Here is my Album cover:
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
To Explain
My life has been very busy these few weeks past. There have been many events to distract me.
Most importantly, my Coastie has finally asked to marry me! Alone it was enough to cause me to forget all else.
The asking was more than a woman may ask for. He invited me to the base formal dinner. Of course I happily accepted. I use any reason to spend time with my Coastie.
He arrived at my house in his formal uniform ( how handsome he is wearing it too!). It took some considerable effort to get me into his car. The dress did not wish to be stuffed into such a small place. I found it necessary to ride with only the side view as my dress was pile upon my lap to keep it from the floor. My Coastie is usually tidy but a floor remains a floor.
When we arrived, there was much formality. We were required to pass through an honor guard before entering the hall. If ever you have the opportunity to attend a Coast Guard formal dinner, do so! It is such a beautiful event. I thought it odd to see Big Boss present but thought no more of it when my Coastie explained he has a relationship with the base.
The dinner went as formal dinners do. Speeches are made. Awards are presented. (My Coastie was awarded the Life Saving Medal!) Official photos are taken.
Then came the dance. My Coastie immediately asked me to join him at the first song. The music began to play and we walked to the center of the floor. I did not notice we were yet to be joined on the floor. Perhaps it was the bright spot light. Perhaps it was the tender hand that held mine. In any case, I did not notice.
Then, my Coastie knelt before me still gently holding my hand. He said, in very broken Chinese, "Mei Mei, I love you. Here before all I wish ask you to become the best part of me. I want to grow old with you. Will you marry me?" I said yes.
He then placed the ring on my right hand... I did not speak of it. I only assign it as nerves. I later quietly placed it on the correct finger.
You must remember, my Coastie speaks not a word of Chinese. We will remedy this in time (or he will become accustomed to being sworn at without knowing the words only that he is being sworn at) but for him to think to ask me in my native language only makes it more endearing to me.
After I agreed to marry there was much applause. I was now very aware we remained alone on the dance floor. It seems the first dance was reserved for us. I buried my face in his chest for most of the dance. Partially to become close as possible while retaining proper behavior and partially due to being the subject of all attention.
When the dance was complete, the Captain praised my Coastie as the best possible choice I could make but asked me if I truly understood what I was asked! The Captain speaks Chinese well. I assured him I understood perfectly but even if I was incorrect, there was the ring and that was enough.
I spent a large portion of the remaining evening surrounded by women wishing to see the ring or offer me advice of being a coastie's wife. My Coastie spent much time being slapped on the back and his hand nearly being shaken from his wrist. Apparently, he is also very lucky. Luck has nothing to do with it. He worked hard and endured much with great patience. He has earned my hand.
At the end of the evening, I was once again stuffed into the car and once again saw mainly only things to my side. I was content to look to my Coastie and smile. We spoke little. He maintained a wry smile.
Upon our arrival at my house, my door quickly opened and I was pulled unceremoniously from the car. I then was danced about the yard by Cherry followed by Mother Bing! I am sure the horses thought a group of young teenagers had arrived!
Father Bing simply shook my Coastie's hand and congratulated him and me and watched in amusement as the squealing and dancing continued.
When things became calmer we went into my house. I would fetch a bottle of wine but Father Bing insisted he go since I was still in my gown. He chose a nice one. Forgeron Cellars 2005 Zinfandel. Not what I would have chosen but still a good wine.
I had to recount the entire evening to Cherry and Mother Bing. The men sat dutifully by and listened. Then began the talk of the wedding and the dress and this is where the men lost their sense of duty and retreated to the TV. We continued well into the morning.
After the Bings had left and my Coastie retired to his apartment in the loft I called Mother. I still find it difficult to hear from my left ear! I am sure Father thought there was trouble. Mother was, well, Mother! She spoke rapidly asking of the whens and whats. I assured her nothing will happen before she is able to arrive. She will arrive in one week. Father and Jiao will come at the wedding.
