Well, I honestly can't believe that it's been over five months since my last post! I actually feel a bit embarrassed! I wish I could say that I've been so busy gallivanting across the world, and helping build homes and schools in third world countries...but in all honesty I've been just trying to live life here in Edmonds.
We've now been in the house a few months shy of one year. I can't believe how quickly time has flown by! I still remember driving by and deciding to stop in for the open house last year. I recall walking through the front door and immediately decorating the foyer for Christmas! I knew exactly where I would put the Christmas Tree in the great room, and when I walked into MY kitchen, I think my heart stopped for just one moment. It's that feeling of, this is the one! :) It's hard to describe, but if you've ever had it, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Fast forward through the past year...we've put in a garden, built a chicken coop, raised three chickens who are now all three producing eggs, built a compost enclosure, and almost fully furnished the house! I can't believe how much stuff we've packed into such a short period of time. But I can honestly say that I wouldn't change a minute of any of it! That's not to say that there haven't been any bumps in the road, I'd be lying if I said there weren't. But that's the fun part of life...figuring out how to get around or over these bumps and still come out shining in the end!
In other big news...about 87 days ago the citizens of the state of Washington were asked to vote on my civil rights. This is such a touchy subject for me because I don't think civil rights should be voted on by the masses, I don't feel that certain groups should be allowed or restricted from certain rights that others have. But that being said...the citizens of this state passed a bill allowing same sex couple to legally enter into marriage, just as their heterosexual counterparts are allowed. As the votes were being tallied, and as the days went on, the magnitude of the situation really began to hit me. I found myself getting emotional when I thought about the fact that I was going to be allowed to marry the person I loved. And for once it didn't matter that the person I love is a man. I felt so proud to be a part of all of this and felt very fortunate to live in this state.
I looked at all the pictures of the celebrations, and Michael and I celebrated at home. We smiled at each other, not really sure if what happened...really did happen or not. I also looked at him and said, "Now's your chance to get out." We laughed. He never did say yes or no to that, so I'm still left wondering. ;-) I can still see the faces of all the people in the pictures of them coming out of the courthouse after being married. I get chicken skin every time I think of it. Couples who have been together for decades...finally being allowed to legally, and equally, bind themselves together. I get a lump in my throat thinking of all the others before us who didn't live long enough to see this day. I know that they are truly the ones who started paving the way for this day, and I'm thankful for that.
Michael and I went down to Seattle on December 7, and got our marriage license. We were one of four couples that were there. We planned it this way to miss all the lines and craziness of the days before. (We are the quiet type.) On our way home, Michael was looking through the paperwork and said, "I've never felt so...normal." And I couldn't agree more. The older lady that was helping us with our paperwork was so nice and she congratulated us after we were all finished. This was completely different than our experience filing for our "partnership" in Olympia in the Corporations Division! The guy there treated us as merely another "business transaction." This in comparison felt real...felt normal. Whatever normal is...
Well in four days Michael and I will once again head to Seattle and get married in front of a judge. We won't be having a big to-do or hoopla...again, that's not our style. Instead we chose to go on the quieter side. We each chose someone to stand up for us as a witness and we will be having dinner afterwards. Just the way we like it...just us and a few people who are important to us sharing in this special moment. Gifts? Well Home Depot gift cards are ALWAYS accepted in this household (for my inner lesbian). But other than that we don't really need or want anything. We are just happy that finally we are able to be married, and not just in a partnership. But don't worry, just because BP, LLC is dissolving, BP Farms Bed & Breakfast will still be up and running! With fresh eggs for breakfast!
oh Brian...congrats on joining the ranks of the marrieds!!! We adore you guys!! Heather
ReplyDeleteFirst, I am SO happy to see a new blog post!! I've been a lurker for a long time :). Second, CONGRATULATIONS on your upcoming wedding!!!! So happy!!! I only hope the same thing will happen across the whole country so my son can get married one day. Enjoy your special day and please don't forget to blog again soon- and I could sure go for a new YouTube recipe!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!!!
ReplyDeleteSo Happy For you! Glad we got to meet Mike and catch up with you briefly earlier this month.
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