failed to notice the ring I had placed in the center of the blossom.

As of Wednesday the 17th, 2007, Melissa and I are officially engaged. We haven't set the exact date for the wedding yet, but have narrowed it down to January 19th or February 16th of next year (both three-day weekends, to make things easier on friends and family who have to travel). I am the most fortunate man in the world, and am looking forward to a long and happy life with the woman I love more than I love my own life.

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The wonderful people who are watching me:



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~MangaRevolution (partial list)