This week I have moved to a different state, gotten a new job, and become engaged to be married

[Tobin S.]

I think that's the top three as far as doing the most stressful things in life go, and all in one week. I need a drink. Hell, I need a bunch of drinks. :)

I canceled my lease at my job on Monday. I start a new job on the 24th.

I came home and asked my girlfriend to marry me. She said yes. We have been shopping for a ring. Not the most romantic way to propose, but I didn't know anything about getting hitched and rings and all that, and this way she is sure to get a ring that she truly likes. We will be getting married on 11/5/11.

Yesterday, I went to the post office and put in my change of address form. Then I went home and scrubbed down my condo and started moving stuff out. I have one more car load to do and I'll be done. All of my furniture is staying. We don't need any of it. Then I listed the place with my aunt who is a realtor.

When I got to my new place, I unloaded the car and then started going through the many things I have to do regarding my bills and creditors. This morning I finished that up.

So, all I have to do now is get new license plates and switch my driver's license over to Indiana, and move the rest of my stuff. I guess I will change my profile to reflect my new location. Jen says liberals are in short supply here in Indiana. We need all we can get here.

I think I'm going to drink some beer tonight and decompress. I never thought any of this would happen to me. I was pretty well set in my ways before I met Jen. I guess love can make a man change.

[TZ]

1. Congrats, Tobin.

I haven't kept up with your life much lately. But it sounds good. Where in Indiana are you moving to (FYI, I'm going to be in Cincinnati for a few days the end of February) :) :toast:

[Tobin S.]

2. Thank you. I'll be in Richmond, Indiana now

Just across the border from Ohio there on I-70 about 50 miles from where I lived in Dayton.

[TZ]

10. Thats not far from where the Riverboat Casinos are is it?

My Dad loves to go there, I imagine we'll go while I'm out there. The name is DEFINITELY familiar....

[Tobin S.]

12. Probably about 60 miles from the closest one going the back way

Richmond is slightly north and to the west of Dayton. It's been a while since I've been to the boats, but the last time I've gone they had changed the Argosy to the Hollywood casino and totally remodeled the interior. You'll be surprised if you haven't been there since they've done it.

[gratuitous]

20. I spent a month in Richmond one weekend

Only place I've ever had a full-blown anxiety attack.

My best friend and his then-wife had a real nice house there, just off the Earlham campus. I was duped into helping them oil their hardwood floors when I went out for a visit. But it seemed like a nice place, at least to visit.

[bluedigger]

3. So what's new?

I'm glad to hear things are moving in positive directions for you! :toast:

[Tobin S.]

4. lol! Thank you.

[old mark]

5. Congratulations and best wishes to you both!

You deserve happiness.

mark

[seabeyond]

6. cheers. you have accomplished so very much, you have earned a beer.

look at you. yea. so happy....

[Tobin S.]

13. Yep, happier than I've ever been

I never thought this would happen to me.

[seabeyond]

15. remember when...

you started moving forward. when you said enough standing still.... time to go forward and look and see and do....

you got new. you took the risk leaving when you were unhappy. got out on the road and had so many stories. opened your arms to new and welcomed it all. i read your stories. and then you received.

i hear ya

[jme0318]

51. Hey! One of these days you might say...

"How the H-E-Double Hockey Sticks did this happen to me!" Between me - all my stuff - my 3-legged attention-hog dog - my innocent one-eyed cat and my mean cat - who beats up my innocent one-eyed cat - You might just want to run away!

You better not though - I will go find you wherever you are!

Love - Jen

[Tobin S.]

52. I have a surprise for you when you get home

RE: Your stuff. :D

[jme0318]

55. Is the surprise that you will still be there???

This could push you over the edge, you know... That's ok - I'll make you the best pizza for dinner and you will forget all about it!

[Tobin S.]

56. That's not it :)

I'm not sure how you'll take it. Consider it a trial sample of my home making skills.

[jme0318]

57. uh - oh

I am having visions of your car hooked up to the back of your truck and you driving away!

