From Little Things, Big Things Grow

Yes - this is the real deal! As seen on Bec’s finger

“Kat and I got talking about blogging, she said a certain other person (present) blogs and asked for mine, which I was perfectly happy to give her. Anyway, we drifted up the road to Macca’s after and I was talking to him about it (blogging) note: I did not ask for his blog-address.Tonight when I got home I did something extremely stupid. “Google is your friend” All the time I was telling myself, “Don’t you dare Rebecca! You wouldn’t like it, don’t do it!” and I went and found it. Now I feel traitorous and rather bad and so will have to get to him asap to apologise. I am quite embarassed actually. I shall not read it until I get permission and I certainly don’t deserve it. It was very stupid and I rather regret it, because despite not really knowing him all that well I have a lot of respect for him. Stupid, stupid”

– Taken from “Departing markedly from the usual or customary; extreme

The above excerpt comes from Rebecca’s post on the 26th of April 2006, notable not only for being just barely less than a year ago, but also for what it represents. A beginning. A brief flirtation. Just a very little thing. Not much at all really. The sort of little thing that could easily just get dismissed and forgotten. But it wasn’t.

Yesterday, Sunday the 22nd of April, I started the day with the express purpose of proposing to my dearest Rebecca. I, in this case and unlike any other post currently found on this blog, refers to me Geoff. Given that Bec’s allowing me to write this as a guest poster, (and given the picture in the top left handside) you probably already can guess what the ending looks like in this story. But allow me a little indulgence as I relate to you my best attempt at retelling the story. After all – I did just get engaged: it’s the least you can do.

The day began with a building a little anticipation (albeit a little unintentionally) with a quick phone call to (the very beautiful) Rebecca before she headed off to church: requiring that she bring with her a warm jumper, the camera and comfortable walking shoes on her feet. Suffice to say this may have aroused some suspicion.

Having held on through a ripper sermon from visiting preacher (and Tabor classmate) Gordon Lingard: ironically on “What do we do in the meantime?”, we headed off for lunch. I drove Rebecca to “The Stonehouse”, the place where we shared our first date many moons ago. It’s fair to say that any doubts Bec might have had regarding my purpose for the remainder of the day were well and truly put to rest when she found out we were having lunch there. So we shared a wonderful time of chatting and laughing and nervousness (although ironically less nervousness than the first time we were there).

Once we had eaten, it was time for us to head off for the afternoon’s main outing. After taking a detour through some Lilydale-ian side-streets, we made our way to Steavenson’s Falls, where we had spent a day previously. As we parked the car I had very sneakily placed my car key behind the front wheel, but once we realised that we’d left the camera in the car, my sneakiness quickly became sheepishness.

After a cursory glance or fifty at the waterfall (which for anyone thinking about heading up there, is no longer being lit of an evening due to low water levels), we headed off on the 4km walk to Keppels Lookout. The walk is remarkably steep for the first kilometre, but once you reach “De La Rue Lookout” the hard work is done. So after a joke or two about making her work for it; it was a lovely time of just really enjoying each other’s company and the beautiful views.

Once we eventually arrived at Keppels, we ended up needing to wait about 20 minutes for Anita, Mark, Stu and Robyn (my brother and sister and their respective partners) to arrive. It’s probably worth mentioning that this was entirely due to a piece of poor direction-writing by myself (don’t trust Google Maps). Once the two cars arrived (you might have guessed, as Bec did, that we weren’t going to be doing the walk back, thus the car key thing), we were quickly and sensitively hugged then shunted into the car to wait while they set up. Unfortunately our intrepid helpers had to carefully shoo away a lovely tourist couple.

So we sat in the car and the realisation came that this was all about to happen. Suffice to say that after I was asked to choose a song for Bec (“Green Eyes” by Coldplay – can’t go wrong), we both shed a few tears and had a bit of a pray. It was a very beautiful moment, both being keenly aware of what was about to happen. About 10 minutes later, we were ready to get the show on the road.

Mark, Anita, Stu and Robyn had brought the stew (yes, that stew) which I’d made the day before and Stuart had intelligently thought to bring a camping stove so that our stew could be beautiful and warm. They’d set out a rug for us to sit on, candles, champagne (from Ringwood Jewellers – the best engagement ring sellers I’ve ever bought from!) and very selflessly left me to do the rest.

