Two weeks ago, this handsome science teacher I know (who happens to have a beard), snuck around the apartment while I slept and filled the place up with vases of flowers. When I did wake up, it was to find Emily holding a McGriddle and grinning from ear-to-ear. My stomach started doing flip flops immediately. "Get dressed!" she said and off we went, and of course I wasn't to know where we were going. After grabbing a giant Starbucks, we found ourselves pulling into the lot at Jimmy's Nail Spa. GUYS. It was hilarious and fun and they did an amazing job! With newly fabulous nails, we jumped back in the car and Emily said that she didn't know what was going to happen next but I was supposed to head up to the food court at Circle Center Mall and look for someone I knew.

So, I was heading up the escalator - completely freaking out (!!) on the inside, when I saw Monica peering down at me from the food court. "We're here to get you an outfit that you might get your picture taken in," Monica explained. We tried on a few things, and then she asked me if I wanted a shot. Ummm, yes please. Feeling a bit more courageous after a fireball shot and a cider beer, we found the cutest earrings and shoes to go with my new dress! Monica just kept saying how she didn't want to spoil my appetite... so when we got in her car, she dropped me off outside Patachou and told me to look for someone I knew.

My sister! I choked down half of a BLT (my mouth was SO dry!) and we got an Uber back to my apartment. "Get ready!" was Hannah's instruction. So I got all gussied up, fixed my hair, and debated wearing mascara. Through the whole day, no one actually said out loud what we all knew was happening. It was surreal and felt sort of suspended, you know? Any way. Hannah and I took off walking toward Lockerbie and what do you know?? I saw my science guy, holding a red rose with petals strewn about around his feet.

I wish I could tell you verbatim what he said, but I honestly can't remember all of it. So much was happening, inside and out, and all I know is it was perfect. My cheek muscles were sore from all the smiling. Ahhhh. What a guy. And, obviously, I said yes! Basically, friends, he planned an entire day of pampering, only to be followed by a surprise engagement party with all of my closest family and friends. It was an INCREDIBLE day. I'm still a little bit in awe two weeks later. We're shooting for a wedding date of Labor Day weekend 2016, so bring on the count downs!!