**Surprise, Surprise!!** Big Announcement

[jenluckenbach]

What lovely news. I wish you much happiness.

[Samantha Puppy]

Congrats! How exciting. I'm very happy for you!

Does he have a name?

[Edwina's Secretary]

How wonderful! Very best wishes to you both. You told me your brother was thinking about getting married. You too? Are you going to have a double ceremony????

[Lillycat]

i am so happy for you!!!

[popcornbird]

Thank you so much everyone! I am beyond happy, as you can probably all tell.

Just thought I would tell you all a bit more about my marriage situation. As I am a Muslim, for religious reasons, we do not 'date', or get involved with any non-relative of the opposite gender outside the frame of marriage. My process of marriage, the proposal, etc...some of the things you all may have wondered about would thus be somewhat different to the way most Westerners do things. When we meet/get to know someone for the purpose of marriage, it is always in front of a third person. That does not mean the third person is listening to what we're saying...more of, we talk but someone is around...in the room/area. We cannot be ALONE together before we are 'married'. For this reason, normally, most Muslims 'marry' legally almost immediately after getting to know the person, and feeling content about things, but many don't start life together until they are ready for the responsibility that comes with it. Once we are married legally, we 'can' spend time together, but we won't start life together. It is KIND OF like dating a spouse, as some people call it. He he he.

Now...as I said earlier, we're having our 'wedding' in summer 2006 (hopefully), BUT...my fiancee is coming here from Massachusetts this Friday. We are going to have a little marriage ceremony at the mosque with just a few of our closest friends this Sunday, and will also get married legally at the court. We will NOT be starting life together until he finishes his education...he will return to Massachusetts after staying 8 days with us, and we'll have our wedding party later on...before we start life together. This means, we will legally be married this Sunday , but will not be together until later on, and will thus have the wedding party before we start life together. Does that make sense? I am still living at home with my parents until the wedding in the summer, and he will still be studying in MA, so our lives won't be changing till then. I do intend to continue my education after marriage. My fiancee is actually encouraging me to do so...which is a good thing. I am currently studying online (doing Graphic Design), so even IF I have to move out of the state, continuing my education won't be an issue.

I wasn't going to tell PT about us legally getting married this soon as I didn't want to confuse you, but because Sunday is going to be SUCH a special day in my life, I thought I would explain a bit of the situation. It is just the way we do things...legally marry ahead of time so that we can grow closer and more comfortable with each other before the 'real thing' (as in having to live together/start life together)...which would not be allowed for us before 'marriage'. That just makes things easier for us. My parents actually got married legally two years before they had the 'wedding,' and started life together. Some people start life together immediately after the civil marriage, but in my case, because he's still studying, it would be best for both of us if we wait. We feel we should both be ready for responsibility (job/possibility of kids/etc.) before we start life together, so we need some time for that. Hope this all makes some sense and gives you a bit of a 'clearer' idea of how things are going to work for us. Basically...legally married Sunday, but living away from each other until the wedding in 7-9 months or so. Its good for us...we get two parties. A small one now, and the big one later. He he he. I can hardly believe I am getting married...I never thought things would happen this fast, but it seems God had His plans. He did answer my prayers for a companion in life pretty fast. I guess that is enough of an explanation for PT. If any of you have any questions regarding this, feel free to ask me in a PM. I know it is very different for all of you.

How wonderful! Very best wishes to you both. You told me your brother was thinking about getting married. You too? Are you going to have a double ceremony????

Funny you mentioned this. My dad said the exact same thing!!! It really depends on how things work out with my brother, but in case he's ready by then, we could possibly have a 'double wedding'. That would be kinda cool...I think. We'll see. Thanks again everyone for your well wishes and kind posts. Ahhh...I am SOOO excited...

[finn's mom]

Wow, that is different! But, interesting! Thank you very much for the detailed description...I'm so happy for you, and, I hope all works out well for the both of you and your families...

[Barbara]

Can you imagine that in my parents' generation it was similar: my parents could not rent an apartment together before they were married but they felt they could not start a marriage before having a common place. So they married in 1952 legally and still lived with their parents, looked for their own apartment and then married in church

[ChrisH]

Pops, that is very different and very interesting way of marrying, and in my opinion a fine one. May much love and happiness be with you both on Sunday as you take those first steps on the path of life together.

{{hugs}}

Chris

[trayi52]

Poppy, I think that is a wonderful way to start a marriage! I am really very happy for you. He sounds like a wonderful man, and you were both very lucky to find each other. I wish you the very best in your life and the future of your marriage.

Willie

[Karen]

He's in Massachusetts? Where's he studying? Bet it's close by us! (We are in Education Central here!) How exciting that he loves your tiels, and is an animal person, too! Sounds good to us, and you sound excited and in love!

Okay, if, in the intervening time between the marriage and the wedding, (or any other time) you end up visiting him in Massachusetts, and have a moment to spare, we'd love to meet you - one or both!

[ramanth]

Congrats!

[bluekat]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!
wow I'm really happy for you! & your fiancee sounds like a wonderful guy

[Cookiebaker]

Popcornbird, I am thinking about you on this very special day; and wish for you lots of blessing, good times and a long happy marriage.

[BitsyNaceyDog]

Does he have a name?

How about "the Muffin man"? or "Muffy"
Then we'll have Popcorn & Muffin the birds AND Popcorn & Muffin the people.

[Killearn Kitties]

Congratulations! I wish you both every happiness.