L-M-N-O-P...

Love. Marriage. Newborn. Old farts. Pet cemetary. I suddenly see my life flashing before me. And you know what? I'm so psyched by the possibilities.

I can officially confirm some news: Andrew and I are engaged! Close friends have known this since we became engaged in May 2007 - but we haven't publicized it, because, well, we were in no rush and we also had to tell our parents.

I told my mom the first dinner we had together after she got back from the Philippines. Her typical ADD semi-deaf reaction was hilarious. Andrew broke the news last night - in person - as part of his week-long trip home to New Brunswick.

Marriage to me has always been nothing more but an expensive piece of paper. But because it means a lot to Andrew, I decided to take the plunge. To me, getting married - or not - doesn't change anything about us or how much I love him. It doesn't minimize or heighten the fact that he's my best friend, who has seen me through the highest of highs and lowest of lows; the only person who's seen my truly dark and unattractive side, and still, does not run away.

I'm not going to air my relationship here - because, well, Andrew won't appreciate that, being not as heart-on-sleeve as I am. *laughs*

People often ask the question - how do you know when you've found the right person? There is no right answer. But here's mine: When you can be together in silence - whether at the dinner table, on the couch, walking down the street together - and not feel a damn bit insecure or uncomfortable.

I will also say this. My favourite parts of the day begin and end with Andrew. Waking up and walking half-dead into the bathroom, bitchy as hell, and having him prance in with a big smile and chirpily mocking my grumpiness... Leaving together for work, with me bitching at him to hurry up, because he's going to make me late... Lying together in bed at night dreaming about the future, feeling hopeful and optimistic, and then him - um - clouding the vision with a loud stinky fart and me passing out soon after.