Did you throw anything away? Is it going to pass your mom's inspection (this is the part that worries me the most)?

You might want to have a glass of wine ready for me when I get home... hint...

[Tobin S.]

58. I didn't throw a whole lot away

But I re-arranged and organized a lot of things...and I found a really big box. :D Per your instructions, of course. Everything is still in the house. Nothing is in the trash bins. I think it looks good now. I'm not too worried about my mom, but I think she'll like it, too. Just look out for the big box in the garage when you pull in. It's on the right up by the fridge.

[jme0318]

61. Toby - You are the best....

How did I get sooooo lucky!?!?!?!

[seabeyond]

86. ahhhhhhh, lol. nt

[elleng]

59. Jen, PLEASE let US know!

:grouphug:

[jme0318]

60. Oh - you'll know...

Trust me!

Aren't I the luckiest girl in the world? He's so cute!

[elleng]

65. Yes indeed, lucky! We're SOOO happy for you!

[riderinthestorm]

81. Congrats and welcome Jen!! nt

[seabeyond]

85. welcome jme....

good seeing you here.

and congrats. the best to you both

[jme0318]

91. Thanks!!!

[bigwillq]

7. Congrats!

:toast:

[emilyg]

8. Congratulations.

[LNM]

9. Congratulations, Tobin!

Best wishes to both of you. She's getting a great guy!

[ceile]

11. Congrats!

:toast:

[Tripper11]

14. Wow, many congrats Tobin

Lots of big changes! I hope it's everything you want and more.

[elleng]

16. BRAVO, Tobin and Jen!

Been waiting for such announcement, as we've all been following you 'around the world' recently! GREAT NEWS!

You'll be fine, as these stresses are positive ones; I could tell you about some negative ones, but I'll spare you.

:bounce:
:toast:
:thumbsup:
:hi:
:grouphug:
:fistbump:
:applause:
:woohoo:

P.S., you have not changed, you are responding to changed circumstances.

CONGRATS!!!

[siligut]

17. This is so wonderful!

All of it, you deserve happiness, both you and Jen do, so that seals it.

[jobycom]

18. Your life sounds like a romantic comedy. Soon they'll be hiring Dane Cook or Matthew McCouneghy

(or however he spells that name) to play you. Congrats on marrying Sandra Bullock, and I can't wait for the premier!

:thumbsup:

[hedgehog]

19. Lovely news! Best wishes!

:party:

[dawg]

21. You never thought it would happen for you ...

but it *totally* did! :toast:

[dawg]

22. You never thought it would happen for you ...

but it *totally* did! :toast:

[Moondog]

23. Congratulations!

Fresh starts get harder to do as one gets older, but that makes them all the more sweet.

Best wishes.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

24. Wow, my dear Tobin!

This is wonderful, amazing, very happy news!

I wish every success for you and Jen!

Indiana can certainly use more liberals...

I could not be happier for you both!

:toast:

[redwitch]

25. Tobin S. you are an inspiration!

Bless you and Jen, happiness, health and always love to you both. I so enjoy reading about your changing circumstances and your Carpe Diem attitude. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy!

[MiddleFingerMom]

26. Fantastic news all around, Tobin!!!

.
.
.
First off, Tobin and Jen -- CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
.
.
.
What a wonderful, whirlwind womance you're having. Exciting and heartwarming.
.
.
.
And not using a ring in a proposal doesn't diminish the romance involved. One
of the most romantic proposals I've ever seen depicted was in Rocky... when
he asked, "I'm wondering if you wouldn't mind marrying me too much."
.
Made ME say, "Awwww."
.
.
.
And I moved out-of-state, moved in with my girlfriend, and quit smoking three
packs a day all at the same time. Was easy -- I'm thinking the UBER-stress
factors just cancelled each other out.
.
.
.
Picture(s)!!! You've got a lot of other people smiling -- how about letting us
see yours?
.
.
.

