Hey, here's MY half! I'm not as good a writer as Lex, I know, but my stuff is a bit more blunt. I think it's, at times, easier to follow, so yay for me!
For anybody who believes it's impossible/silly to fall in love over the Internet, may this stand as testimony that the possibility is there. I do not consider Lex or myself in any way, shape, or form "desperate" or "sad and lonely" as the typical classification may be. It just sorta.. happened. Anyways, here are some posts from Farore that I made in regards to the whole situation. Read what you like, because it's quite lengthy. <3
I posted this bit after he popped the question:
11 January, 2008
I don't even know where to begin. I've already spent a good amount of time trying to write this up, and yet, I was so dissatisfied, I've begun an entire new response.
I know that my writing cannot illustrate nearly as beautiful as Seran Aileron's. He made such a wonderful attempt to display what exactly has gone on, yet, even he falls short of the full explanation. All words do.
He has thoroughly explained the logic and the reasoning to all of you who may need to see that to believe it. To think we're not crazy.
I think we're crazy.
I love it.
I know many of you may have looked at what Seran had to say and thought to yourselves, "Wow, that's a lot." In fact, I know this to be true because some of you have even told me so. He has so beautifully and thoroughly poured all his thoughts and feelings out. If you are at all interested in knowing what exactly our relationship is, I really encourage you to read that. If you are somewhat interested and want the shorthand version, feel free to read what I have to say. However, if you are going to judge, I must refer you to Seran's post. It really does make sense to us, and that's what matters. He explains it much better than I could, really. I do trust in Farore not to judge, but rather to support. As I've made it clear, I do love you all like my own family. Either way, I feel it proper to explain to my best ability what has gone on.
So, without further ado, Farore, I present you with my side of the story.
As some of you may or may not know, in November, I began the first step in ending my relationship of two and a half years. Inexplicable reasons led me to realize the many flaws there were. I was oblivious to them, and could very well have gone down an eternal path with them. I believe it was an unearthly intuition which struck up the courage within me to do what I had to do- to see what I had to see- to say what I had to say.
It wasn't easy. I did it, though.
Right away, I was free. I wanted that freedom that I couldn't have with him. Silly me. I thought that being in a relationship was only there to restrict your freedom. I thought that I could never live if I remained in one. I just wanted to be single and free.
Well, as you may have gathered, that didn't exactly happen.
Seran and I knew from the start that we needed each other. As friends? Perhaps. Very, very close friends, at the very least. We built a relationship (whatever it was, at the time we had no idea) that had a strong foundation in our Lord. We are both members of the Roman Catholic church. For me, I knew no one on this level. Like, sure I'm Catholic and there are many others, but I'm too shy to express the emotional aspect of it with anyone. No one would understand. He does, though. He feels the same Passion, the same Grace, all the same feelings as me. I really couldn't believe that I found someone to share that with. Really. This is just amazing for me. It's what I've needed so badly. From what I know, so does he. I do feel he is much more knowledgeable than I am, but that's a good thing. He can teach me. It is also in teaching that one can learn, so I'm able to help him as he helps me.
I look forward to praying with him each and every night. I look forward to the days that we can pray together, in each other's presence. I look forward to dancing in the sunshine with him. California has SO much sunshine. I love the heat, and I'm so glad he does, too. He will surely get to experience that once he comes here. He is so bold to make that choice, but really I can't blame him. I mean.. it's California. We've got Disneyland.
Really, though, he has to sacrifice a lot. He will leave it behind and come to this strange new place. There are many reasons and many factors, but I will be here for him to make the transition. California is very expensive. Homes are outrageous and the market is dying. I know all this very well. Our minimum wage has just increased to $8.00/hr, which as far as I know, is the highest minimum wage in the nation. I do not want a higher minimum wage. I find it unnecessary to be paid that much when the majority of those who make minimum wage are adolescents. That's a different tangent, though.
As he makes changes, so too will I. I am, for the first time in my life, preparing myself to leave the nest. I will apply for the aid I need and hope and pray that I will receive it so that I may dorm next year. It is nowhere near comparable to what the real life is, but it is a much better start. I will have more freedom from my parents. Then, perhaps, our relationship may begin to grow even better. My household is bustling and noisy, and I do not have any privacy in my own home. I do not get any freedom. Even if I don't have that privacy in the dorm, I will have the freedom to seek it. I will not have my family keeping me away from my family-to-be.
This is very difficult for me, but this is what I need to do. It's for the sake of our love.
