Surprised? I have made another change. I’m leaving the tumblr world behind and moving on to bigger (maybe) and better (likely) things. I’m hoping that by making the switch to WordPress, I will be more active in making posts and keeping myself organized. I’m kind of excited. It’s wedding season so I’m working quite a bit, so there are going to be quite a few images to share in the next few weeks.
I am constantly writing in my mind. Writing to my mom, or to my friends who I haven’t talked to in a year or more, or writing a blog post. But it usually only happens in my mind. Then when I have time to type or scribble a real note, I forget to do it, or the words don’t come, or I play Persona 3 instead. I have a book even. Is it too dorky to call it a diary? It’s just a place to sort out my thoughts. But I haven’t written in that in almost a year also. So, prepare yourself. I want to say a lot today.
One of the major reasons I haven’t been sitting and writing much is because I’ve moved to Pittsburgh. Bill is here, and I don’t have to be alone so much anymore. He really excepts me like no one else can. I don’t have to explain myself to him. He just understands, and cares. Even if he doesn’t get it, he gets me. So, many of my troubles or concerns that I used to have, very quickly evaporated from my daily life, and I don’t have to think and write about them anymore. It doesn’t mean every life problem is solved, but I don’t have to do it alone anymore.
I still want to keep writing though. Not about problems, sometimes about concerns, but I really want to remember. Photographs help me remember events, and feelings, and things people said that day. But I can’t record everything. So, I want to write things down in as much detail as I can so I won’t forget the first time we went to Ikea.
Bill and I recently took a trip to our homes. We stopped at Cracker Barrel three or four times during the trek. We’re both from rural homes, so Cracker Barrel just fits into the whole occasion…
There’s something really special and irreplaceable about home. I spent all of my childhood there. I grew there, somehow. I was awkward, and kind of a mess for a while. I didn’t love it there, but when I go back, I feel like I get it finally. When I got older, I was anxious to get away. And that wasn’t wrong, but I realize now when I reenter that part of my life, I feel safe. That’s my garden, my tree, my sky, and they’ve always been there. The Pittsburgh sky knows the 24 year old Lisa, who is trying hard to be a mature, successful, well-dressed woman. But my home sky knows me from the beginning, and knows where I’ve been to get to where I am now. That’s a little embarrassing, but also comforting. I think that’s how God is. It’s a relief to know there’s someone that close to you, that knows why you are you, and accepts you.
I think I got on a tangent a bit, but basically, I love my home. No, I couldn’t go back forever. But there’s an enormous amount of peace that I find when I’m there with my family.
One of my favorite things to do at home is show Bill things that are familiar to me. I didn’t realize my family had traditions until he came into my life, and I found out that I actually have interesting stories and places in my life.
Jon’s. It’s our Saturday morning breakfast place. I’ve never been much of a morning person (until recently, thanks to a real job where I have to be responsible), but whenever I visit home I try to make sure I’m up early enough to go out for breakfast with my Dad.
I’m not sure what this place is called. Treasure Hunt Fun? We call it Noah’s Ark.
Bill and Erika and Owen all have birthdays around the same time, so we got ice cream cupcakes to celebrate.
We had fun. Bill played with the kids. We picked wild flowers in the field. We stayed up late and played video games with my brother. There were visitors. We rode the four wheeler, and played in the sand. Bill set up my Nana’s tablet so she can play solitaire. We even video called her! And we had one or two good conversations with my parents about life, work, God, love, wood, corn, and dirt.
And then, we were on the road again.
This was only my second real trip to visit Bill’s family, but I didn’t realize that until I thought about the trip later. They don’t treat me like I’m Bill’s girlfriend that they have to entertain. I feel like I’m just one of their kids. We all just hang out on the couch or outside or playing games. The first time we stayed with Bill’s grandma, she told me she’d like some grandchildren…! They all welcomed me so quickly and warmly.
This time, Bill got to show me around his familiar places.
We went on a date, something we couldn’t do at my parent’s house (too busy, non-stop). We drove out to a cute shopping district and wandered around, looking at toys, candy, and we even saw a troupe of men dancing with sticks in the street.
Bill’s sister graduated from highschool while we were there, so I snapped a couple pictures.
I’m not sure how highschool treated her, but she seemed happy to be moving on.
Afterward, we went to Cracker Barrel, and played Just Dance.
Bill’s dad has peach trees. We wandered around the yard looking at them. They were still small and fuzzy. I hope they’re good to eat next time we visit.
Leaving was hard again. Just when we get comfortable, we get in the car again to go back to our routines and jobs. I told Bill’s dad that I would take care of Bill. He said thank you.
When we got back to Pittsburgh, Bill flew off to a conference in New Orleans, and I readjusted to the city and hardwork throughout the week. It was actually quite difficult and sad. For a little over a week I forgot about responsibilities and work. But, I got back into the swing of things, and started being productive again. I even brought back a nice set of old boards to use for a new set.
Bill returned at the end of the week and made sure to bring me some gifts.
Lastly, I want to tell you something. Last week, Bill invited me out for dinner. We went to our usual place and stayed for a while. This time, we even had dessert (cheesecake!). I’m not good at telling this story. It’s too personal for me to express well. Basically, it was dark outside. I was wearing a new dress and my big girl high heels. He hugged me. Then he took out the ring and asked me to marry him. He asked what finger it was supposed to go on. I didn’t know, but he did. He hugged me, and I listened to his heart race.
Yes. Well, I said yeah, then I said yes when I figured out he was actually proposing. I’m not very graceful.
We’re engaged.
We have both talked about marriage, a lot, and we talked with our parents too. But, we’re actually doing it now. We’re building a life together.
My co-workers have said that I’m glowing. I feel like I am. I have even jumped up and down with other girls a little (but don’t tell anyone that). Bill and I love each other, but since he asked me, I feel even closer to him. When he drives away, I worry about him. Don’t get hurt. When we do get married, I’m going to be a basket case.
So, for the rest of the summer, I’m going to be shooting a lot of weddings with Joe, and making some plans of my own. And next year… will be busy.
<3
-Lisa
