Expenses

I used to think that I wanted a nice, semi-elaborate wedding. And then I thought about the costs, and how it's basically an extravagant prom. While Patrick and I have been talking about marriage and potentially when we would like to get married, we look at the sad state of our money, or lack-there-of. And having been together for five and a half years, and lived together, we have gotten to the point of not caring about those sorts of things.

While it may be fun for some people, and very exciting as well, weddings are simply... too much work for someone as lazy as me. I don't have a lot of friends, only a handful of close ones. While Patrick came to visit this past week, we talked about having a civil ceremony (where my best friend continues to believe that to be a non-religious wedding held at a venue). Personally, I don't mind if we got married in Vegas, or if we got married at court. A part of the marriage ceremony is sharing the event with friends, but more importantly, its is about sharing love, commitment, friendship, respect, and your life together. And that is all the really matters in the end.

At least, that's what I have come to conclude. When I was a little girl I would occasionally flip through magazines and look at wedding dresses, and on occasion, I would draw what my ideal dress would look like. But I never thought about the actual ceremony. I never actually planned it out in my head. And now that I am older and closer to the marriage age (har har), I just don't care for those things as much as I feel I should.

Every moment is a special one with the person you love, and everyone celebrates it differently. That much I know.

Love and Laughter

Though money is a very important part of life, love and laughter (particularly laughter) are even more important in a relationship. I suppose respect and communication are integral components as well ;).

Adulthood

Patrick and I have been dating for five years, which to some people is a long time. I agree, it is, and I am fine with the long term dating. We're only 25 and 26, respectively, and have other things to finish before we actually get married.

The other day I posted that both of us went into Tiffany's to look at rings. This was due in part that first, Patrick wanted to get a general idea of what ring types I liked. Unfortunately, Tiffany's had the worst selection of rings possible, and this comment goes beyond the engagement ring selection. Second, I have no idea what my ring size is. Being the type of girl I am (simple and unadorned), I figured why not go out and try on some rings. You know, if I can't even find a cute ring to try on, then why bother?

I told a few friends that we both went out looking at rings, and some got excited, others, ahem, were like, how could you just write this all nonchalantly. Honestly, when I think about when I want to get married, how I want the wedding to go down and so on and so forth, the more I seem to gravitate towards a civil ceremony. First, both of us lack the income. Second, we were never into really flashy things. I can't imagine trying to plan a wedding in a year. Like, if I were to get engaged this year, 2010 would actually be the best time for me to get married. More specifically, after both of us (hopefully) finish by early June of 2010 with our studies. That means I will have to be writing my thesis without being distracted with wedding plans and other related pre-marital events. Are you kidding me?

The problem is that Patrick will be applying for his residency later this year. I'm hoping to stay out west, but I always said that wherever Patrick ends up going, I'm following him. I know he won't have a lot of time off during his years in his residency program, so that means that if we got married that period, we would have a delayed honeymoon.

I know some of you are wondering why I'm talking about getting married as if it is a sure thing. Well, we both have been talking about it and we do want to get married to each other. It is just a matter of timing at this point.

I'm still debating whether I want to have kids or not. Oh well, one step at a time!

Anniversary

Today is our five year anniversary. There was nothing fancy about it. I surprised Patrick by coming down for the weekend.

We were never big on gifts, or anything of that like. All that matters is that we got to spend our anniversary together. And looked at some rings at Tiffany's.

Simple, but perfect.