The next great adventure

Exams are over!

These last two weeks felt like pure torture. We had our first exams for the course and I was a nervous wreck the whole way through. Even though I'd studied everything and did as much as possible, I was still unsure of myself as I went through my first exams in over four years. The levers and pulleys in my head were working overtime to wake every brain cell to make sure that I could pull this through. Thank goodness that it's now finally over!

So now I can focus on the things that are truly important! There must be a million things floating around all at the same time competing for my attention but there is just one tiny little thing that I am constantly turning over affectionately in my head.

During our recent trip to Rome as it turns out, my partner of four years and my favourite traveling buddy, had one very important thing to ask me. He asked, if he could be there for all of my adventures, for the rest of our lives. There in the middle of a busy piazza, with the waters of the Trevi fountain splashing dull gurgles in the background, I said yes! In between tears of joy and hugs in disbelief, I both whispered and shouted my answer over and over.

I felt pure elation. Like no other feeling in this world can be contained together for an emotion so deep. Happiness in its pinkest form. I didn't know that he could find a way to make me happier than I already was everyday with him.

Since announcing the engagement to both our families and friends, my greatest joy has been watching the varied reactions from everyone. From unexpected bursts of tears, to pledges of help when it comes down to the planning, to subtle threats if he didn't take good care of me. All of them good, all of them full of love.

As of now, we have picked a date and will work towards making sure that our biggest adventure - or at least, the start of it - will be smooth sailing. I cannot wait for our lives to begin :)

En route home from Rome, flying over the Swiss Alps