Engaged?

Maybe you’re a relative of mine that has known me from the day I was born, possibly you’ve been a friend of mine for years, perhaps you only recently met me on one of my trips, or maybe you just happened to stumble across my blog. Regardless of your knowledge of me, one thing you’ll quickly begin to see by reading this or spending a little time with me is that I live a less than conventional life. I make spontaneous decisions that feel right in the moment rather than slow calculated decisions that set me up to live a safe, secure, sheltered life. Therefore, I just wanted to clarify that this was NOT one of those spontaneous moments in my life. No, marriage was something that was instilled in me as a young boy growing up in a healthy home with two parents that were and are still in love with one another. Regardless of that, all men have a fear of commitment and losing their independence at some point over the course of every relationship (if they tell you otherwise they’re lying) and for me the fear of falling in love with a woman who didn’t share my passions to travel and explore would not only hamper my dreams but also compromise a great part of who I am as a person.

Meeting Lise randomly for about a 36 hour (non-consecutive) period in Thailand made it odd enough that we even kept in touch. It is odder still that just a few hours in Koh Phangnan and one good long conversation was all it took for me to fly to Canada to see her again. Looking at things now though, it doesn’t surprise me at all that I am now engaged to the girl of my dreams. Not only does she not “tie me down,” but she encourages and ignites my passions to see the world in adventurous ways more than ever before.

My parents, like many young couples 30 years ago, were married within a year of meeting one another. Nowadays though, we’re seemingly encouraged to stay in relationships for years before getting married, if ever at all. A year is no longer the norm for getting engaged and if someone does then you’re pretty skeptical of them (I know I’ve sure been!). However, if there’s one thing I’ve learned about relationships the past few years, it’s that not every friend you have in your life will be standing at your side for your last days on earth. And with that said, many times its better to let unhealthy friendships go that hold you back and cling only to those who are going to always be there for you and push you to greatness, especially when choosing a spouse. As most of us do, I suffered through several relationships that had promise and were fun in the beginning, but ultimately were doomed from the start. If you’re reading this as a single individual or are currently in a dating relationship, heed my one piece of advice that I wish I’d have lived by years ago. Find someone like-minded in their faith, upbringing, and values and do not EVER compromise yours. Whether you are the tiniest bit religious, or not at all, don’t settle for anyone who doesn’t share your views and is instead headed in the same direction that you wish to head in your own life.

Since many of you don’t know Lise well, seeing as how we met in Thailand, she lives in Canada, has visited Texas only once, and Colorado a handful of times, I thought I’d give you a little profile on the future Mrs. Bryan Preast:

Name: Lise Macaulay
Age: 25 (turns 26 in 10 days)
Currently Lives in: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Moving to: Edwards, CO!!

Height: 5’2” (on a good day)
Weight: Perfect
Occupation: Paramedic
Religion: Christian
Car: 99’ White Honda Accord... for now...
Hobbies: Running, Yoga, Ultimate Frisbee, Traveling, Kittens, hiking, camping, getting better at skiing/snowboarding, baking, the Winnipeg Jets, the Dallas Cowboys (this was a non-negotiable part of our relationship… remember, don’t compromise who you are!).

  Clue #1 of the "Scavenger Hunt" ... not really sure what is going on yet

 Tamara and Lise with Clue #2

Ryan, Lise, and Devon with Clue #3

 

Lise and Michelle with clue #4
 

Kara, Lise, Jenn, and JR at Site #6Lise and Jill with her final clue.. I skipped a few pictures

I hid up at the top of toboggan slide with Paul to take pictures and wait for Lise... she was told to head to this area and obviously found the box.

 Yes, the lake was still frozen solid on April 20th!

 Lise opening the box

Here Lise is reading letters from friends and family I had them all write to Lise

Here Lise watching a video of friends and family that couldn't make it for the day. Maybe I'll post it on YouTube at some point.

Me waiting to come down to surprise her... she thought I was coming 5 days later than this day.

The proposalUs sitting on the bench with the box

With the help of Lise's mom I got about 35 people to come over to her parent's house for a surprise engagement party. She was definitely surprised as you can see.

A couple engagement photos (the first of many we'll likely take I'm sure)

A big thanks to everyone who helped me make this day happen, I couldn't have done it without you!
-Bryan