Bear Necessities

My main squeeze turned twenty-six on Tuesday. We gorged ourselves on too much food, and I surprised Brian with a chessboard and tickets to a OneRepublic concert.

I found this at Global Village. It's the cutest nonprofit shop here in Logan that supports struggling artisans in developing countries by selling their fairly-traded handicrafts.

Throughout the entire day, I took the liberty of posting bear pictures on BWell's Facebook page to wish him a happy birthday. I even got some other people to join in on the Facebook fun. There isn't even a story behind the bear thing. It just sort of sporadically happened.

Then Brian ended the day by succumbing to the bear madness.

Brian, you're the Baloo to my "Jungle Book". We all know he's the best character. I'm so glad I get to grow old with you. We even have a chessboard now so we're all set. Retirement home, here we come.

Apparently I Made the Good List

Now that it's been a month since Christmas, how about I blog about it? I mean, I've already been wallowing in sorrow for the last few weeks since it ended. I wallowed in it as I took down the tree. I wallowed in it when I turned on the radio to hear "Jingle Bell Rock" replaced by "Beauty and the Beat". And I wallowed in it after I watched The Grinch in my Christmas onesie and it just felt wrong. So for just a moment, I will wallow in the joy of Christmas day. And afterwards, I will move on with my life and embrace the rest of January. Because after all, December will come again.

However, Christmas of 2012 will be a hard one to top. We stayed with Brian's parents for Christmas Eve. Brian's other siblings couldn't make it since they both live out of state. They were greatly missed, but we still had ourselves a fun little time. And you think we would have slept in on Christmas morning but we totally didn't. I think I will forever be a little kid when it comes to Christmas. I woke up several times throughout the night and was wide awake by 6 am. Around 7, we started opening presents. But there was one rule: one of my presents from Brian had to be opened very last. It was the "surprise present". Brian had been talking up this present all month and I was beginning to think it was all just a joke. I had not the slightest idea what the surprise present could be. It was in a medium sized box and was fairly heavy. I can't tell you how many times throughout the month I picked that box up and gave it a good shake, trying to gain some knowledge of what secret was waiting beneath that wrapping paper. Turns out, Brian totally through me for a loop. The box was filled with phone books. All just to confuse me. And a smaller wrapped box waited inside. I will let Brian's iPhone video tell you the rest of what happened that morning. . .

I realize I look ridiculous and I squeal an abnormal amount, but MY HUSBAND SURPRISED ME WITH A CAR! Okay, I will stop yelling now. The best part was, I think Brian was almost more excited than I was. He is adorable.

 I decided to name my sweet kiwi green (isn't that the most adorable color?) Hyundai Tuscon Ingrid. For some reason, my family members have always named their cars. Which probably is a bad thing because it makes me more emotionally attached to an inanimate object than I probably should be. I mean, I didn't know how to break it to Goldie (my dangerous mini van) that she was going away and being replaced by Ingrid. And then I realized, "Oh, I don't have to break anything to Goldie. Because she's a van. What kind of crazy person talks to her van? Oh that's right, I do." But the name Ingrid feels so right. The day after Christmas, I took her out on a joy ride and put on Ingrid Michaelson  radio on Pandora. I turned up the tunes, gripped the steering wheel, and as it says in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, "In that moment, I swear we were infinite." That's how I felt. So Ingrid shall be her name and we will have many good road trips together in the future.

Later that afternoon, we took BWell's parents to the home of my parents and we all ate a Christmas feast together. We ate, we laughed, we played, we loved. And I gave everyone rides in my new car. It was a good day. One that I will remember always.

And now I ask you, how do you make your darn husbands stick to a gift giving budget? I just can't have Brian going cray cray and buying cars so he can outdo me like this. Granted, we were going to have to buy a new car soon anyway. I guess it was better to get it as a surprise/gift rather than a total necessity once Goldie finally bit the dust.

Well, enjoy some more pictures from Christmas day. And if you need a ride somewhere, I'm your girl!

Sunday Best: Bird is the Word

When I started dating my husband, he started corrupting me with episodes of Family Guy. I'm not a huge fan of the show and I straight up tell Brian I'm repulsed by it. However, I'll publicly admit that I do find some of the episodes funny. Particularly the bird is the word episode.