[Demoiselle]

27. Congratulations, Tobin....And I love that she'll get to pick the ring.

That's VERY romantic!
You're doing it right....All joy and happiness to you and Jen.

[Rosie1223]

28. Wow, I got stressed just reading that!

Best wishes to you and your future bride and good luck at the new job!

:hi:

[applegrove]

29. very happy to read your story and all your updates. Makes me smile from ear to ear.

[NNadir]

30. Wow! It's all down hill after that...

...just kidding.

Getting married is a wonderful thing to do. Congratulations and good luck.

One piece of advice, though. Get married on 11/11/11. Choose the eleventh minute of the eleventh hour to kiss the bride.

That was a sacred minute once.

[MrScorpio]

31. Congrats, Man

You're doing it right

[rurallib]

32. beats the hell out of getting a new kitty on the change scale

Wow - congratulations and hope for the very best from the Lib household.

[femmocrat]

33. Congratulations, Tobin!

You have had an amazing year! Best wishes to you and your fiancee.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

34. So what's with 11/5/11?

Wait a week, go with 11/11/11, easier to remember (and you better remember!)

Getting hitched is simple. Find a load of Indiana limestone to haul to Las Vegas. Very easy.

Congratulations to you both!

:hi:

[Tobin S.]

35. That will be the aniversary of our first date

Jen picked it.

[denbot]

36. Best wishes to the both of you.

Post pictures of the new diggs.

[jme0318]

37. It's the most beautiful ring ever...

It really is a beautiful ring - I had to have it sized - but I took some pictures of it - I tried to stay awake as long as I could last night so I could stare at it... I think the light from my iPod Touch was bothering Toby!

Thanks for all of your comments! I know you all know how lucky I am to have found Toby... But I will say it again - I really am the luckiest and happiest girl in the world!

Thanks - Jen

[Callalily]

38. Hi Jen, and CONGRATULATIONS!

You know we all love Tobin and are all very happy for him, and of course you too.

This is super great news!

And now to respond to Tobin! ;-)

[Heidi]

42. You can now edit your profile to say, "Tobin S's fiance"!

Congratulations to you both! :hug:

[jme0318]

62. Done....

[elleng]

64. Jen, post pictures here if you can, please!

[jme0318]

67. oh sure...

I have some pictures i took of my ring - then I will post some pictures of his home making skills! I should have taken a before picture!

I wonder if this means I can get rid of my cleaning lady? I would hate to put her out of a job though! :)

[Tobin S.]

68. I was just thinking about the cleaning lady

It would save us some dough if we did it ourselves. This place isn't too hard to keep clean. I'm not averse to running the vacuum and scrubbing the bathroom.

[jme0318]

71. Hmmmm....

I guess I could pay you what I pay her.... You wouldn't want to be a "stay at home dad" to Swifty, Vito and Tobi would you - and a "kept man" for me??? Ha!

[Tobin S.]

72. I'd love that

But I'm bringing some bills along with me as a part of the deal, so I better not sell that truck just yet.

[jme0318]

73. Remember when we first met....

and you said you were going to retire when you were 40 - because you were going to win the lottery - I took that to heart...

[Tobin S.]

74. Oh yeah, forgot about that. I wouldn't want to disappoint you, so...

I guess I better start playing the lottery. :)

[jme0318]

89. The house looks great!!!!!

Poor Toby was exhausted last night - but the house looks great! Better than it's ever looked before, actually! I sent some pictures of it to my mom - she emailed me back and said "Don't let him get away!" - I told her he was chained to the bed! Kidding... I am not letting him go - even if he tries to run away!!!!

[elleng]

69. Depends: How good is HE at it, and how much you like and/or prefer HER!!!

[Forkboy]

93. Sounds like he's pretty lucky, too.

:)

[Callalily]

39. CONGRATULATIONS!

Sheesh . . . when you make up your mind, you really move fast!

So happy for you and Jen. She sounds like a wonderful person and I just know the two of you will be very happy.

