And the Rest is History

I can't tell you how many times I've heard the phrase "and the rest is history" to sum up a story. Its been over two years now since Brandon and I were in the dating stage so its definitely time to move on and catch up to where we are now. But, there are just a few things I want to share about our dating life so I guess now is the time to do that.
When I think back to how Brandon and I ended up dating and how easily we clicked and how things just "fell into place" it seems a lot like a fairytale right? After the first date everything pretty much just worked itself out. And yes, it was miraculous! But I don't want the way things worked out so perfectly for us to date to be confused with the reality of the relationship.
Relationships are never easy 100% of the time and yet that's sometimes what we think it should be like if it is "meant to be." I know I had a lot of misconceptions growing up about how life would be once I met the right person. So, I want to set the record straight for anyone wondering. No, me and Brandon's dating life wasn't 100% perfect. It had its ups and downs. But what made our relationship amazing to me was how we learned to work together and openly communicate about our differences.
Just like anyone else we had our misunderstandings, each of us sometimes came into a situation with unrealistic expectations and were disappointed, we got frustrated with each other once in a while. Basically we faced a lot of what every other couple faces and we learned a lot!
The other difficult part of our relationship was honestly for both of us to come to our own conclusions that we had both found the person we wanted to spend the rest of eternity with. How did we know we were ready to commit to forever?
Well for me I was luckily somewhat prepared by life experiences to know what I really needed and a little of what I wanted. But let me just say that just months before we started dating  my idea of my perfect guy was a mile long. I'm just glad I had a friend who was able to point out to me that I needed to be more realistic about my expectations and desires.
My dear friend Savannah gave me a book that talked a lot about how so many girls have long lists of what they want their future husband to be like. The author gives examples of herself and many other friends who each made the mistake of passing up a perfectly good guy because they didn't have a few things on "the list" that they had wanted. This was a hard pill for me to swallow at first, but I came to realize that there were definitely things on my list that I thought were "deal breakers" that really weren't. One big one on that list was that I wanted to marry a dancer. I thought that I couldn't be happy unless I married someone who loved to dance as much as I did. After reading that book though, I realized that was a want, but not really a need (as were several things on the list). I realized that what I really needed was a guy who was a disciple of Jesus Christ and a valiant member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as someone who could balance my personality with their own, treat me as an equal,  be understanding about my sensitive nature but who could also lighten me up a little and make me laugh and help me enjoy life.
I'm so glad I learned that before Brandon came along. Otherwise I might have missed out on the best guy I have ever known, who is absolutely perfect for me (even with the fact that he doesn't really love to dance)!
For Brandon I think the hard part was that he didn't have the luxury that I did of having dated around a ton. He had dated some, but not nearly as much as I had. Sometimes I wondered if he was positive he wanted to marry me because he hadn't had the same opportunity to really date around as much. But in the end it really didn't matter to him. He decided he wanted to marry me because our strengths and weaknesses complimented each other and so did our personalities, and he felt that I was what he really needed and some of what he really wanted too. Along the way he decided that he didn't want to give all that away just because he was curious about what other girls had to offer.
We both knew from the start that what we had was unique and special, that we had both experienced an amazing and almost instant connection, and that we both had the same goals and dreams. We also both realized that most importantly we couldn't imagine not having each other! What other proof did we need that we were ready to commit to make that big step? We decided we didn't need more proof than that and we still both agree to this day (more than 2 years later) that marrying each other was the best decision we have ever made!!!
So, the perhaps I could have ended my last post with "and the rest was history" but I really wanted people to understand that though making that decision isn't always easy because it is such a HUGE decision, make it wisely with the understanding that though the one you love is not perfect, they may be perfect for you!

Here are some of our dating pictures!

Pictured below from top to bottom and left to right: Attending General Conference in Utah, getting ready for a bon fire at the Carney's, watching a BSU game with my family in Boise, Halloween night, hanging out at the Carney family Thanksgiving

       

     

The Interview

I was a bit nervous about my interview because I honestly didn't really know a lot about PSR. All I knew was that I was going to be working with children and adults dealing with behavioral or mental issues, and that I had to be somewhat qualified for the job because I had a friend who I graduated with in the Child Development program who had immediately taken a PSR job after graduation.

