You know it's close when the parties and festivities begin. This past weekend I had a wonderful time special thanks to Siobhan and Nitza who put together a wonderful evening worthy of a princess. Avni and I drove down together and dropped off Adrian with the guys so he can have his time. We went to the place in the 09 district to get my trial run for my wedding makeup done which timed out nicely because I got to use it for the night out. I'll leave out details about the cake, but it was good! The place, CoCo Lounge was a French influenced delight and with the exception of the money mix-up at the end of the night (not giving back the change and charging too much on the illegal credit card - girls who were there know what that means) - it was great! The bread especially and since I haven't allowed myself to have many carbs it was a nice treat. We ended up at the Ivy Roof Top lounge for some more cocktails and dancing which is a treat in your 30's when the whole girl time and time to do much other than work and normal life stuff is rare. We had doubts that we’d make it till midnight but we did it (even a little later). The best part of the night was coming home together for a slumber party, eating cake and just being silly. I had a blast.

So I’m convinced that this is the year of the wedding, seriously – with in a year’s span, practically everyone I know is getting married and even ones that I don’t , famous ones like Prince William and Kate Middleton. This year started with a great occasion – Summer and Matt’s wedding. It was December 31st, 2011 in Ft. Lauderdale Florida on a beautiful Friday at a beautiful tropical location called The Bamboo Gallery. We were glad to be able to go and had planned on it for a long time. Adrian was looking forward to a vacation and also a chance to bond with his newfound Bloomington connections. Casse and Keith met us there and we had a great time. Summer was beautiful and Matt was handsome. This wedding was a long time coming; they have been together for 5 years after all. Matt’s kids were having a blast and the family really looked happy. A few days later, Adrian and I ended up in Miami for a nice over night stay and took advantage of a chance to get out toes in the sand. There were a million different places to each out on the beach front and we even got a impromptu surprise concert by the infamous Stanford Band who was in town for the orange bowl. We enjoyed the beach, wine, and being tourists in a city that seemed more European than American. It was gorgeous. It was so beautiful but there was a part of me eager to get home because even though this place was a paradise, it can’t compare to the home I have with Adrian in Texas and that is where I am most happy.

A Monday night, just like any other - or was it? It started out about the same. A longer than necessary drive home from work due to Austin traffic. A plan of going to the gym and finally get back on the diet that I neglected since Thanksgiving. I received a call. Adrian wanted to go to dinner. I agreed under the conditions that we would go back on the diet the following day. Usually he goes to the gym after work and I go later (about the time gets home). So a change of plans. He gets home and rushes up stairs with my mom in tow. I should have known something was up but I didn't. I was too engrossed in the news which I watch religiously from 5 to 6 pm. So after the nightly broadcast, I went up stairs to change in to comfortable close and leave the office attire behind. Adrian was in the bathroom and I heard shuffling around. I wondered what he was up to but patiently waited for him to get out so I can find the clothes I needed and change. He finally exited the bathroom and I jumped at the chance to get in, after all - I was getting hungry. As I was coming out of the bathroom, he stopped me and asked me to get something under the sink for him. Not usual for him to forget something. So I looked under the sink and there was this box. I started to hand it over to him but once I got it into the light, it was a very nice jewelry box that I was looking at. I looked over at him, sitting on the bed with a look of anticipation on his face. It was a ring box and that's when things got a little blurry. It's like one of those moments where you know it's happening but at the same time are denying it's happening, and even more reminding yourself that this is a moment you need to take in and cherish. As I opened the box, the ring appeared, reflecting the light. He did an awesome job picking it out all on his own. I loved it. Simple and beautiful at the same time. He placed the ring on my finger and began to speak. I had started to tear up, because it was a special moment. I didn't expect a ring. Rings a nice but not necessary and by no means a reflection of a couples love. I know plenty of marriages that have had nice rings that haven't made it past the 2 to 5 year mark. I've also known many more marriages that have had no ring other than a wedding band than are entering in there 10th year of marriage and still going strong. So the point is, a ring does not a marriage make and I am well aware. So for him to do that for me, it's icing on the cake and I love him regardless. It was at that moment I busted out laughing as loud and long as I've laughed in a long time. I mean - "can you get something for me from under the bathroom sink" - really? That is so him and that is so sweet. I guarantee no on else can say that's how they were proposed to.....

So we are taking the big step of a life long commitment and this is a very exciting time. I can't speak for Adrian but I'm not afraid but rather excited. I have always been very scared of marriage but not now. I think it's because Adrian has taught me so much about how to be in a relationship and how to be more flexible. It's been a lot of patience on his part and I am thankful that he is as wonderful as he is. It's funny how we can't really plan how things will go but rather are given gifts and if we are smart, we make the most of it. As you can tell, we aren't doing anything formal but are most excited to have everyone there under the same roof. I am excited to see family and friends and get to spend time with everyone. I am looking forward to it!