One of the things about him that caught me off-guard was his willingness to sing. I asked him to sing for me, and he said, "Sure." Wow. No one would ever do that for me. Or rather, only one person had sung for me before. My best friend at the time, who had already had vocal lessons. Oddly enough, though, I felt courage enough to sing for him (Seran, that is). I did, despite my opinions of myself, I did it for him. There is a sort of willingness that I have never before experienced. With him, I really am.. free. I make so many mistakes. I ruin so much. He always forgives me. He has instilled in me such a confidence I have never had, but always needed. I have always struggled with my esteem and self-regard, yet, I feel okay with him. He has made me feel like I'm not a terrible person. Despite a troubled past, he loves me. He allows me to forgive myself. That is something I've needed so very much.
We feed off each other in the most amazing of ways. I smile thinking about our first time on the phone. He set me off into a line of laughing. I mean, many people have heard of my somewhat-notorious laughter explosions. Some of you have actually heard it. He actually induced it, on our first conversation. Likewise, he began to laugh. Laughter is important to me. I do it a lot. I enjoy sharing these laughs with him.
He's experienced my road rage. I don't mean to stay on the phone long, just long enough so I'm not alone as I walk to my car. Yet, we wind up chatting the entire time home. Talking, smiling, laughing, loving, and a lot of yelling. (My car and the freeway don't particularly do well together) I'm afraid to see my phone bill.
I look forward to introducing him to my very, very strong culture. My family has a very strong Sicilian background. Most of those here are, in fact, immigrants. He will be able to experience true Italian food. It is, let me say, superb. I will teach him about my random tastes of music, and leisurely activities. He will teach me to be an intellect. We will grow more and more into beautiful people. We fill in the voids in each others lives, yet, have so many essential similarities that lead to a healthy foundation. Of course, it was getting to this point that may have been a bit of a struggle.
It was so difficult for me to express this love. I knew it was there, and so did he. It was a matter of being able to say it, though. That, also, took courage, considering our circumstances. Early in the morning of my 18th birthday, I told him. 1:44 in the Californian morning, 3:44 in the Oklahoman morning, I told him, "I am absolutely and completely in love with you." (except, I used his first name. ^-^)
From there, it grew and grew. We began to wonder what exactly our "relationship status" was, but it didn't really bother us. We had each other, and that's all that mattered, right?
Well, sort of.
We were talking in the wee hours of January 10th. We were discussing lightly such a matter. We already were aware of the fact that we were going to get married. What exactly does that make us? What exactly IS an engagement anyways? At what point are you considered that? At least, those are the thoughts in my mind.
At 2:05 on my morning of January 10th, he asked me to marry him.
The first words to slip my mouth were actually, "Oh my God." I never take The Lord's name in vain. I.. had no control over my speech at that moment. I was dizzy. My heart stopped in it's tracks. That was it. I couldn't move, I couldn't function. He had no answer. I phoned him.
I said, "yes."
We are engaged, as far as we are concerned. Our households? Our friends and family at home? They.. don't need to worry about that. >_> <_< Once our futures become more possible, and once I am given that ring, and he gives me the WHOLE SHEBANG (I mean, excuse me for being a princess! xDDD), then our family shall know. We still do have a long way to go, and we both look forward to taking each and every step.
This is it.
We are engaged.
I love him. He is my fiancé. For reals this time.
PS: Does this make us the first Farorean engaged couple in real life?
[i]Now I suppose I should just skip straight to the week we were together[i]
Posted in Farore- 24 March 2008
It's true. As some of you may know, Lex recently flew 1,300 miles from Oklahoma to California to spend a week with yours truly! The Serious Discussion thread contained quite a few posts with the struggles leading up to that point. Most of them had to do with money and my strict parents. We were being watched over, though, and he landed here safely on March 15th, and remained here until March 22nd. We seriously had the best time of our lives, thus far.
Don't look so surprised! We became engaged on January 10th, and the enjoyment was BOUND to happen! Anyways, without further ado, I present to you the
KASSILEX MARCH EXTRAVAGANZA!
The day before the trip, I pretty much went crazy. I couldn't get all of my work done for school, and I couldn't think straight. Neither of us had really eaten. (I ate two bowls of Golden Grahams, which I nearly threw up) I was dizzy and antsy, and couldn't see straight. It would have been much easier if I wasn't driving all around town in preparation, but alas!
He was spending time with his brothers, too, and when he returned, we stayed up together in anticipation. I was SO dizzy! We finally hung up in the middle of the night when he had to leave for the airport, and I just went NUTS. Miraculously, though, I was tired enough to fall asleep. He texted me throughout the night, and in the airport. He finally landed in Denver with a layover, and we texted. Then, I was up, and wasn't going back to sleep. I couldn't eat, and it had been well over 12 hours since my previous bowl of Golden Grahams.
