My congratulations, MD_. It's a leap of faith, and worth the risk. (I'm coming up to 14 years together and can't really imagine a different path. She [who must be obeyed] knows me better than I know myself.)

Mill Brothers (they're right):
"I know a man who's lonely / and he's old at 33.
Who would want to be / old at 33?
Your disposition sours / like a lemon on a tree.
Don't let it happen to you / and don't let it happen to me!
Be my life's companion / and you'll never grow old ..."

Red Green (and me):
"Remember, I'm pulling for you ..."

MDinana,

I too am a huge believer in the buddy system for the sake of safety ...

Finding the love of your life is a pretty cool bonus too. :-)

Let's see, we're in our 17th year of marriage and we're still the best of friends and crazy about each other - even when I buy more Ritter knives.

The best piece of advice I got before I got married was from my father:

"Don't ask her to choose between you (the husband) and her family ... you might not like her choice."

Oh, and for Christmas I received a nice Garmin Nuvi 1300T automotive GPS. I've had a Garmin 60CSx for some time now, but my wife got tired of my holding it while I drive (I have a RAM mount but often don't bother putting it up).

Ken

Congratulations MDiana !!!!!!!

I've been married 31 years and I thank God she is still having the "Mental Lapse" that made her say, "yes"!! Hopefully she will never wake up or get her eyesight corrected.

I added a German Army (Wehrmacht) Mess Kit to my GHB, along with another fruitcake (rations). I also added a Leatherman Wave to my EDC, replacing the original that I've been carrying around for 19 years.

Santa also was thoughtful to give my DD2 and future SiL, a German Army Messkit to supplement their BoB's capabilities.


BTW: Very thoughtful and unique way to make your proposal. You are truly a "Romantic Warrior" at heart!

Congrats M!

I got a pair of Cold Steel swords as the highlight of my Christmas. A handful of gift certs, and some munchables.

I also got to sing with my daughters at church. We did a cover of Josh Groban's "Believe" from the Polar Express soundtrack. Kinda nice to have a band that is just talented enough to pull it off. It went well with the pastor's 4 week advent sermon, centered around the Polar Express story. That will make a fine Christmas memory.

I did go through a lot of money this time. I suspect this will be the last Christmas we spend like fiends for a while; at least until Grandkids start coming along. I figure Christmas cost me about $3,500 this year.

I am available for adoption and think I would make a nice grandkid.

Congratulations on the Engagement!!

still should have gotten her the binoculars too,

No problem, just have to have you sign off where it says you will provide for my retirement in like kind (as in expending all available funds on demand)...I liken it to feeding trout in a hatchery. You take a handful of pellets, and you just toss them out over the water, and let the fish fight over who gets what. Repeat as necessary until the pockets are empty.

The girls consider my paycheck as available funds. I get an allowance, which sometimes becomes the empty set.