Good news!

[Mia14]

Sorry I haven't been as active on the forums as of late - some very big things have been happening in my life.

After being together for our two years, my girl and I have decided to get a civil union or have a commitment ceremony. Sometime in the future we'd like to have a big wedding, but right now we'd like to have a little ceremony just for legal purposes and as a sign of the beginning of great things together.:love: I have to do some research on what's legal in Pennsylvania and what we need to do. It'll just be a small ceremony with a few close friends and no family. Maybe a party afterwards...

We have also decided to move out of her parents' house! We won't be completely out of the woods yet because she wants to ease them into this and just tell them it's my apartment for the time being, but it's still a step forward together and I'm very excited. We're going to start apartment hunting tomorrow. :weee: Woo-hoo!!

So I might not be on as often for a little while, but it's only temporary...

[BruceChris]

This sounds like a real step up, or step forward, in your lives. I expect to see a LOT of congratulatory posts (Except that posts have been down, I think it's the election). I hope that your finances work out well.

I have two (slightly older) friends in much the same situation. G moved in with D, who has a tiny place, that she owns. So they built on an addition. (Hope you two don't get squished in your first place) They don't even have heat, yet, but they're committed!

Liked "The Girls Next Door", Lindsy Van Gelder has written a lot of good stuff, much of it for MS. magazine.

Gotta go, but I'll be back! - P&L, BC

[Zerbie]

Mia!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!

:D :D :D :D :D
This is a big step indeed, and I wish you both the very best as you make your commitment official.
Best of luck finding the perfect apartment, too.

I'm happy for you!!!

:love: :love: :love: :love:

[Jamie McDaniel]

Blessings to you, Mia, and to the one whose hand you hold as you journey through this life. Don't worry about it being a small ceremony. It seems to me the people who have those tend to be the ones still together far down the road. We all like to imagine our big fat gay weddings, but give me a beautiful small ceremony any day. :love:

p.s. Consider inviting your close family members if you think there is a chance. On down the road, if they become accepting, it might be good that you have this shared memory. A way to invite those wrestling with their understanding of their GLBT children or siblings might be something like, "We are blessed by having found each other. We are open about our love and also our desire to make a public commitment. We love our family and thus we invite you to participate in our lives at the level you feel comfortable. Really, that is all any of us can do in this life. If you would like to share in our joy, please attend as we exchange vows at..."

Anyhow, just a thought. Look at me, I'm already trying to plan your big day. :lol: The main thing is Congratulations!!!

[suzer1013]

Mia -- Congratulations!!! That is wonderful news. Many blessings to you and your partner. :love: :pray: :)

Susan

[keltic63]

Congratulations Mia!!!!!!

[Vanessa White]

Meeting you has been a real joy in my life, and I am so glad that you two will now be sharing your life's journey together, in a symbolic, official type way. What an exciting time, and apartment hunting as well!!! I am very happy for you, and wish for blessings to be heaped upon both of you. Love and peace always, Vanessa :love: :love: :love: :love: :love:

[tdogg]

Mia,

Congrats to you and your girl!! Good luck and have fun apartment hunting. I agree with Jamie, invite the family - if they don't come it's their choice. But if they aren't invited they definitely won't come.

Anyways, whatever you decide to do, big or small, it will be wonderful I'm sure. I wish you the best - health, happiness, a wondering life full of love! :love: :rainbow: :love:

Tdog

[Mia14]

Thank you everyone! We're having fun already just talking about the fun things we'll be able to do in our own place.

I'm looking up info about domestic partnership in Pennsylvania, but I'm not finding a lot. I know that there's a place to register in Philadelphia, but U haven't heard of anything up here yet - more digging to do! It's not like they exactly advertise these things yet...

[zimnah]

COngratulations Mia!!!!! :weee: That is wonderful news!!

As for the legal issues with Pennsylvania, I do know that Pennsylvania has provisions for you to be covered on your partner's insurance and vice-versa...I'm home a lot now, so I'll see if I can find any useful links for the two of you.

I am very happy for you. We've only met a couple of times, but I know from Vanessa that you are a truly wonderful person, and I also know from last semester that you are also a very giving and dedicated person. As we say

MAZAL TOV!!!!

Dawn :love: :love: