On New Years 2007 Mike, Ozgur, and Stacy all got separated from the bunch, we still managed to make the best of the night and really enjoyed ourselves. Ozgur was so kind and considerate and super fun to hang out with.

The next day he called me by noon, and all you girls know how painful it is to wait and see if he is going to call, and when he called so soon I was so excited. We first began hanging out as friends and as things started to change Ozgur had to inform me about where he came from as far as a relationship stand point. Due to his background coming from Turkey and what he was looking for in a life partner. I understood (I was devastated inside but never show your weakness right)and said well at least we can be great friends.

We made a go of the friends thing for a while and I tried to date other people, but there was something about Ozgur. Every date I went on (which was only 2) I came home and the first person I wanted to talk to was him, I found myself getting ready thinking about talking to him after. I did my homework and learned about his country and religion and language and tried to understand his culture and where he came from, (which was all very interesting and beautiful there is so much history.) I found that in the religions they weren't all that different and found were similarities were and where differences were. Finally the day happened, I was driving to school at Brockport when he said "I don't want to just be your friend anymore we can find a way to make this work. I am not sure how but we will." From that day on I knew I would marry Ozgur, he was my best friend, shared my passion for design and art (which meant I would never have to watch the sports channel Yeah!!!), and always came up behind me and kissed my neck when I was cooking. Ok I know that last one sounds like a strange thing to point out but let me explain.

Coming from a house hold of hopeless romantics. My mom and dad met, two weeks later were engaged, and some 100 days or so later were married and have been married for 31 years this past October. One of my favorite things I remember about my parents affection for each other is no matter what, my dad always would come up behind my mom and hug her and kiss her neck when she was cooking. I always thought that was the most wonderful thing. And you know how they say you always search for someone like your father, well Ozgur never was a lumber jack but he has a heart of gold just like my Dad.

Which leads us to the introduction to my family. See I not only have a Dad to pass the test with, but my little (big) brother had to approve as well. I gave Ozgur all the background information and we were off to meet the family. Did I add I was so nervous; I wanted them to just love him. Well it started out slow but then someone brought up cars, and man does my brother love cars, and there it was, they talked shop and it seemed like everyone approved. Through time, as they all got to know each other and saw how happy Ozgur made me it surfaced. One long conversation with my bro revealed "he was quite possibly the best guy I ever met, and treats my sister great" he said it, he really did. It was official they saw him just as I did. Yippeee!!! All the men in my life are on the same page.

Over the next year and half we bought a house together, I finally graduated from college, oh and we did it all on the same weekend. I don't like to do anything the easy way I guess. So here I am living in our house, Ozgur is not, and I am wondering when is the next step going to happen. I can't wait to share this big space with Ozgur. Then we plan a trip mid wedding season to go to Toronto. Ozgur sees this as the big opportunity, goes and asks my dad, (My mom, aunt and I all had a hunch the day it happened because he was acting so strange) and gets the ring. Well the Friday we are supposed to leave roles around and that afternoon I decide we shouldn't go because we need to install the french drain in front of the garage and that is a way more important priority right now. (For those who don't know what a french drain is just google it.) So the ring goes in the safe and Ozgur goes to work. He is now waiting for the next opportunity and then realizes there may not ever be the perfect opportunity so he shoots for his birthday.

So here it is the big proposal. We had went to dinner for his birthday we are headed to bed and I come up the stairs enter the room, he asks me to come here. He sets me on the bed, gets on both knees and says "for my birthday the best gift for me would be for you to marry me" AAAHAAHHAHA what!!! for real this is happening.??? I didn't have the response I expected at all but of course I said yes.

Ozgur is a wonderful man and I am thrilled to have found him. My Aunt Donna had once told me "never settle for less than everything you are looking for." Aunt Donna I found it!!!