Day 26

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you

Why was this one so hard for me? I've been thinking about this post for two days! I have to admit that I think this is The Pilot's fault. He's absolutely not into "things." He doesn't do gifts and told me that he has a fantasy of getting rid of all his belongings (except his laptop) and move into a VW bus. I wasn't on board with that and told him as much before we even started talking about marriage. But I have been getting on board with his thought process. I recycle. I have worms in my basement (that's a story for another day). I gave him the ok to skip any kind of gift on our anniversary this year and on Valentine's day (a holiday I've never really cared for). SO because of all this, I'm slowing training my materialistic brain to enjoy experiences. To enjoy my friends and family more. To enjoy life instead of things. Don't get me wrong, I still love shoes and I have a love affair with Coach purses but these things don't seem to matter quite as much as they did before The Pilot.

But I still felt like to keep with the intent of the challenge, I should still post a picture of something that means a lot to me. So here it is.

My engagement ring

I still get butterflies when The Pilot takes my hand.

I told you he was an animal whisperer!

The engagement ring is a thing but it stands for so much! Maybe the diamond industry plants it into little girls' heads when they are born but to me, the engagement ring and wedding bands are a symbol of commitment to marriage. A commitment to each other. It's telling the world that my heart belongs to someone. And because of our situation and spending so much time apart, it is a constant reminder that no matter where The Pilot is and no matter where I am, I can look at my left hand an immediately remember that he loves me like crazy!

Plus, I love the fact that this isn't an ordinary ring. You already know that The Pilot is kinda "earthy." He's not that way only when it's convenient, like a lot of people (me included sometimes!). That's who his is. He understands the environmental effects of his career so he does everything he can to offset that. And when he chose the ring, it was no different.

My ring is made out of recycled platinum! The diamonds are all conflict-free. They come from a mine in Canada that certifies its mining practices are environmentally friendly. They follow strict labor practices so that they can guarantee the safety of the miners. The carbon footprint from the mines in Canada are minimal. You can read more about the company, Brilliant Earth, and their story here.

I accepted his proposal with a twisty tie before I knew anything about the real eco-friendly ring. He could have put a candy ring on my finger and I would have still said yes. Because I love him and can't wait to become Mrs. Pilot! ;)

Photos taken by the amazing Angie Cope!