All other events have paled. I work with a smile. I eat with a smile. I smile alot of late.
Most importantly, my Coastie has finally asked to marry me! Alone it was enough to cause me to forget all else.
The asking was more than a woman may ask for. He invited me to the base formal dinner. Of course I happily accepted. I use any reason to spend time with my Coastie.
He arrived at my house in his formal uniform ( how handsome he is wearing it too!). It took some considerable effort to get me into his car. The dress did not wish to be stuffed into such a small place. I found it necessary to ride with only the side view as my dress was pile upon my lap to keep it from the floor. My Coastie is usually tidy but a floor remains a floor.
When we arrived, there was much formality. We were required to pass through an honor guard before entering the hall. If ever you have the opportunity to attend a Coast Guard formal dinner, do so! It is such a beautiful event. I thought it odd to see Big Boss present but thought no more of it when my Coastie explained he has a relationship with the base.
The dinner went as formal dinners do. Speeches are made. Awards are presented. (My Coastie was awarded the Life Saving Medal!) Official photos are taken.
Then came the dance. My Coastie immediately asked me to join him at the first song. The music began to play and we walked to the center of the floor. I did not notice we were yet to be joined on the floor. Perhaps it was the bright spot light. Perhaps it was the tender hand that held mine. In any case, I did not notice.
Then, my Coastie knelt before me still gently holding my hand. He said, in very broken Chinese, "Mei Mei, I love you. Here before all I wish ask you to become the best part of me. I want to grow old with you. Will you marry me?" I said yes.
He then placed the ring on my right hand... I did not speak of it. I only assign it as nerves. I later quietly placed it on the correct finger.
You must remember, my Coastie speaks not a word of Chinese. We will remedy this in time (or he will become accustomed to being sworn at without knowing the words only that he is being sworn at) but for him to think to ask me in my native language only makes it more endearing to me.
After I agreed to marry there was much applause. I was now very aware we remained alone on the dance floor. It seems the first dance was reserved for us. I buried my face in his chest for most of the dance. Partially to become close as possible while retaining proper behavior and partially due to being the subject of all attention.
When the dance was complete, the Captain praised my Coastie as the best possible choice I could make but asked me if I truly understood what I was asked! The Captain speaks Chinese well. I assured him I understood perfectly but even if I was incorrect, there was the ring and that was enough.
I spent a large portion of the remaining evening surrounded by women wishing to see the ring or offer me advice of being a coastie's wife. My Coastie spent much time being slapped on the back and his hand nearly being shaken from his wrist. Apparently, he is also very lucky. Luck has nothing to do with it. He worked hard and endured much with great patience. He has earned my hand.
At the end of the evening, I was once again stuffed into the car and once again saw mainly only things to my side. I was content to look to my Coastie and smile. We spoke little. He maintained a wry smile.
Upon our arrival at my house, my door quickly opened and I was pulled unceremoniously from the car. I then was danced about the yard by Cherry followed by Mother Bing! I am sure the horses thought a group of young teenagers had arrived!
Father Bing simply shook my Coastie's hand and congratulated him and me and watched in amusement as the squealing and dancing continued.
When things became calmer we went into my house. I would fetch a bottle of wine but Father Bing insisted he go since I was still in my gown. He chose a nice one. Forgeron Cellars 2005 Zinfandel. Not what I would have chosen but still a good wine.
I had to recount the entire evening to Cherry and Mother Bing. The men sat dutifully by and listened. Then began the talk of the wedding and the dress and this is where the men lost their sense of duty and retreated to the TV. We continued well into the morning.
After the Bings had left and my Coastie retired to his apartment in the loft I called Mother. I still find it difficult to hear from my left ear! I am sure Father thought there was trouble. Mother was, well, Mother! She spoke rapidly asking of the whens and whats. I assured her nothing will happen before she is able to arrive. She will arrive in one week. Father and Jiao will come at the wedding.
All other events have paled. I work with a smile. I eat with a smile. I smile alot of late.
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