First thing is first

The first thing I have to admit is that I am not engaged...officially.

Now, I know you have questions like:

-Officially?

-How can you make all these decisions then?

-Wait, What?

-Why not wait to start a blog then?

I know, I know.  The thing is, we have shopped for rings.  Julie and I shopped for rings on October 30th.  We bought a couple.  They are not in yet.  The actual, "will you marry me" question has not yet been uttered.  However, there are rings and we have discussed what we do and don't want in a wedding. 

We ran errands on Saturday, and stopped by the mall.  On our way out we decided to go into Kay Jewelers. A couple associates asked if they could help.  We said no. Until Donna asked if we were looking for anything in particular.  We said no again, but she got us. She said, "no one comes into a jewelry store this far without looking for something particular."  She had us.  She asked our names, and that was it.  We were in the store for over 2 hours, discussing what we wanted, not just in look and style of jewelry, but in what each wanted to wear and how.  We decided that we can do rings however we want.  There was no set "gay standard."  We could each get a engagement ring, or not...each get a wedding band and use it as an engagement ring, or not.  The possibilities are endless. Do we want to be able to wear the engagement ring with the wedding band, or just 2 rings.  Also, we didn't have to do diamonds.  I never wanted to go traditional, so a beautiful blue sapphire, has always been my choice.  And no fear of possibly getting a "blood diamond."  Donna was fantastic!  She sat with us the whole time, never pressured us or made us submit to "the heterosexual marriage norms", and mixed and matched with me to get the right sapphire with the band I wanted. 

After I decided on about three rings, Julie and Donna ushered me off and Julie decided which of the three I will get.  Julie nailed her ring down right away.  The good thing is we both got exactly what we wanted.  I suggest this for any couple thinking of getting engaged.  Don't make it a shot in the dark, or ask friends or family.  Do it as a couple!  It is super-exciting, and you get exactly what you want.  So, here are the contenders...

This is Julie's engagement ring:

And here are my contenders:

or

Or

the top of this ring

with the band of this one

And don't worry. I will definitely let you know when she does propose...officially.