Gone Again

Well, Adam left really early yesterday morning headed back to MCT. He didn't get the Recruiters Assistance that he was hoping for so all of the sudden our time together got real short real fast. He did spend some quality time with the girlfriend and with his friends and I FINALLY got my day with him (just he and I). We went shopping for engagement rings. Wow was that weird. I tried to give him an education on what to look for and why, etc. He had seen a set that he really liked when he and his (guy) friends went looking. He ended up chosing a ring and a "wrap" wedding band that he would have never even considered before. When the gal at the jeweler sat the solitaire into the "wrap", Adam's face went white as a ghost. That was definitely the sign that THAT was the ring for Cat. It's actually very, very beautiful and that diamond is bigger than mine (I have rock envy now). The next day we went back in to pay for the rings (after Adam sitting down with her parents the night before and asking for their daughter's hand, aaaawwwww), Adam really started getting nervous. Not just a little. He looked like he was going to throw up or pass out. After the "purchase", we had to meet Cat's family for lunch. Adam was trying to hide his anxiety so as not to give it away what was going to happen that evening. He did a poor job. His foot was tapping. His fingers were shaking. You could SEE the anxiety in his eyes. I had to motion to him a few times to settle down or he was going to give it away.

The evening apparently went over exactly as planned. Adam was dressed up in his dress blue uniform and Cat wore her Homecoming dress. He told her that since this was their last date before he left again, that they were going to make it real nice by getting all dressed up! (I gave him an idea on the proposal and he did it!) Following dinner at Applebees (their favorite place), he ordered a desert to share, then after the waitress walked away, he excused himself for a potty run (using this opportunity to give the ring to the waitress). They "drew" a heart shape on an empty plate, put a strawberry on it, and seated the open engagement ring in the center of the plate. When the waitress brought the desert, she set it in front of Adam and the plate with the ring in front of Cat. Adam said as soon as she saw that ring, her eyes got HUGE and started to tear up. Then he popped the ultimate question as he placed the ring on her finger (on one knee of course). I wish I could have seen it. It sounded perfect.

I don't know if it was the proposal or the fact that Adam was in full uniform (or both), but a man down the way paid for their dinner. That was so sweet. When they came back to the house, Cat had perma-grin. I hope the very best for them. I hope they give the engagement enough time so they can have their dream wedding.

SO, back to Adam's departure! He flew out to San Diego, but ended up being diverted to another airport because their was so much fog in San Diego. He called with a little anxiety in his voice, worrying about making that shuttle up to the base. Thankfully he made it to San Diego, but ended up having to wait on the airplane while they found "a place to park". I hope he made his shuttle. I imagine I would have heard from him if he HAD NOT. I don't know how communication is going to be while he is at MCT. I know it's not as strict as boot camp, but they have a lot of work to do in four weeks. He got to take his cell phone so I hope to hear from him a couple times at least. After MCT is where it gets a little weird. His "classes" aren't going to be starting until the new year so he MIGHT get to come home and do six weeks or so of Recruiters Assistance which would mean he would be HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!!! I can hope and pray anyways.

He DID however leave a "wake" with his departure! His barracks (the room he was staying in) was left in shambles and his car is just gross (he trashed it out in the short time he was home, that little booger!). I might just have to text that Marine and chastise him for the mess he left.

Here are some pictures we did while he was home.









...and this one is my favorite!