:hug:

[mopinko]

40. congratulations.

ya know, i find that people who are really ready for love tend to fall hard. i have seen it a lot.
best wishes for your new life.
you aren't so far now. come up and visit and maybe the lazy chicago du'ers will get together. we seem to only do it when someone comes in from out of town. it would be great to meet you and her.

[raccoon]

41. Congratulations! That gives me hope. nt

[auntAgonist]

43. Congratulations Tobin and Jen!

We're so very happy for you :)


aA
kesha

[laylah]

44. Congratulations to you both,

Tobin. I am so happy for you! :hug:

Jenn

[av8rdave]

45. Wow! Congrats!

I admire you for the way you have taken charge of your circumstances and made your life the way you want it. So many people never muster the courage to do that.

A great deal of happiness awaits you and your fiancee. Way to go!

:toast:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

46. congratulations, Tobin and best of luck on your new life

:hug: :toast: :party: :fistbump: :hug:

[MicaelS]

47. Wait a minute!!!

I must have missed a bunch of your posts, this is all new to me. And here I thought I was keeping up with your adventures. Did you sell your rig?

[Tobin S.]

49. No, I still have my truck

I'm going to be leasing to a company that will get me home a lot more often.

[MicaelS]

50. Great, nothing beats being at home...

Congrats to you and your lady.

[Gormy Cuss]

48. Hey Tobin -- what's new?

:P

Congrats and best wishes on the new job.

[Crystal Clarity]

53. Congratulations Tobin!

May you and Jen have many, many joyous years togethor! I'm so happy for you both! :toast:

[Bertha Venation]

54. Wow! Congratulations!

:hug:

[bluesbassman]

63. Congratulations Tobin!

Good news on all fronts! :thumbsup:

[PRETZEL]

66. I want to offer my best to you and Jen,

it's always nice to see success stories like yours and when they find happiness that makes it all the better.

Be kind and love her to death.

[mnhtnbb]

70. Wow! Congrats to you both! I haven't been around DU much

in the last few months--but I do remember you posting about your new found love. When it's right, it's right! I hope you will both be very happy!

[abq e streeter]

75. Tobin, I am so happy for you , I don't even know what to say (but guess I just did)

It warms my heart so see how happy you both are. Congratulations....And hi Jen. You've obviously seen how much Tobin, er...Toby...is loved here. And you're obviously pretty damn special for a great guy like him to have fallen in love with you. (Also, since he doesn't mind housework, especially scrubbing the bathroom etc, could you have him stop by my place if he's ever out this way?)
abq e streeter/ Ron

[jme0318]

76. you are a bob dylan fan?

I am trying to turn Toby - Tobin - in to a Dylan fan... How can you not be a fan of the man?!?!

I could see about cloning Toby if you would like...

[abq e streeter]

77. Hi JME

Yes, I am a huge Dylan fan ( that would be a fan of Dylan in a huge way, as opposed to a fan of huge Dylans)... In fact on my OKCupid profile (and isn't that where you you guys met?) I list my "big 3" as Dylan, Springsteen ( hence an "E Streeter") and The Clash. I accept the fact that not everyone is going to "get" Dylan, but it'd be cool if little by little you could turn him on to enough of the best stuff (of course plenty to choose from) that at some point the "lightbulb" moment happens.
As far as cloning, don't know if I need that, but if you're high tech enough to be able to do that, maybe you can teleport him out here a few hours a month...Does he do windows too? I'll even buy him a burrito and a couple of brewskis to wash it down with.
Coincidentally (or maybe NOT so coincidentally; maybe more synchronicity) at almost the exact moment you were writing your post to me, I was quoting Dylan in a facebook post to a friend who is no longer on DU but still very much a progressive....and from Evansville by the way, (where she bemoans being surrounded by Glenn Beck fans)..... from Infidels' Sweetheart Like You: "Steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you king")
What are your favorite albums and /or songs? ( I know, hard to narrow down to just a few songs...my favorite album not just by Dylan, but my vote for greatest album ever, by ANYONE, is Highway 61). Seen him 3 times, and the first one was with The Band on the opening night of his "comeback " tour in 74, at the Chicago Stadium. An amazing, magical evening. I think the highlight, if I had to pick one, was It's All Right Ma.
Congratulations again... I am just so damn happy for both of you.

