I wanted to get a diary entry in before we go to Denver for the first 2 of our U2 shows on the Vertigo tour. Things between Tara and I are wonderful. I truly believe that she was made for me and the years ahead will reveal how well we compliment one another although I'm already beginning to see signs of it.

    I have to travel into the way back machine to my trip to Wichita and my arrival in Oregon. The Wichita installation went fine and I was eager to get to Portland to see my fiance. Right before I left, tickets for U2 in DC went on sale while I was in the airport in Wichita. Through the miracles of wireless internet I was able to buy tickets to both DC shows and as an added bonus I got tickets for Portland for the last show of the US tour. About a week later, my friend Digsy from London (via South Africa) had some extra pre-codes from the U2.com website. She gave us 2 pre-codes which allowed us to buy tickets prior to the general sale. I was able to score Floor seats for Madison Square Garden in November for two nights. We're going to take that week to see 2 shows in NYC and then drive up to see my parents for Thanksgiving. This will be the best year EV-ER!!! It just keeps getting better and better. And while I'm thinking about it, I wanted to mention that Star Wars Episode III - Revenge of the Sith is coming out on May 19th. Another thing to look forward to this year.

    I arrived in Oregon and hastily made my way down to Lincoln City. Tara met me in a parking lot near her home (easier to find in the dark) and we begun our weekend of showing me off and preparing for bringing her home. It was wonderful to meet her friends and some of her relatives including her grandparents. I think that they like me, although they are going to miss her. I had more of a chance to spend time and playfully joke with her parents. Her Dad is a lovable goof ball who loves his daughter in a way that is admirable and it is reflected in both her character and in how she loves me. I'm of the school that women who have loving Dad's seek that same sort of love from their husbands. I hope that our strong bond will continue to grow. On the flip side I believe that I can love her better than most ever could because my relationship with my Mom is healthy and strong. I hope that our combined upbringing will allow us  to one day love our children in a way that prepares them for an awesome marriage. Our best example is always our parents.

    While I was in Oregon, I had a chance to drive down Highway 101 on the Pacific Coast. Tara had to take her SAT's and I drove down to meet her Dad in Newport. It's a pretty drive down there. Absolutely beautiful. I feel bad that I'm dragging my family all the way across the country for my wedding, but at least they will get to see a part of the country they have never seen and see a beauty that we don't have here in Virginia. While I was there, I took walks on the beach and walked along the waterfront in Newport. I even saw some Seals! I've never seen them in the wild before. I guess it's pretty common out there, so they looked at me like I was an Alien when I was delighted! I also had a marionberry. Here in the Washington DC area we know Marion Barry as the crack-smokin' corrupt former mayor of DC. They made fun of me for that one too! I'm really feeling very accepted by her family. We even watched a family-favorite "What about Bob?" with her Dad. It's one of my brother's favorite films as well. We have to get a family copy for my house too.

    On Sunday we went to Church and our engagement was announced in front of the Church and we were prayed for as we made our way back east. It moved me and I was unexpectadly verklempt. (Is that how it's spelled? Dunno.)

    I'm afraid that I've forgotten a huge number of wonderful things about our visit, including meeting her Aunt and spending quality time with her Mom, and then there were the great meals with family and friends as they wished us well during our engagement.

    Time is flying by now that she is here, and yet it seems like an eternity since she arrived. We're over-processing all the stimuli that is coming at us, but we're happy and our love for one another is growing daily. She's becoming a part of our church and we got our premarital books today.

    Tara is at a bridal shower today for my sister-in-law's sister. They are getting married on May 15th. This will be a good one to take notes about. Meanwhile, I have our honeymoon plans set and I've secured the tuxes. I now have to begin coordinating our 2nd reception (Or East Coast Reception) on July 30th. I found someone at church who is willing to help me do this, which is a huge blessing for us. I sought out someone who had genuine affection for me and would want to help plan such an outing. It's daunting because I feel that it's more my responsibility than it is hers; which is true. It's my friends who will be helping on this end. Soon, they will also be Tara's friends. Right now they know her as my fiance, but over time she will win all of their hearts, she always does. Tara got a job at the Starbucks across the street from my house and so she can walk there on most days. We're borrowing a car for the next few months from a friend and so she uses that to travel to and from my house and to work when required. It's wonderful how easily she fits into my home. We've done some mild furniture shopping and do all grocery shopping together. It's very easy and is very cool! In comparison to some couples who have to smash two houses together, this is easy for us. She can just add color to my life as we begin making all the decisions together going forward.

    I know there is a ton more of detail I'm leaving out, but I'm so thoroughly enjoying her company it's hard to stop and document it. Although I do have some pictures to share. I hope they are worth a 1000 words and more.

Lincoln City Beach		Newport Beach
Devil's Lake		Newport
Easter Sunday