The morning of the interview I was all ready to go except for double checking the address for the PSR office. I felt pretty good as I walked out the door knowing that I was going to be at least 15 minutes early. As I approached the building it didn't really seem to be what I had expected; it wasn't the office-like atmosphere I had anticipated. However, there was a lady working at the front desk and so I asked her where I might be able to find the PSR director. She directed me to a door leading to a basement. As I stood at the base of the stairs I was confused by the fact that the room was full of what appeared to be several PSR workers and their clients. My surprise and confusion at the scene froze me to my spot near the stairs until suddenly one of the adults in the room turned to me and asked who I was looking for. When I stated that I was looking for the PSR director she said "Oh, you're here for an interview?" So of course I told her I was. She had a look of sympathy on her face and said "Well, you're actually at the wrong place. We come here to work with our clients but this isn't the office." I immediately felt my face getting hot and I was sure it was turning brighter red with every second. "Let me call the director" she said. Thankfully she reached him right away and explained to him that I was there for the interview but said she would direct me to the office. I was grateful that she took the time to call him because at least he knew I wasn't late to my interview for no reason. Still, I was pretty embarrassed.
When I got to the actual office building I was definitely more nervous than I anticipated. As I sat down with the PSR Director and one of the owners of the counseling agency I soon felt a calm come over me. I don't really remember a lot of details of the interview, but I remember that when I left I felt a sense of peace and satisfaction with how it had gone.
As I left the office building I called Brandon to let him know my interview was over and that I was going to come back to Rexburg and attend devotional with him. He promised he would save me a seat. When I found him at the BYU-I Center he gave me a hug and asked me how it had gone. I told him I felt good about it and he reassured me that I was likely to get the job. After devotional we went back to Brandon's apartment and I got to meet his roommates as well as talk to his brother Jared who had just returned from Iraq. Jared having known me from our previous student ward was a little surprised by the news that Brandon and I were dating, but he was supportive and happy for us (which was a definite plus). Around 5pm I reluctantly said my good-byes to Brandon and his friends. He walked me to the car and I could already feel a twinge of sadness at having to say goodbye once again. I couldn't help but hope and pray that this was one of our last goodbyes we had to face.
The following day in the cornfield my boss randomly started to ask me what my plans where as far as finding a job in a field relating to my degree. I decided it was the perfect time to let him know I had actually had an interview the previous day in Idaho Falls and was supposed to hear back by Friday. He was happy to hear that and said he was anxious to hear any updates. I was grateful that he was more happy for me than anything else.
After getting off work by noon again that day I headed in to the office where my mom works to do some filing (which I often did as a part time job to help her out as well as earn some extra money). While I was filing some papers I got a call from the counseling agency offering me the job. I accepted and asked when they would like me to start. They mentioned that they would like me to start the next day. I was a little shocked by that and had to explain that I would need time to move but would be willing to start on Monday. They agreed that would work and we set up a time for my training.
After the conversation I rushed into my mom's office to tell her the news. She was surprised but also happy for me. After I finished filing papers for my mom I rushed home to start packing, feeling excited to tell Brandon. But suddenly it hit me that I also needed to call my boss from the cornfield and fill him in on the situation. When I called my boss I nervously explained that I had been offered the job and reminded him that I had taken the day off Friday to watch my niece Abby. "So I guess today was your last day then" he said in a light tone. "Yeah, I guess so" I replied. I thanked him for being a great boss and for being understanding of the situation. He told me he was happy for me and excited for my new adventure but told me that if I ever needed to come back to the cornfield I would always be welcome.
I was grateful for his reaction to the situation and relieved that I hadn't lost his respect somehow. As I packed up my room and let my friends from work and my singles ward know I was leaving I felt both sadness and anticipation for the journey ahead of me. And though I was sad to leave my friends I was grateful for their support as I jumped feet first into a great adventure, not really knowing how it would all turn out. 