I spent the rest of the morning tidying up my room, and just breathing and preparing to meet him. I put on the TOTALLY cute shirt I bought to pick him up, and did my make-up and everything. I had originally planned to pick him up on my own, but my parents became increasingly uncomfortable with the idea as the time approached, and the compromise we settled with was my dad going to the airport with me.
Great.
I had to contain my excitement, because my parents didn't like the idea of him flying over here just to see me. XD My dad drove us to Ontario, and it wasn't as uncomfortable as I had imagined. Of course, I was still going CRAZY. I couldn't ponder and walk around the airport liked I'd normally have done, so instead, I just noticed my constant fidgeting and jumpiness. Then, he sent me a text message: "We just landed." I went NUTS!
My dad asked me if he knew where his baggage claim was, right around the same time he asked me if my dad knew. >.< We picked a spot around Baggage Claim 2, because apparently his Ted plane was supposed to be in that area. I was sitting in the chair to the left of my dad, sending a text in response to Lex's claim of being uncomfortable, saying something like, "You think YOU'RE uncomfortable?! Try sitting here with-" when my dad tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Shh!" I was so confused, and I looked up and I think my heart exploded.
There he was, walking toward me from the right. I could have died at that moment with excitement. He was.. SO handsome. Oh my gosh. He had this CUTE little half smile, and he was just.. GAH ADORABLE! I don't remember too much here, to be honest. I was seriously TOO excited to even remember what the first words I said to him were. I'd like to have said, "Welcome to California" but I lost everything. I do know we were closer to my seat by the time I stood up and hugged him. I didn't want to let go, but I didn't want my dad to get any ideas.
We were in the baggage claim, and I remember bumping his shoulder a few times. Our hands were DYING to hold, but we couldn't! We did spend a good amount of quality time in the parking lot, because my dad couldn't remember where we parked. =P I felt bad because Lex had his bag to carry, but he seemed okay. =0)
When we were back in my dad's car, I had to tell him how CUTE he was, but of course.. not in front of dad. I texted it to him. Then, to break the awkward silence, we started conversation about none other than Twilight Princess. That actually lasted a good portion of the ride back to my city.
We finally arrived at my house, and it seemed like AGES before my dad let us out of his sight. We wanted to go to In-N-Out and grab some burgers since it had been probably 17 hours since either of us had eaten. We told my dad we were off, and went in my car. As we turned the first few corners, he offered me his hand. =3 His hand was so perfect for mine. My heart got all fuzzy when I held it. I just.. couldn't let go.
We both realized we were still to antsy to eat, and decided to bypass the food for the time being and went straight to the mall. The trip was just adorable, with our giggles and blushes. Once we were finally there, our trip began. (Of course, about two hours after we had left my home, my dad already called and asked where we were. =P)
We just basically ran around Riverside and my city, playing in the mall and running through shops. The first picture we took together was actually on his cellphone, and here it is!
Presenting, KassiLex!
Here's us in the mall. The FIRST picture was on his phone, and this one was taken shortly after on mine. ^.^
Sunday was one of our more picturesque days.
Some Hills
He's thinking that California's great. <3
Yeaup, he loves it here!
and so do I!
Well, on Sunday, we went to church and played in the field. We also saw a Passion Play. Silly me, the Mexican Ministry put it on, and I didn't realize that meant it'd be in Spanish. >.< We still enjoyed it, though.
Afterwards, we had dinner at my house, and lost our Brawl virginity together. When we arrived, the bit that caught me off guard was the fact that my annoying Pomeranian, Rufus, didn't bark one bit at him. Rufus is a pain in the butt. He barks at EVERYONE. He particularly doesn't like males, and/or those he hasn't met. (My best friend later commented on how he still barks at her, and we've been friends since before we got the dog) Saria was totally jumping all over him, though, and that was a lovely omen.
Sunday was just a fabulous day. <3
=O
Our Rings <3 We decided these rings would be similar to "promise rings," some what representing that we promise to be with each other. However, I think they carry a bit more meaning since we aren't just dating, but are, in fact, engaged. Since our families don't know yet, and our budget doesn't exactly allow for it, they're essentially our engagement rings. <33 It's quite nice to wear this ring every day, knowing the hands that placed it on my finger will be back here to hold my hand as soon as possible.
Monday, we went to Long Beach to go to the Aquarium of the Pacific. I do believe we were overcharged. XD It was decently fun, but not $15/person fun! =P
We had a lovely lunch at the Mexican restaurant I used to eat at as a kid! <3
He's really attractive when he eats.