What has Brian done to me? I mean, really?

But he also surprises me with cute new clothes too, like this top covered in colorful birds. So, my friends, I believe that cancels out all the times BWell has tried to make me a Family Guy fan.

Sorry, Brian. It's never going to happen. But you do have superb taste in fashion. I will give you that.

top: Violet Hill Boutique, pants: Head Over Heels, boots: Zappos

I apologize for the picture quality. I don't get out of classes usually until the sun is setting. So we caught the last bit of the rays for these photos. That means my Sunday Best might really suffer this week with the time change. It now looks like it's eleven at night, but surprise, it's only seven! I don't know how I'll get used to these long nights. But at least I'll feel like it's eight when I wake up at seven tomorrow morning, right? Right?

If you have any suggestions on how you stay productive during long fall and winter nights, lemme know. I'm a big fan of productivity. But this whole feeling like it's bed time at seven is kind of hindering my productive self. Know what I mean? Or maybe you don't know what I mean and I'm just an old lady.  

Sunday Best: Bad to the Bone

scarf: Head Over Heels, earrings: Claire's, top: Zara, jeans: PacSun, boots: Payless, bracelet: H&M, jacket: F21

I'm not sure if it was the rebel in me or the fact that it's almost Halloween, but either way, I am now the proud owner of a skull shirt. It was probably the rebel in me that bought it. After all, I'm posting a "Sunday Best" post and it's already Tuesday morning. I'm such a rule-breaker. I might even be five minutes late to my first class at 9 am. 

Also, a shout out to my husband for surprising me with the above scarf. he knows how to turn a bad day good. I can't wait to spend the next two nights doing festive Halloween things with my BWell and blowing off all homework. . . See, told you, I'm a rebel. Watch out little children, this bad to the bone chick may just steal your Halloween candy. And eat it too.

Return of the Mr. Bucket

All you 90s kids who had a Mr. Bucket, raise your hands in the air!

Funny thing, several weeks ago I got a text from my little bro. The text message said, "I got you a present." I was confused. It wasn't even my birthday so I sent a message back that said, "Why did you get me a present?" He replied with, "Because I saw it and it reminded me of days that are long past." 

I was stumped. I had no idea what this so called present was. I thought maybe it was a joke. The next morning though, my doorbell rang and Jace stood at the door holding a Mr. Bucket box. Apparently he found it at the DI and instantly thought of me. The best part? It's in perfect condition and nothing is missing. Heck, the instructions are even still there.

I enjoy playing it. The only other person who plays it with me is Luna, and I guess technically she is not even a person. And she doesn't play right. It's more like she's on Mr. Bucket's team. I scoop up the balls that he spits out and Luna whacks them across the linoleum floor.  

Happy long weekend! Maybe I'll talk someone into playing Mr. Bucket with me.

We Gonna Paaarty Like It's Yo Birfday

 

Just imagine me rapping that title while wearing shades and a chain necklace. Ah yes, that's perfection. Some people claim rapping isn't a talent, but I beg to differ. Because I've tried legit rapping and it's tricky. It's like saying a million tongue twisters right in a row and lots of times the tongue twisters make you want to laugh because they might be slightly off-colored or inappropriate (I do have all edited versions of my favorite rap songs on my iPod, don't judge), yet even though you want to laugh at the slightly naughty stuff you're rapping, you can't laugh because real rappers are stone cold serious.

Whew, that was a mouthful.


You know what else is tricky besides rapping? Changing all your perfect plans for your husband's birthday at last minute because your little sister ends up in the hospital. That's what's tricky. And that happened to me. It really did. And you know what, I think I'll go ahead and tell you about it now.


Brian's birthday was on Sunday. And in my world, when your birthday falls on a weekend, that means you celebrate for three days instead of just one. That means all Saturday afternoon and evening, BWell and I were having fun and consuming more calories than is probably healthy. When we arrived back to our humble abode, we plugged our phones in upstairs since they were dying, and we went back downstairs to be crazy, married party animals for a bit longer. By the time we retired to bed it was about 1 AM. I went to look at my phone and I had a few missed calls from some strange number. The calls came in at around midnight. I told Brian the news about the mystery number. He then looked at his own phone. The same mystery number called him too. Then I looked at my text messages. There were unread texts. . .from the mystery number.

The first text message said:

        "I'm at the hospital getting my appendix out."


Then the second one said:

         "By the way, this is Lexi."


I wish you could have the chance to meet my little sis, Lexi if you never have. She is a character. She's thirteen and basically a fireball. Earlier that day, Lexi ran the Color Run 5k and before the race began, she kept complaining about her side.

"Guys, my side really hurts. What's wrong with me? Do I need to get my appendix out? Which side are your appendix on? Yep, pretty sure I need to get mine out."

And all the while, we said,
"Lex. Be quiet. You are fine."

Turns out she was right and we were wrong. She really did need to get her appendix removed.

As Brian and I sat in bed, staring at the text messages Lexi had supposedly sent from some strange number, we debated on whether or not this was some rotten prank. Lexi is famous for doing that. She likes to tell tall tales. Maybe she was sleeping over at a friend's house and sent it from their cell phone? Maybe she really was in the hospital, in pain, dying? How were we to know? Lexi would call me and Brian no matter the time if something like this was really happening. She likes us. Well, she mostly just has a crush on Brian. But all the same, she would demand to talk to us before going in for surgery. Short on options and sleep deprived, I replied to the text:
           "Are you ok? Wow, your side really did hurt."

And then I went to sleep.

Morning came and I showered Brian with happy birthdays. I was so excited. Months earlier, I had purchased a Wii system for my man. It had found refuge in the back of my closet, carefully hidden by my jackets and sweaters, where Brian would never think to look. My family was coming to Logan to take us to birthday lunch after we went to church. Well, that was the plan anyways. And all the while, I made secret plans to have friends come to our place while we were out eating dinner. Then when we would arrive home, the friends would have the Wii system set up, yell surprise, and we would all eat cake and play Just Dance (my family bought him that game for the bday since I got him a Wii). I knew it was the perfect plan.

But that morning, I got a phone call from my dad. He sounded worn out. He informed me that Lex had indeed had her appendix removed a little after midnight, and they stayed at the hospital all night with her. He apologized and sadly told me we would have to reschedule birthday lunch. Then I talked to my mom. She told me a sad story about Lexi. Hopefully Lexi doesn't beat on me for sharing the story on my blog.

My mom told me that right before they sent Lexi in for surgery, she started sobbing. In between sobs, she said to my mom, "I'm so scared."
My mom tried comforting her and told her there was nothing to worry about, doctors did this type of surgery all the time.
"No, I'm scared because I'm going to ruin Brian's birthday. I just want Brian to have a good birthday, Mom."

When I later told Brian this story, I thought he was going to cry. He and Lex are pals. Then Brian said, "We have to go see her."

So we decided a trip to the hospital would be necessary after church. However, while we were at church, Brian's phone went off (I hate it when he brings that thing to church). He didn't answer, but then it went off again, and again, and again, and again. It was that same mystery number that was actually the doctor's phone. Yeah, my sister seriously asked the doctor if she could use his cell phone before she went into surgery. Now apparently he was letting her use it again. Finally, Brian got up from the pew and went out in the hall so he could answer the phone. Sure enough, it was Alexis on the other end.

"Hang tight, Brian. I'm gonna get out of this place so we can go to dinner."
Apparently my little sister became a crazy person trying to break out of the hospital.

She didn't break out of the hospital though. And we didn't go to birthday dinner. But we did surprise Lexi when we showed up at the hospital with a giant balloon. And because we have some awesome friends, they still came over and set up the Wii. Everything worked out. We ended the day with Better Than Sex Cake, which is entirely a lie, so I'd rather just call it Skor cake.

My sister is alive and appendix-less, my husband is another year older, and I'm tempted to play Mario Brothers on the Wii now rather than study for my final on Friday. Life is good.

Sealed With a Kiss

I know everyone is sick of the posts about Valentine's Day. So I'll go ahead and apologize.

I'm sorry.

Valentine's Day is pretty cool I suppose. I feel like I don't appreciate it as much as some people, and I also don't hate it as much as some people. I mean, it's nice. It's nice getting a card in the mail from your grandma and a box of delectable chocolates from your parents. It's nice having your husband take you out to dinner so you don't have to worry about cooking. . .not that I would know because I usually don't cook and we usually do eat out (maybe one day I'll get better at that). But that stuff is all very nice. It's nice to celebrate love. I wish we could make a bigger deal out of celebrating love though, you know what I mean? Get school and work off or something. Because Valentine's Day just shadows in comparison to Christmas, the 4th of July, and Halloween (my three favorite holidays). But oh well, I'm all about celebrating, I think I'm just a bit bummed because Brian and I were so busy that we didn't have a lot of time to celebrate Valentine's Day. But the time we did have was top notch.

In a nutshell, this is what happened:

• Monday night, Brian had a night class, so I waited for him to get home and then we went to dinner at about eight. We went to Le Nonne. It's one of my most favorite restaurants ever. They make homemade Italian food. If you ever go, try the spinach ravioli. The sauce that covers it is to die for! After dinner, we bought a cheesecake platter at the grocery store, because cheesecake is the most romantic dessert of all desserts. We also bought a heart-shaped balloon. It just sounded like a fun thing to do. And then I made Luna chase the balloon string all about the kitchen because I'm an animal torturer like that.

• On actual Valentine's Day, I was busy all day long with school projects. I did get to visit a chocolate factory though and see how they make chocolates. I shot it all with my camera and later went up to campus to edit it. Then I had African Dance that night, and since I have already racked up so many absences, I went early and stayed longer so I could make them up. All that hip swaying and head bobbing for three hours wore me right out and I didn't arrive home until ten at night. But BWell and I exchanged gifts. It was nice.

Below are pictures to prove that what I just told you is real. Also, this was mine and Brian's first Valentine's Day as married hooligans, but it was actually our third Valentine's Day spent together. He's been such a good Valentine the last three years that I think I'll keep him. Probably forever actually.

 Delicious calamari at Le Nonne

In the middle picture, I had just whacked the light fixture with my balloon. You can tell from the look on my face.

 Sometimes I wrap presents with all the newspaper we have. It works. 

 We only had one razor scooter. Now since we'll have two, our rides in the summertime will be much more enjoyable.

Brian did well. He got me a gift certificate for 2 one hour massages (one of which I'm getting tomorrow). And since I was gross and sweaty, I just made Luna pretend to me. Did I fool you? 

One More Month of 20

Exactly one month from today, I will turn the ripe age of 21.

If you know anything about me, you know that I'm obsessed with birthdays. Not just my own. I'm obsessed with  just the idea of a birthday. Birthdays are important. They are special. It's a lot LOT more than just magically becoming a year older and eating some cake. A birthday is a celebration of life. It's a celebration of being born and growing and learning. It's a celebration of the past year and how you've changed. It's a time to reflect and see how much closer you are getting to becoming the ideal person you want to become. 

A birthday is YOUR day. It should be your day to do whatever you want, to be appreciated, and to be constantly reminded every minute of just how special you are.

I love celebrating birthdays. I love buying people I care about presents. I love making ridiculous cakes. I love planning surprises and I love putting together parties. And I love, love, love seeing people feel happy and special. I want that job for a career, is there such a thing? Can I be a professional birthday celebrator? 

So granted, I also love my own birthday. Since my birthday is right after Christmas, I'm usually not busy with work or school so I tend to plan my day out with parties and activities I would like to do. I also usually go do something fun with my mom since, well, if it weren't for her I wouldn't even have a birthday. This year, however, I do not have to plan out my birthday since someone already planned it for me. And I won't be around the day of my birthday to celebrate with my mom . . . but I'll make it up to her.  

When Brian started dating me, he was so confused as to why I was so obsessed with birthdays. You see, birthdays had never been a big deal to him. It was one of those days where he just ate a slice of cake and it was a good day, end of story. Well, back when he turned 22, I spent the whole day making a very detailed cake that had sharks made out of twinkies all over it, I invited a bunch of people to a pizza dinner, and we celebrated up until midnight, and I cheered to him all day things like, "Brian, you are the best!" and "I'm so glad you were born!" 

