s y l v i a (![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} wildorchids) wrote,@ 2004-11-08 18:45:00 |
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| Current mood: |  ecstatic |
Sunday Nov 7th - Best day of my life
... He proposed! I said yes! We're engaged! :)
As some of you already know, he proposed in an 'outrageous display of geekiness'. I guess I really didn't expect it any other way, though I envisioned a timed math test, or a puzzle, or a computer program I've to write to prove that I am worthy. :)
During the week, I suspected that instead of going in to work, Ethan drove home... at least 3 times. ("Home" is 2 hours away, that's 4 hours round trip!) Signs include a missing car, inability to read my e-mails on demand, and the sound of whirring engine when I call him. (Edit: Later I confirmed those trips, the jeweller said he'd sit in a corner and stare at rocks for hours, comparing them meticulously.) And he may be a dedicated worker, but forgoing Lauren and Will's post-wedding celebrations on Saturday night to put in an extra hour of work is questionable. He claimed he was working on "something cool", new and exciting at work... maybe he'll show me a demo soon.
On Sunday, we were going to celebrate our 2-yr anniversary. That morning, I got ready for a beautiful, sunny, picnicky day at Stone Villa. When I called Ethan, he said he'd like us to stop by his office to print out directions, and pick up the camera since he left it there the night before. So I waited for him to pick me up; when I stepped into the car, I was greeted with a single stalk of red rose. Very sweet. (He was also wearing the shirt we got in Singapore.)
We drove to Newell-Simon and went to his lab - he suggested that I look up the directions and print them while he sets up the "really neat" demo he wanted to show me, since we were there anyway. I said sure - then I noticed 2 AIBOs, Dinohyus and TK421, on his desk. Usually he only works with TK421. I also noticed the camera perched on his tripod... I thought about disassembling it so we could take it with us, but he reached over and turned it on. Next thing I knew, he was down on one knee in front of me, holding a ring box.
Ethan: "Will you marry me?"
Me: (looks at ring box... notices it's empty)
Ethan: (confused) "What... !" (turns to the dogs) "Okay now, which one of you took it?"
Dinohyus, TK421: (shakes head)
Ethan: "It's gotta be one of you! You're the only ones left alone with it. Now spit it out! Who did it? Was it you?" (points finger at Dinohyus)
Dinohyus: (shakes head)
Ethan: "Then it must be you!" (points finger at TK421)
TK421: (shakes head)
Ethan: "You can't fool me, one of you must be lying!" (Both dogs start 'running', but they're on their stands, they don't get anywhere) "A-ha! You can't run away! I know you saw who did it! Now tell me, who took the ring?"
Dinohyus: (lowers head and whimpers, then points paw at a far corner of the room)
I turned around and saw another AIBO, Laika, hiding behind a chair across the room - it started running away! Ethan walked over and grabbed it by its back; I saw something shiny in its mouth. He shook Laika, threatening it to let go of whatever was in its mouth, Laika flailed and yelped. Finally, it opened its mouth and dropped a shiny key into my hand. "It's for the filing cabinet," Ethan said. I couldn't stop laughing, loving how appropriate his method of proposal was. I unlocked the filing cabinet... opened the top drawer - nothing in there (he said "The dogs probably can't reach that high")... opened the bottom drawer, and there laid a beautiful spray of a dozen long-stemmed red roses, and a ring tied to the bouquet with red ribbon. It was GORGEOUS!... more than I could ever ask for. At first I was afraid that the ring wouldn't fit, but when I finally put it on, it fit perfectly. So shiny!! I cried. He held me and asked, "Will you? Really really?" and for a moment his eyes were red too. ;) (He doesn't like to admit it though!) Thanks to his camera, we've video footage of the whole skit. (Sneaky!)
The rest of the day was fantastic. We went to Stone Villa, tasted and bought a few bottles of wine, chatted with the folks (we knew the proprietors decently), strolled along the lake, pier and horse ranch, then drove back as the sun was setting. Then we went back to his apartment where I gave him his surprise gift - a Scharffen Berger chocolate bar! Or so he thought... I told him to open it, he turned it over and then he saw the pre-order receipt for Halo 2, Limited Edition, that I taped to the back. That made him very, very happy. :) For dinner we went to Monterey Bay Fish Grotto atop Mount Washington as planned, and we got lucky with a window seat. Clam chowder, fruity fish and dessert - sugar-coated strawberries and Grand Marnier cream in giant martini glasses. After dinner we came back to my apartment and watched Around the World in 80 Days with my housemates for a low-key end to the day. Then I sent out e-mail announcements. :)dkellis, he meant to ask for your blessing beforehand. He left you voicemail. :)
Bling! So pretty. Hard to get used to it...
I can't stop smiling
Where we had dinner
View from restaurant window
The date of the big day is yet to be determined. We're working on it. Meanwhile, Ethan wants to host a 'housewarming'/Christmas/engagement party next month. If you're in the area, you'll be hearing from us!
Ethan's now counting down the hours to when he'll get his brand spankin' new Halo 2. T-minus 4 hours!