The Phone Call

Even before Brandon and I were official he had mentioned that I should move back to Rexburg and since all the jobs I had been hoping for in Utah hadn't panned out I decided that I would just try my luck with applying for jobs in the Rexburg and Idaho Falls area. As I headed home the next morning (Sunday) with my mom in the car I was even more determined to find a job there. In fact, some of the time that Brandon and I had spent in the park the previous day was spent talking about what jobs I could possibly do in Rexburg or Idaho Falls. He had even offered to take my resume to a few places for me. Now that we were really "official" though I felt even more determined to move closer to him because I knew long distance would be pretty hard for us.
When my mom and I arrived home we made it just in time for her to go to the family ward and for me to go to my singles ward. The only thing I remember about church that day was getting to announce in Relief Society that I had a boyfriend! (Normally I get a lot more out of it, I promise! But I was a bit "twitter pated"!)
After church was also kind of a blur besides the fact that my parents both took turns teasing me about marrying Brandon and wedding plans. I knew they were just teasing me but at the same time I knew they had never ever teased me about marrying anyone else so I was pretty sure they either really liked Brandon or saw that I REALLY liked Brandon... or maybe both. Either way it made me both excited and extremely scared all at the same time.
On Monday (the next day) I had to go back to work in the cornfield again. Out there I hardly ever kept my phone in my pack because if it ever fell out you would never find it; so naturally my cell phone was left in my lunch box and only looked at on breaks. When I returned for the morning break I realized that I had a missed call and a voicemail. As I listened to the voicemail I was completely shocked and excited. One of the counseling agencies I had applied at for a PSR (Psychosocial Rehabilitation) Specialist position a couple weeks before had called to say they wanted to interview me! I knew I didn't have time to call them back during breaks but I was really glad to know we were going to have a short work day so I could call as soon as I got off work.
When I finally got to talk to the PSR Director a few hours later he asked if I would be available to interview the next day (Tuesday). Luckily it was a slow week for the cornfield so we were only working Monday, Wednesday and Friday, so of course I said yes.
I decided it would be better to just leave that day so that I had plenty of time to get to the interview. I packed quickly and was on the road by 2pm. I called Brandon on my way down there and he actually didn't get back to me for a couple hours so I was about half way to Rexburg when I called him. He was pretty excited about the interview and that I was going to be able to see him that evening as well. We planned to meet up as soon as he finished rock climbing with his brother Jared. After the long drive to Rexburg I was a little tired, but as soon as Brandon wrapped his arms around me in a warm embrace I forgot I was tired because all I knew was that suddenly I felt at home.

To Be, or Not to Be (Official), That is the Question

      The following day Brandon called me and asked if I wanted to go to DI  (for those not familiar with that acronym it stands for Deseret Industries and is a store similar to Goodwill) with him and a couple friends and of course I said yes. He had invited Keith to come as well so I met up with Keith and then we met up with Brandon. As we drove to DI Brandon kept tickling me by poking me in the side. I was pretty happy that he was being so flirtatious in front of his friends and I took that as a pretty good sign. Soon we were walking around the various aisles looking at random things and our hands brushed and to my surprise Brandon grabbed my hand. We continued walking around the store hand in hand but I had to wonder if he would let go once we reached my brother and the group of friends who were busy looking at the clothing racks. But to my surprise and joy, he didn't let go as we approached them a few minutes later.
     Of course I was happy that we were holding hands but I also had some questions running through my mind. Admittedly I am one of those people who over analyzes everything so I kept wondering things like "What does hand holding mean to Brandon? Does that mean we're official? What are we going to tell our friends if they ask?" I tried to bring up some of those questions but I could tell Brandon wasn't quite ready to answer them yet but I also warned him that all of our friends were going to have questions as well.
Sure enough, as we met up with a bunch of different groups of friends throughout the day and even bumped into some of my previous volunteer group leaders we got a lot of awkward questions like "So, is this your boyfriend/girlfriend?" or "How long has this been going on?" I kept waiting for Brandon to give them an explanation because I was curious myself and really wanted answers too. But to my disappointment Brandon changed the subject or gave short, nondescript answers each time someone asked. Even though I really wanted to know if holding my hand all day in front of everyone meant anything I decided to just have fun and enjoy the day and try not to worry about it. And we did have lots of fun! We spent time just at the park just talking and getting to know each other, rode a tandem bike together, wandered around campus and went to I-Night. Every moment that passed gave me more confidence in my feelings for Brandon. Once again I found myself feeling surprised at how easy, comfortable and natural everything felt between us. I had never felt that same feeling with anyone else and knowing that made me nervous and excited all at the same time. That day came to a close way too quickly and before I knew it Brandon was walking me back to my parents van where we would have to say goodbye (as I had to leave to go back home very early the next morning). When we reached the van Brandon told me he wanted to talk to me a little before I left. It was getting cold and so we both got inside the van and I started it up to keep us warm as we talked. The details of the majority of that conversation have been forgotten but I do know that I finally asked Brandon if he knew he wanted to be official or not. He said that he was okay with being official but he also seemed a little nervous about it and I could tell that it was kind of scary for him to make that decision. I asked him if he was sure but assured me that he was. We got out of the van and hugged and said our goodbyes. As I watched him wave in the rear view mirror I knew I missed him already.