After that day, Brian decided birthdays are fun. So maybe that's why he planned this special surprise for my 21st birthday. Or maybe it's because a few months ago when I was probably on my period and acting like an insane woman, I broke down bawling and said, "No one cares about my birthday. I always have to plan my OWN party." And Brian probably just patted my head and said something like, "Now Kelsey, normal people do not understand that birthdays are such a big deal." Whatever the reason is, it doesn't matter. All that matters is that I am super duper excited for my 21st birthday. 

After Brian got this in his fortune cookie one day . . . .

 

He announced that we are flying to Vegas for my 21st birthday. Thank goodness Southwest Airlines had some spankin' deals on flight and hotels that were only offered for about two days. And thank goodness Brian jumped on top of that spankin' deal.

But you know what this means? I have to try to compete with a Vegas trip when Brian turns 24 in April. I better start planning now. I don't think we can fit another cool trip in our budget, so if you think of any ideas, let me know.   

Christmas Wish List 2011

I realize this is the time of year to think of others and shower them with gifts. I really like that.

 The thing is, I'm really bad at telling other people what I want. I guess I have this idea in my head that it's rude to want certain things and expect to get them. But because of that, it's my own fault if I get peanuts and socks for Christmas because, hey, what else were they supposed to get me if I left them clueless?

The answer to that question is: peanuts and socks.

And just to clear up any sad thoughts you may be having for me at the moment: I have never actually received peanuts and socks as a Christmas present. But I'm surprised it hasn't happened yet.

So with the fact admitted that I'm horrible at just being a boss and telling people what I want, I decided it'd be easier to nonchalantly make a wish list on this here blog. So anyone out there wanting to get me something (Santa) can look here instead of ask me and get some super awkward answer.

Along with that, I often times really do not know what I want at Christmastime. It's like my mind goes completely blank and I feel completely content with all the belongings I own and think to myself, "I guess I could use some peanuts and socks. But that's about it."

And what is the logical thing to do at a time when you forget those little presents you really want? Well, the logical thing is to remember that list of things for when your birthday rolls around. This is a real problem for me, seeing that my birthday is four days after Christmas. Which a lot of people hear and ask me if that really sucks to have your birthday right after Christmas. My answer to that is, not really. But then again, I wouldn't know what it's like to have my birthday on a different day. Funny thing, those birthdays always fall on the same day of the year. But really, it's not so bad. I love Christmas so there's nothing better than having a huge week of celebration between Christmas, my birthday, and New Years. And quite frankly, I'm quite proud that  I've never had to go to school on my birthday. Ever. And I never will have to. Therefore, I truly celebrate my birthday from the minute I wake up until the minute I go to sleep.

So now that I've rambled on about my awkward ways and my random thoughts on my birthday, here is a list of things I'd love to unwrap on the morning of December 25. Or December 29 (my b-day) works too.

DISCLAIMER: I in NO WAY expect to get every one of these gifts. That would be ridiculous. I am merely making a list full of plenty of options. That's all.

I'd like a ridiculously awesome blazer so I can wear it next semester when I anchor on our ATV student news show. And possibly save it for the future when I make myself into something . . . whether that be a reporter, a promoter of good things, an author, a clothing designer, a super cool wife, a zoo keeper . . . whatever I officially decide I want to be. Forever21 has tons of cute blazers, this classic cocoa colored one probably being my very favorite.

It's time, people. I want a more legit camera than the one I presently have. This is the Nikon Coolpix, which I've read excellent reviews on, but I really am not partial to one type of camera. I just want a camera that's a step up from what I have. I want to step up my photography skills. More shooting and less editing. Better camera.

 A tripod would be a nice treat too. If I get the camera, that is.

Source: etsy.com via Kelsey on Pinterest

I'd like an infinity scarf. Or two. Or three. Logan, Utah is cold.

Source: burton.com via Kelsey on Pinterest

Speaking of cold, I really need a new snow coat. I have plenty of 'cute' winter-time coats, but I'm talking I need a real legit snow coat. One that I can roll around on the ground in and still feel dry. It's time to take part in some intense sledding, snowboarding, igloo making while wearing my own coat. Not one I borrowed from my mom or my mom-in-law, since that's what usually happens. 

