Changing the name.

I recently changed the title of my blog from it's revamped original, "A Space in the World." I'm not sure where the inspiration for "Pearls and rings, among other things" came from, but I like the way it sounds, and feel it amply describes me.

Pearls. If you know me, you know I adore fashion, and the style and stigma of pearl jewelry. I consider myself a classy person; not pretentious or snooty, but sophisticated.

Rings. Well, I just got engaged and am still not used to wearing the rock I was given. And now that I think about it, I received both a ring and pearl jewelry for Christmas. Maybe this blog is inspired be recent material additions to my life, or maybe it's not. I don't know.

Other things. This blog, as I've already said, has a very unsure direction, and where it goes and what it covers is yet to be determined. Regardless, I want to blog about things I like, things I do, and even things I do that I don't want to.

For the sake of blogging I write this post.

What a Christmas.

At 12:30 AM, Christmas day, 2010, Eric asked me to marry him. I finally recovered from shock and said 'yes'. This Christmas was one of immense joy for both of our families, and we couldn't be happier.

Round 1 of asking my dad for permission was when Eric asked him two Christmases ago if he could give me this promise necklace.

Round 2 of my dad's permission. My dad was an accomplice when Eric purchased the engagement ring.

The lucky fiance'. I'm talking about myself.

The happily-engaged, wedding-planning, forever-in-love couple.

Love is a splendid thing.

Since November 2008, I have been in love with Eric. I fell in love with him as soon as we were a couple, and maybe even before that. Eric was someone I never pictured myself with, but I found so quickly he was the one I needed in my life. We've been through a lot together, and have both found natural places in each others' families.

2010 Trinity formal.

2010 Chicago Auto Show.

The Ryan & Sara Swanson wedding, April 10, 2010.

Summer 2010.

Matching shirts for some 80's-themed roller skating, 2010.

fam·i·ly (noun): a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not.

My whole life, family has meant more to me than anything else. While college separates these wonderful people from me, my life would never be complete without them.

My parents, Brad & Debra Veurink.

My younger sister, Brooke (don't mind her obnoxious boyfriend).

My youngest sister, Kim.

The youngest of us all, my baby brother, Drew.

It's about time for a change.

The last 11 posts on this blog have been, if you haven't already noticed, in the realm of academia. This blog was originally created to fulfill an assignment in a Communication Criticism class I took last semester.

...I think it's time for a change.

Blogging is something I've really wanted to do for a long time. I am one of those people who often wonders, "What on earth would I blog about, and who would care to read it?" But, I've realized blogging isn't about getting people to read what you write. Rather, it's writing for the sake of writing, and if someone ends up reading it, you get bonus points. 

With that said, welcome to the next phase of my blog. Whatever that phase is, enjoy.

A blogger for the sake of blogging,
Ashley Rose Veurink