There was a brief moment of excitement as I half opened the champagne bottle, only to get distracted by the stew on the stove and then suddenly heard a “BOOM” as the cork left it’s pressurised confines and made its way skyward. That broke a little of the tension and lost us a little of the champagne, but once that was dealt with and the stew served, we sat down to eat and enjoyed a lovely stew (even if the dumplings were a little dense).

Once the main course had finished, I snuck the ring box out of the plastic mug it was sitting in, and asked Bec to sit up on the bench. She – looking inexplicably oblivious – obliged. I got down on one knee, gave my spiel (again with a couple of tears) and asked Rebecca to marry me. She said “yes”! We hugged for quite a while, both a little bit giggly, and then I slid the engagement ring on her finger (after panicking internally because I momentarily couldn’t work out which was her left hand).

We had our dessert (Creme Caramel that was just a little more runny than I might have liked), and packed up our things. We were engaged! We still are!!

After the most excitable car trip I can ever remember, we arrived back to my house and both of the families together shared some more champagne, and told the whole story from start to finish (much like you have just read). If you’ve managed to make it this far, congratulations. If you feel like reading what actually happened, you’ll have to read the post being published simultaneously by Rebecca over at TheGeoffRe(y)port.

26 Comments

  1. Burks Beth said:

    So I paused crying for two minutes to make my way over here, and then started again.

    April 23, 2007
    Reply
  2. said:

    Congratulations!
    (At first I wasn’t sure if this was another joke, by the way!)

    April 23, 2007
    Reply
  3. Jane said:

    Sounds like going for a hike and then a proposal runs in the family. Congratulations to you both.

    April 24, 2007
    Reply
  4. Rhonda said:

    Both versions of this very special event are great and again prove how perfect for each other you two are. Congratulations again! Lots of love Rhonda and the girls.

    April 24, 2007
    Reply
  5. Jeri said:

    Ah, true love blogging together!
    As for Google maps: Use Get Directions from Dublin, Ireland to Phoenix, Arizona. Take a look at step 46.

    April 24, 2007
    Reply
  6. Matt said:

    Congrats guys, wonderful news, and well done sir for making the effort.
    Will there be issues with the football supporting?

    April 24, 2007
    Reply
  7. said:

    my allegiance isn’t high with the Bombers, so we shall see. If they get to the grand final, I might change my mind, but otherwise I think I might just exchanged the red for the yellow (It’s less flashy anyway).

    April 24, 2007
    Reply
  8. said:

    all i can say is about flipping time :p
    (hhehe…did anyone win the bet?!?!?)

    April 24, 2007
    Reply
  9. craig v said:

    Congrats to both of you 😀
    I’m thrilled!! All the very best for your planning and futures – with effort and tenderness like this, you’ll go far! God bless you both x

    April 24, 2007
    Reply
  10. said:

    Congratulations, hope you guys have a great life ahead!

    April 24, 2007
    Reply
  11. Libby said:

    oh my goodness! i cannot BELIEVE this! i’m so happy for you both!! i can’t believe my little friend becca from the solomons is getting MARRIED…it wasn’t that long ago when we were like…5 years old! congratulations!!!

    April 24, 2007
    Reply
  12. Jaclyn said:

    hellooo!!!!
    CONGRATULATIONS BEC AND GEFOFF!!
    wow!
    How very exciting, another family wedding!!
    I am more excited for your happiness though, don’t worry.
    I am not a freeloader for the wedding part.
    Although, as ourgeneration of Beimers girls all know, and share in common, we do love a good old excuse to get together and actually see our family!
    God bless you both 🙂
    Much love,
    xoxox
    p.s. you cannot cannot cannot have the engagement party for at least another 3 months!!!!!
    I get home on the 22nd July!!
    But you know, do whatever really.
    😀

    April 25, 2007
    Reply
  13. Claire said:

    Well, this is redundant, but, congratulations! Incase you didn’t know, I read your blog faithfully (I hope you don’t mind?) and it’s been wonderful to feel like I still have a bit of a connection to you and your family and old times, while at the same time seeing what an amazingly mature and lovely woman you’ve become. I wish I could be there to congratulate you in person, but I suppose a note from across the ocean will have to do for now. Love,
    Claire