New running shoes are on my wish list. I've been running in my beloved pair of Asics for . . .a while now. I would really love a bright obnoxious pair. And I'm kind of partial to Nike and Asics as far as running shoes go. When it comes to my feet and exercise, I get a little into brand names. Judge me. It's my one guilty pleasure as far as brand names go. 

So now you can all shake your heads and think about what a demanding little brat I am. I like any other present too. Like books. Or that bunny sweater from Forever21. Or chap stick. Or henna kits. Or high fives. Or peanuts and socks are nice too.

The Way To a Girl's Heart is Through Her Feet

Today it snowed. My feet were cold. So my pal picked these boots out for me. I'm the luckiest. Thanks, Bri. I'd say you're a pretty cool guy. 

Jumbo Tampons, Beautiful Beaches, and a Proposal

Day 4. Tuesday.

My menstruation cycle is discussed in this post. I apologize to anyone that feels offended that I would discuss my period on the internet. However, it is a big part of my life, being a girl and all. Plus, as a writer, I feel it is important to discuss slightly uncomfortable topics. I do not think periods are uncomfortable topics to talk about though. I actually find period stories pretty funny. Maybe that is because I, myself, have loads of them. On a second note, I want to remember this story just as it happened. It was a pretty big day after all. The day my future husband proposed to me is what I consider to be a pretty big day. Including the 'period part' of this story will show just how miserable I was at the beginning of the day, and how Brian turned it into the best of days. He tends to do a good job at that. Thanks Bri.

My periods are from Hell. Notice I am not cussing. I even capitalized Hell to get a point across that I am, indeed, referring to the place. Seriously, I think the devil, himself, sent them to me. I know all girls say that. I have no place to say that mine are worse than the next girl's, but mine are pretty horrid. Back in bible times, supposedly women were put away during the week of their period. At first, I thought that was horrible to put a woman alone in a room and kind of shun her for a week. I guess I can't blame them though. Some girls are absolute jerks during their periods. And sometimes, I wouldn't mind being locked in a room. Usually (at least the first couple days) all I can do is sit in a room any ways. In the summer, if I am on my period, I try to avoid swimming the first couple days completely. I know, I've heard it before.

"Try a tampon, Kelsey."

I do try tampons. Jumbo ones to be exact. However, the second day of my period, a jumbo tampon will last me 45 minutes to an hour if I am lucky.

Of course, my period was due to start some time during the cruise. That's the other horrid thing about my period. It always comes at the most inconvenient times. Thinking back on most of the highlights of my high school/college career, I was on my period.

Track districts or track state. I think it alternated every year.

Prom.

Family trips.

Track camp.

State volleyball.

WAC Indoor Championships.

Spring break last year.

And now. . .spring break this year, during the cruise.

Basically, every time something important happens to me, I'm on my period.

Tuesday marked the second day of my period. The awful day. Which was also the day we had planned to spend our time in Cabo on the beach, snorkeling, swimming, and enjoying some of the world's best beaches. Lucky me.

I convinced myself that everything would be fine. I told myself to be positive. So I changed into my swim suit, telling myself over and over again that I did not look bloated, and loaded my beach bag full of tampons.

Once on land, we booked a boat tour with a glass-bottom boat. They took us around the bay (which was gorgeous) and then planned on dropping us off by Lover's Beach with snorkeling equipment. We would then stay there for several hours before the same boat would return for us.

Being in a small boat on the ocean water was a crazy experience. It was fun, but I may or may not have gotten nervous a couple times.

Finally, the time came that we were dropped off on the beach to do some snorkeling. Snorkeling was one of the things I was the most excited for. Turns out, I am disabled or something when it comes to trying to snorkel. I think it was all those years of being a runner and being taught how to breathe correctly. So trying to breathe completely through my mouth while snorkeling was very foreign to me. Every time I went under water, I was instantly greeted with a face full of delicious salt water. It also didn't help that my period was causing me to feel extremely uncomfortable and short of patience. After trying several times and feeling frustrated. . .the worst thing happened. That stupid jumbo tampon failed me. I was completely embarrassed and felt like crying.

