So I just had an absolutely lovely time in the Philippines (which I still need to blog about…sorry) and arrived back home at around 7:30 on the 14th. The flight was really rough. Lots of turbulence, and since I had an aisle seat, I found it hard to sleep. The result was one very tired Lyssa who had only 4 hrs sleep during my 26 hr travel.

As wonderful as being in the Philippines with my Mom was, I missed my boyfriend terribly. When I saw him waiting for me, I ran to him. Showered him with mushlovey hugs and kisses. A friend of ours had come with him, and I figured that they’d had a geek night and he’d come along to welcome me back. “Pictures! I’ll take pictures of you coming home!” he said. So, dutifully, I got in position with Elliot for photos.

Then another friend appears, and hands me this saying, “Commander, you have a new message at your private terminal.” (If you didn’t know, my favorite video game series ever is Mass Effect, and yes, I was ok with the ending.)

My boyfriend had bought me an N7 hoodie for Christmas last year, so every time I wear it, at least one person calls me Commander. I thought this was a cute little welcome home with a reference to my hoodie.

I opened the envelope and pulled out the most guapo picture of my boyfriend, the same one I’d been showing off to every family member in the Philippines.

Now, keep in mind that I haven’t slept in 22 hours. The wheels in my head ground to a halt. I stared at it, trying to wrap my mind around what I was seeing. “Will you marry me?“

Shocked, I looked up from the photo to see my boyfriend kneeling in front of me with a beautiful opal ring nestled in a blue box, and it finally clicked.

I dropped to the floor, my happiness overwhelming me. “Yes!” I squeaked out. “YES YES YES!” I threw myself on him, both of us on the floor laughing like lunatics.

A smattering of applause came from the onlookers. Finally, we made it off the floor, and he slipped the ring on my finger with trembling hands.

I am ecstatic! I get to marry the man who is not only my love, but my best friend and confidant. The man who has been there for me at my best, and not so best. The one who loves me unconditionally through all my flaws, and never judges me. The one who makes up silly songs with me and dances to Frank Sinatra in the kitchen. The one I can can talk to about anything.

Even after years together, I still get butterflies thinking about him. During my Philippines trip, it wasn’t the US I missed, it was him. I have never had a second thought about being with him, even when we disagree. I’m thrilled to call him my fiancee, and look forward to calling him my husband.