You're The One

It's hard to be alone this time of year. We're all heading home to see loved ones for the holidays, but some are even luckier to be able to add a significant other to that group. And in light of everyone here at school getting engaged and running off together, things certainly seem to be happening pretty fast. Since I don't have anyone, I'll spend the next few minutes promising the best of myself to that special someone. Someday, she'll come along.

I promise to never laugh at you when you fall on the ice. Unless you laugh first. Then, after helping you up and making sure you're all right, I'll join in.

I promise to make you my world. No matter how cluttered it seems to be at the time.

I promise to add a little love to those chocolate chip cookies I'll make you whenever you want them.

I promise to let you win when we go out and play tennis. Sometimes.

I promise to laugh at your jokes even when I don't understand them.

I promise to turn off the Christmas music if you're getting tired of it. You're that important to me.

I promise to make you breakfast in bed whenever you're not up to the task of making it yourself. I can't, however, promise it will be as delicious as when you actually make it yourself.

I promise to clean up my mess afterwards. Let's face it. Guys can be good cooks, but we're also messy customers.

I promise to be the softest cuddler but hard as a rock when it comes to protecting you.

I promise to buy you flowers just so your day can have a little sunshine.

I promise to throw that blanket on you when you fall asleep on the couch.

I promise to let you cry as much as you need to without intruding with questions like "What happened?" and "Are you all right?" If you're crying, something is clearly wrong, but it doesn't mean you want to talk about it.

I promise to have the most attentive ears.

I promise that I will cry. Someday. And there's a chance that day might come when we're watching Toy Story 3.

I promise to put actual thought into buying you gifts on special occasions.

For all other occasions, I promise the same.

I promise you can have a say in naming our children. After our first daughter.

I promise to let you dress me up whenever you feel you need to take me shopping.

I promise to like your family. Even when I don't.

I promise to help you wash the dishes. Let's face it. Just need a little mood music.

I promise to spend as much time as I need to get you that huge stuffed animal at the carnival or amusement park. Whether it be five minutes (most cases), or two hours (if you want more than one).

I promise to be there for you with a hot bowl of soup and a movie when you're sick so I can make you feel better. Softest of cuddlers, remember. And when the time is right, we'll add ice cream or chocolate to that mix.

I promise to understand that you need to have five million different pairs of shoes.

I promise to put thought into it when you tell me I need more pairs of shoes.

I promise to treat you like my girlfriend/wife when I'm hanging out with "the guys." If you're cool enough to want to hang out with my guy friends, you deserve at least that. You deserve so much more because you picked me.

I promise to tell you you're beautiful every single day. And mean it.

I promise to sit through a chick flick even if I feel like watching a thrilling action movie.

Most important of all, I promise to love you with all that I am, all that I have, and all that I hold dear. You will be my life. You - and the adorable babies we'll have someday. I promise to do these things even when we're old and sitting in our chairs, looking back on the life we've lived together. We'll cherish all of the memories we created with each other: the good and the bad. For even through those bad times, I'll have had you by my side - an ever-present source of love and hope. Whenever you choose to enter my life, I will forever remember that day: the day that the rest of my life will begin. Until then, whoever you are, I can't wait to meet you.

Tis The Season

Motivation is at an all-time low. Classes are winding down, and with them, another year is coming to a close. Homework is reaching its climax and the studying for those dreaded finals has begun. Only one more week of regular class time until that fateful first morning when we are called to recall all we know, or at least, all we think we know, about our respective courses. Concerts are planned, sporting events are scheduled, and temperatures bring chills to the warmly dressed. Yes, it is definitely Christmas season.

A time for family. From the youngest to the oldest, this time of year is perfect for showing the appreciation they deserve.
A time for friends. Those closest, and even those not so much. Anyone deserves a smile. Those closest to you deserve a lot more.
A time for relaxation. After those finals, that is. You've earned it.
A time for safety. It's good to have fun. It's also good to be responsible.
A time for food. Enjoy that home-cooked wonderfulness while you can. You who are "seasoned" understand that home food is one of the greatest blessings on the face of the Earth.
A time for games. There are so many options when you hang out with others.
A time for memories. It's the most magical time of the year. An unwritten rule exists that says memories are forever engraved in your life during this special time. Don't waste those opportunities.

Love. Live. Laugh. Give. Grow. Inspire. And have fun while doing it.