After resolving the problem a bit, I wanted nothing but to feel the sand and sun on my body. So that's what I did. I went to a nice spot to lie down and Brian tried to convince me to go on a walk with him. I didn't think anything of it. All I knew is at that moment I did not feel like walking.

Randee got all excited and said, "Where are we walking to?"

Trevin replied quickly, "Not us! Just Brian and Kelsey."

I remember thinking, "Whoa, you guys can go with us."

However, I didn't walk. I collapsed in the sand, wanting to die, and told Brian that I would go on a walk in a few minutes.

Shortly after, the three boys decided they wanted to go find a more private beach. As afternoon had drawn upon us, so had dozens and dozens of other tourists and the beach had grown very crowded. So the boys hiked around some rocks and out of sight, while the girls hung back for some relaxation.

After a while, Trevin and Brian both eagerly came back, telling us they found a great beach and no one else was there.

Dallin was not present. Turns out he was back guarding a very special ring, as well as chasing people away from the beach.

Fighting off my fatigue, I got up and started the hike to our beach. The little beach they had discovered was just as great as they had said. The sand was amazing and the beach itself was hidden by some very pretty rock structures.

Once we arrived, Brian led me away from the rest of the group. He was acting slightly awkward. I did not know what was going on. He led me to the top of the beach, right below some awesome cliffs. I looked down at the sand and saw a big X formed with flip flops.

"What the heck is Dallin doing with his flip flops?"

Brian smiled and replied, "I don't know. Maybe we should take a look."

With that, he bent down, moved the flip flops, and began digging into the sand.

At this moment, I think I rolled my eyes a little bit. Let me explain.

Brian is the biggest tease. Ever. We have been planning on getting married for some time now, I just was waiting for him to pop the question. I had refused to help shop for rings so I didn't know at this point if he even had a ring or not. Before we had gone on the cruise, Brian had already fake proposed to me TWICE. Rude, huh? But slightly funny, I'll admit. So I had already planned on him fake proposing during our cruise. I mean, it's perfect. Getting proposed to in Mexico. By the ocean. How romantic. So obviously he was going to fake propose here.

So that is why I began rolling my eyes. I knew the fake proposal was coming. Then he pulled out a rolled up wad of socks from the sand. I just stood there, deciding I would let the boy have his fun. Then he took an actual case out of the socks. Then he opened up the case and there was an actual sparkly ring in that case. Very sparkly. Wow. . .very, very sparkly! Then he was down on one knee, smiling up at me. Smiling that big Brian smile that I just can't resist.

Then he said, "Kelsey, will you marry me?"

I stood there for a few seconds with big eyes and my mouth hanging open before replying. I was pretty sure this proposal was not fake. This was the real deal.

"Wait. . .is this for real?"

Those are the words that came out of my mouth.

Brian began laughing, "Yes, this is for real!!"

So of course I said yes. Over and over again. Yes, yes, yes. I did not even look at the ring, I basically just attacked Brian. We kissed and hugged and all that gross, mushy stuff. He twirled me across the sand, and we looked down at our friends, who were cheering and taking pictures.

Then we heard more cheering from boats by the shore. People had been watching. Some Mexican fishermen even started yelling congratulations to us. It was unreal. We were in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. On our very own beach. We were engaged. My life officially rocked. Take that period. Try ruining my day now.

When I got around to actually looking at the ring on my finger, I instantly fell in love with it. I am so glad that I let Brian do it by himself. I had so many people pestering me about going ring shopping with him. I didn't want to though. I wanted the ring to be completely from Brian. Not something I told Brian to buy. Plus, if a boy can get you a ring that is your style, it is probably a pretty good sign that he knows you. Well, my pal sure does know me. Check this bling out:

He designed it! Just for me!

The rest of the day, I was basically in La La Land. As you could imagine. That night we had a fancy dinner in honor of our engagement.

Oh, and I made some new friends. . .

So basically, the moral of the story is that everything exciting in my life happens when I'm on my period. Actually, I would be on it during our wedding most likely. Thank goodness my friend, birth control will solve that problem.

August 5th. Logan temple. I will go from Kelsey Keller to Kelsey Weller. Drastic change there.

Or even better, I could be a Dr. Seuss character. Kelsey Keller Weller. Catchy, right?