This was the first week in FOR-EVER that I didn't have a single after work obligation. No meetings. No events. No social activities. It was delightfully strange. I could lazily do my domestic chores, read, and watch tv. It felt so all-American.
On Wednesday, Lindsey took me to dinner at Aya Sofia, one of my new favorite places. I love the atmosphere. The food is fantastic. The service great. And sommelier Jill Aboussie is strikingly gorgeous, in my opinion. Everything about Aya Sofia is exotic yet comfortable. The waiters don't seem to mind when Lindsey asks about spelling and pronunciation of menu items. Our waiter this time even went so far as to write the name and phonetic spelling of Asure, the strange Turkish wheat pudding dessert that was a special that evening. It included nearly 20 ingredients—chickpeas, dried fruits, pomegranate seeds, nuts, etc. It isn't the kind of dessert I would crave, but it was definitely worth sharing.
To my surprise, Lindsey had gone by Noel's and picked up my engagement ring. We've been working with her for months and I've been anxious to get it. I thought she was out of town so I wouldn't have it until my birthday. But he went by her place before picking me up for dinner. So he got on bended knee and proposed all proper—even though he asked and I said yes back in September and the wedding planning train left the station a long time ago. I was delighted with his romantic gesture and we spent the rest of our dinner sitting next to each other in the booth like little dorky lovebirds cooing over each other and the ring, while belly dancers entertained. It was so fun.
On Wednesday, Lindsey took me to dinner at Aya Sofia, one of my new favorite places. I love the atmosphere. The food is fantastic. The service great. And sommelier Jill Aboussie is strikingly gorgeous, in my opinion. Everything about Aya Sofia is exotic yet comfortable. The waiters don't seem to mind when Lindsey asks about spelling and pronunciation of menu items. Our waiter this time even went so far as to write the name and phonetic spelling of Asure, the strange Turkish wheat pudding dessert that was a special that evening. It included nearly 20 ingredients—chickpeas, dried fruits, pomegranate seeds, nuts, etc. It isn't the kind of dessert I would crave, but it was definitely worth sharing.
To my surprise, Lindsey had gone by Noel's and picked up my engagement ring. We've been working with her for months and I've been anxious to get it. I thought she was out of town so I wouldn't have it until my birthday. But he went by her place before picking me up for dinner. So he got on bended knee and proposed all proper—even though he asked and I said yes back in September and the wedding planning train left the station a long time ago. I was delighted with his romantic gesture and we spent the rest of our dinner sitting next to each other in the booth like little dorky lovebirds cooing over each other and the ring, while belly dancers entertained. It was so fun.
My ring is a big chunky silver thing with an awesome pearl that is in this odd organic shape that I used to paint in a lot of my paintings. I really love it. Not until after I got it on Wednesday, did I begin to research the pearl. Now it seems even more to be the perfect choice.
Folklore, Legend, Healing Properties: Cultured or freshwater pearls are considered to offer the power of love, money, protection, and luck. Pearls are thought to give wisdom through experience, to quicken the laws of karma and to cement engagements and love relationships. They are thought to keep children safe. Early Chinese myths told of pearls falling from the sky when dragons fought. Ancient legend says that pearls were thought to be the tears of the gods and the Greeks believed that wearing pearls would promote marital bliss and prevent newlywed women from crying.
And Lindsey says there is a parable in the bible about a man finding a pearl in a field and burying it. He then sells all his worldly possessions in order to have enough money to buy the entire field, and thus gain the treasure. The story illustrates giving up all you have with joy in anticipation for something better (the kingdom of heaven). And since Lindsey sold half his belongings and left his life in Austin to move here to be with me...well, the story has some similarities. I'm not suggesting life with me is anywhere near heavenly. But it is an interesting parable, nonetheless. I'm so glad we picked the pearl and that we worked on it together. Noel Leicht, the designer, has turned out to be such an incredible joy. I am going to work with her on redesigning her website. So the whole process has just been wonderful.
My parents are arriving tonight and we are celebrating my birthday and my mom's birthday tomorrow, along with doing more work on the house. It should be a nice weekend of visiting, although the frigid temperatures are a real drag. Can't wait for spring--although this has been one of the best winters for me in a long time. I think all the exercise is helping my spirits!
My parents are arriving tonight and we are celebrating my birthday and my mom's birthday tomorrow, along with doing more work on the house. It should be a nice weekend of visiting, although the frigid temperatures are a real drag. Can't wait for spring--although this has been one of the best winters for me in a long time. I think all the exercise is helping my spirits!
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