EMDAT

As promised, a post about my new goodies:

I got (among other things) an iPod Nano, books (including the ESPN College Football Encyclopedia), “The West Wing” (seasons 4 & 7 — thus completing my collection), several books (history and baseball, of course), tickets to the U.Va./Gonzaga game at the JPJ on January 3, some non-stick cookware (big enough to make TWO grilled cheese sandwiches at the same time!), a couple of pilsner glasses etched with the U.Va. seal, a motorized tie rack from Sharper Image that will apparently show me 72 ties in a matter of seconds (my 26 ties should take even less time), a good bit o’ cash (which I promptly spent on new clothes, including a new tie), and a big honkin’ cordless drill (which has inspired a lust for more and bigger power tools which I neither need nor know how to use). I had some cash leftover, so the rest will be going toward buying books for school, although I also want to get an iPod accessory or three. I want something to protect it, something to strap it to my arm while I’m working out, and possibly something to enable me to listen to it in the car. But I’ll probably just stick with CDs in the car.

I also got engaged. Yes, that’s right. Engaged. After months of planning to propose, I finally did it on Christmas Eve. For you saps out there, the proposal involved a Faberge egg Christmas ornament and a ring that belonged to my grandmother. Anticipating your next question, we don’t have a date yet, but for now we’re going with “sometime in the next 18 months.” If I had to wager, I’d put my money on late spring of 2008, but it could be as early as fall of 2007 I suppose.

Emily and I are both very excited, and I suppose we should probably start thinking more seriously about the who/what/when/where/hows of everything, but for we’re just enjoying all of the attention. Or at least I am. Even if I’m a little bit ashamed to admit it.

Needless to say, this was a very good Christmas for me. I hope everyone out there can say the same. Best wishes for a Happy New Year!