Although Rob and I had been in a long distance relationship for the past couple of years, we have not been apart for more than two and a half weeks at a time. This makes me going to Hawaii for five weeks with minimal opportunities to video chat a little distressing from what we're used to. I think it finally hit Rob yesterday that I'll be gone for so long. I can't argue that it wouldn't make it that much sweeter when he flies in and we reunite!

The past week has been a fun and busy week for both of us. We had our engagement pictures taken on Wednesday, which brought out the chic models that were inside us all along. We chose Hakone Gardens as our first location. It was quite a different experience having the whole place to ourselves and having the ability to be a little more adventurous than usual. Our second location was a little bit away in Moss Beach, CA. The beach we chose is actually a wildlife refuge that I've visited occasionally since I was a kid. You're not supposed to take things you find there home with you because it creates an inbalance in the ecosystem if enough people do it. We just so happened to get there when the seals were resting on one side of the beach. They looked like long logs of driftwood at first, but as Rob and our photographer agreed "logs don't move by themselves". Haha. There were little baby seals that wiggled towards the water; they were getting ready to plunge in in case we approached them. Soo cute! We had such a great time doing our engagement session and we highly recommend it to anyone with the means to get them done. It's as if you and your significant other are in your own cocoon of love while someone you trust captures those moments for you. Rarely do you get to be as playful and adventurous in other types of professional pictures. I intend to dedicate an entire post on our photographer when our proofs come out. I can't wait to see them!

On Thursday, Rob and I had dinner at Twist in downtown Campbell with my brother and Devin. Rewind to about a week before when I called Devin and asked him to have dinner with us before I set off to Hawaii. I told him that I had something "unconventional" to ask of him and that it'd be better if I asked him in person. Now imagine him discussing what I could possibly mean by "unconventional" to his friends. Apparently, there were interesting theories that went around and none of them turned out correct.

About half-way through dinner, I had enough wine in me to muster up the courage to ask him if he would be my bridesman. Now, I know Devin. He took gender psychology as an undergrad so he's very much into gender equality and breaking down traditional gender roles. I remember many discussions with him about it back when we worked together. However, the idea of male attendants standing on the bride's side of the altar is a relatively new concept. People automatically think of men dressed as bridesmaids, which is absolutely absurd. It goes to show how the human mind tries to create order by forcing a square peg into a round hole. Because of this socially constructed barrier, I wasn't sure what his response would be. I know that in a perfectly accepting world he probably wouldn't hesitate for an instant. But because our world is less-than-perfect, the guarantee of being made fun of from now until the wedding would probably hinder his decision. As you can see, I have thought extensively about this probability. Turns out I didn't have to worry because he immediately accepted! "Of course" he'll help me break down antiquated assumptions and will be "honored" to stand with me as I make one of the biggest decisions in my life. I am so happy to have three of my favoritist people agree to be up there with me when the time comes!

Friday, we watched Wall-E for free, compliments of Rob's department. Another totally awesome movie by Pixar. Rob says it's his favorite so far. It's probably my 4th favorite. Ratatouille and Nemo are tied for first place, Toy Story 1 & 2 for second (I count them as one movie), and then Wall-E.


Weekend, made several trips and bought a ton of stuff from Michael's. Lots of experimentation with paper. Lots of cleaning and reorganizing the apartment to fit my stuff.

Monday, went to Paper Source in Santana Row for the first time. I have found paper heaven! Drool...