    April 25, 2007
    Reply
  14. said:

    haha i just realised i commented n geoffs blog instead of yours!!
    never mind!

    i wish you and geoff many years of happiness.
    and congratulations!!
    From Tim bowman

    April 25, 2007
    Reply
  15. […] I read Geoff’s version and it’s so nicely written that you actually feel happy for both of them towards the end. I […]

    April 25, 2007
    Reply
  16. Belinda said:

    Awwwww!! So sweet. Gosh, it’s lovely to hear such a story! Thanks for sharing, and ~~~CONGRATULATIONS~~~

    April 25, 2007
    Reply
  17. Shan said:

    Congratulations Bec and Geoff,

    So happy to hear the wonderful news when Bec came to work this morning. Awesome proposal story!

    Shan X

    April 26, 2007
    Reply
  18. Jezika_Rae said:

    😀 Writing about it on each others blogs. Classic!
    Congratulations!
    Bec when I got your email, with the title “News!” I didn’t even have to open it, the exclamation point screamed ENGAGED!!
    Gods the best matchmaker anyone could ask for and I’m just so happy that he was able to bring the 2 of you together, I want to take a moment to pray every blessing and happiness over you.
    You must be finding yourself in such an exciting time, enjoy it, enjoy each other, enjoy the love and support of family, enjoy spending the rest of your lives learning and loving each other more and more.
    Oh and don’t forget to take a moment and breath it all in, you’ll only be engaged once so take the time to just adore it! And never feel stupid when hearing yourself being referred to as his ‘fiance`’ makes you feel giddy with joy.
    It’s just so great, and while I’ve never seen the two of you together, I’ve got to say that it’s pretty dang obvious that your completely and utterly in love – and that, well, that just makes me feel slap-bang fantastic!! Heck knows the world needs more love! so you two keep bringing it!!
    Anyway, i shall bore you no more with my ranting, just know that I’m so happy for you both and I hope your love keeps on growing stronger and deeper everyday.
    Lots of love and congratulatory cuddles
    Jess xoxo
    P.s. Now that I’m in Melbs. we should definitely catch-up Bec and I can meet that [now] fiance` of yours, plus, it’ll give me a chance to get a good squiz at bling on that ring!! NICE!

    P.P.S. I’m no pro, but if I can help with any wedding tips, then give me a yell, no question is too stupid, in fact, I’ve probably already asked it myself. 😛

    April 26, 2007
    Reply
  19. […] to say how nice it’s been reading all your lovely comments of congratulation (both here and there). It’s been very touching and fun for both of us. And hundreds of you have come to have a […]

    April 27, 2007
    Reply
  20. said:

    wow, im so happy for you guys!

    it all sounds so beautiful..

    April 30, 2007
    Reply
  21. Julie said:

    *sigh*

    Everyone’s getting married!!! Okay, maybe only about 5 or 7 but it’s enough cause it includes Nathan!! He’s in Samoa!! With his wife/my friend, Rachel!!

    (I really am happy for you; just give me a minute to catch my breath. I mean, I did learn earlier that you were engaged but… yeah.)

    Okay, I’m finished now and ready to talk about you. =) Congratulations , Rebecca!!! Life is gonna be so different and exciting and good luck with those wedding plans eh? =) I’m so happy that you found a guy that is apparently really cool and perfect for you (going by what your friends seem to think – I can’t really speak for myself cause I haven’t actually met him). Happy times! =D

    //
    In a completely unrelated speel (I guess that’s a word), I just read in your family’s newsletter that you guys are going to the Solomons next year and I’m jealous. =( *sigh* I miss you guys and all those other guys and our wonderful childhood!

    Ok, I’ll stop talking now. 😉 Have an awesome rest of your life!

    July 10, 2007
    Reply
  22. said:

    Hi Julie! (wow old faces, thanks for dropping by) Mum and I tried getting onto the video/cast thing for Nathan’s wedding but we couldn’t get it working (we were late) – any photo’s online anywhere?
    Hope things are going well even if your brother did steal your friend for a bit 😛

    July 10, 2007
    Reply

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