We had a very mature
lunchtime conversation. (This is a video file, mind you <3)
The aquarium was.. lacking a little. However, I snapped
this cute picture of Lex sitting outside!
Jelly Fish!
Funny Looking Fish!
Monday was decently fun, as we got lost in Orange County. Okay, not really LOST, just couldn't find our way to the various train stations Lex's friend was supposed to meet us at. =P During the night, we found that Google maps SUCKS at bringing people back home, and kinda went nuts, but it was good fun. He really felt like my husband as he navigated uncharted territories.
Then there was Tuesday! It had been three months since I told him I loved him, and felt the need to surprise him with what we were to do that day.
I snatched us a pair of tickets to the fantabulous, world renowned Disneyland!
Of course, the first thing Lex did was
get eaten by the nearest whale he found.
Being the fabulous fiancee I am, I felt the need to
jump in after him.
Don't worry, he's safe. =3
Get ready to spin, babe!
Here we go!
Practicing to be an 80's glam rock star.
Oh look, a TREE! =3
On Splash Mountain.
Goodness, my hair was a WRECK!
This is my hair a little more toned down.
>.> <.<
Staying Loyal to Farore! We love you guys! <3
After all the excitement of our Disneyland trip on Tuesday, we toned things down a bit and went to the mission San Juan Capistrano. It's one of the several Californian Missions from, I believe, the 1800's.
It was
beautiful!
The
architecture, too, was gorgeous!
Just amazing.
We were able to find an old church, and say a prayer together. It was so wonderful to pray a Rosary, together, in the flesh, in such a BEAUTIFUL church.
That night, we had dinner back in my city at Chili's.
Gosh, that's attractive.
Thursday was a little bit lesser, as I had to take a psychology final. I ended up getting 79/100 which wasn't so bad, considering I did my studying in the car on the way there, and I had to take the whole exam knowing he was sitting right outside my class.
We went to lunch at a pita place after that.
<3
After lunch, we discovered the botanic gardens on my campus. We went up a trail, which ended up branching out into several trails. We found so many different paths; I had no idea it was so HUGE! Then, Lex's jaw DROPPED! He wanted to play in the tall grass! We climbed up the massive hill, stopping periodically to sit on some
boulders. Once we finally got to the top, we were astounded at the
view.
Afterwards, we enjoyed some fabulously wonderful boba, and drove back to my city. We met up with my best friend, whom he had also begun to talk to, and went to Panera. Then we were able to go to a very intimate church event, known as an Adoration. He had told me about it before, but I never got to experience it. I waited until I could with him. It was amazing. We prayed together, hand-in-hand before Our Lord, and everything was just.. amazing.
Friday was much more low-key. We spent the day relaxing and taking some much needed rest. We did go to a park I had taken pictures of before, and just walked around a little.
"I'm hungry."
"At least the weather's nice!"
Aww, he kissed my head. <3
We went to a wonderful Good Friday mass, and had a bit of an emotional moment afterward. Then he took me to dinner at Macaroni Grill. I thanked him so much for it, and he told me in that goofy voice, "I have to rho-MANCE you!" and we, of course, giggled like children at his silliness. We also drew all over the table with the crayons provided. =3
Friday was really a difficult night, because we knew our week was coming to an end. Saturday morning, though, was even more difficult. We took one
last picture, but it was nothing too pretty. Then, of course, our stuffed animals had to say good-bye. I bought him a turtle at the Aquarium, and we also played with my piggie quite a bit.
It was a dramatic good-bye.
It was during this trip that we realized just
how ready we are to tie the knot. Originally, we just figured we'd get married within a few years. Then we picked a date two years from now. We've become increasingly more impatient, and I'm pleased to announce that we plan to be wed before the end of the year. Saying good-bye was hard, but luckily for us, it was the last good-bye we'll have. The next time I'll see him, he'll be coming to stay.
This was absolutely, hands-down, the most amazing week of my life. We had already fallen in love, and now we were granted the gift of experiencing it. Farore: I MUST thank you for all your support. I haven't received much skeptical criticism, and I thank you all for it. If there were any, though, I hope this serves as something to change your mind. Being with him this week wasn't in the least bit awkward. I love my Lexxi with my all. Now all there is to do is prepare to be married! =)
The end! <3
(of my portion, at least)
Wow, that's a lot, huh? I'm sure very few of you were willing to read all of it. If you did: Kudos. This is basically the story of Lex and myself, and I'm just glad to share it with you.