Ron

[jme0318]

88. Dylan....

The last 3 times I have seen Dylan, I was in the 3rd, 2nd and then 1st row! It was amazing! Now when I try to get tickets - if I can't get in the first 3 rows - I don't want to go! I am a Dylan Snob!

I took my dad the last time. He had never seen him. He loved it - he especially loved that we were right at the stage. My dad saw Hendrix a couple of times - but never Dylan... I am still jealous he saw Jimi...

My favorite Dylan song is "It's all over now, baby blue" and my favorite album - Nashville Skyline - that's one I got Toby for Christmas this year.

Best concert moment - Beacon Theater NYC - he sang Visions of Johanna - the guy next to me broke down - he wasn't the only one in the place in tears either!! He'd seem him probably 30 times and he had never done that song. The first time I saw him - he did Ballad of the Thin Man - which was my favorite for that concert. He did a Warren Zevon song then too - it was not long before he passed away.

Now - if I can just get Toby to a Dylan concert...

[backwoodsbob]

78. good for you..both of you

similar story here.i dated a girl for years in high school in Virginia but when i graduated there were no jobs here so I moved to Detroit where my father was and the jobs were.

Twenty years later i got a phone call out of the blue from her...you know the rest.almost 7 years married now in Virginia and happy as can be.

Glad to see you happy.

[Flaxbee]

79. I am very, very happy for you, Tobin, and for your beloved Jen

May you have many happy and wonderful years together!

And she's right - Indiana needs liberals! I've worked with a few people from some small towns (Rushville is one of them) and it ain't easy being a lefty in that crowd.

:hi: and :toast:

[WinkyDink]

80. Congratulations!

And your wedding date is my birthday! :-)

[riderinthestorm]

82. Congrats Tobin!! Its funny you posted, I just drove to NY and back from IL

and thought of you often. My husband, 14 yr old daughter and I drove a client's horse to NJ and then spent a weekend in NYC. I rarely go on these cross country drives anymore. I don't have the stamina and our Chevy truck seats aggravate my butt! But I dearly wanted my 14 yr old to see the sights of NY, and the $$ was good so I bit the bullet and helped drive.

Every truck stop, every trucker, every time I pulled my tiny "rig" next to the big guys behind the gas station, I thought of you. Isn't that weird? I thought, I know there's a trucker out there named Tobin! Maybe that guy's him....

My husband has hauled horses all over - to Alaska, and to San Miguel Allende Mexico, to CA and NY, FL and all stops in between so he's nonchalant about the long distances but I saw it all with new eyes this trip because of you and your journals. I relayed a few of your stories on the road while we drove.

Peace to you and Jen. I hope you find deep happiness and joy.

[elleng]

83. I do the same when I'm on the road, rider, even if 60 miles btw DC + suburbs!

ALWAYS thinking of our guy Tobin (and now his gal!!!)

[Tobin S.]

90. That does my heart good, rider

I got the goose bumps a little as I was reading your post. :)

[Odin2005]

84. You're engaged? CONGRATS!!!

:party:

[hibbing]

87. Great News!

Howdy Tobin,
Congrats to you, I'm happy for both of you. I have followed you some through your wonderful stories from the road.

I have not "met" Jen yet, so hi Jen!

I wish you the best, and of course,
Peace

[tigereye]

92. Happy for you both! Enjoy your time together!

:toast:

[Forkboy]

94. Your tale has been quite the thing to follow, my friend.

I can't tell you how happy I am to see YOU happy.

All the best to both of you! :toast:

[mwdem]

95. Lot's of things happening!

Good luck, Tobin. You're future looks great!!