Whoa!...it's been two weeks since my last update. You'll have to forgive me, but it's been a hectic two weeks since. I wanted a chance to tell my family and all my close friends in person before I announced it on my page. On January 28th (Super Bowl Sunday), Aric proposed. I happened to have gone down for Wey, Jeff, and Rob's birthday, and also to surprise Aric...since he wasn't expecting a visit from me. But he ended up surprising me that weekend! Okay, okay...so I'm sure you're all wondering how he popped the question. Everyone and their mothers have been asking me. It wasn't the traditional wine & dine scene, nor did he get down on one knee. But he opened up in a way I haven't seen, and invited me in....at that moment, I couldn't really feel my body. I was excited, happy, and scared all at the same time. I couldn't stop crying, so all he had for confirmation was the nodding of my head. We hugged for a long time....until the tears subsided, then the giggles set in.
Later on that day, we went to our friend, Tony's Superbowl BBQ, and everyone asked how he proposed. They all seemed disappointed that Aric didn't get 'creative' with his proposal. And ever since then, Aric's been wanting to "do-over". But seriously, it was perfect for me! Whenever I think back on it, it's reflective of our personal style. Simple, honest, and vulnerable.

Aric and I are planning an April wedding. Yes, THIS April. Everyone's been bombarding us with "why the rush?" questions. Hmmmmm, why not?...we want to. I don't know much about weddings, so when I looked through magazines and surfed the net on wedding planning, I noticed the typical wedding calender is 12-18 months!!! GAT DAMN!
I think we're doing okay. We've already found a place for the ceremony and reception in Orange County, plus a restaurant for a separate banquet up here. Aric's booked the photographer, videographer, and dj. We've completed our guest list, registered for gifts, picked out the wedding bands, and bought my dress. We're just waiting on invitations, center-pieces, favors, bridesmaids dresses, flowers, and a hair/make-up person. I say "not bad" for two weeks work. *smug smile* Actually most of the credit goes to Aric who's taken care of everything, so I wouldn't have to stress. *sigh* I'm so lucky!

With every "happy", came a "sad". When I shared my news with best friends, they all cried....a lot. =/ Don't get me wrong, they were really happy for me, but the thought of my moving away (and so soon) was hard to accept. Wil took it especially hard....the first week, we couldn't look at each other without crying. I think everyone's doing okay now, and even if they're not, they're doing a good job hiding it. Alrighty, I'm gonna change the subject now...because just the thought of it brings tears to my eyes and a knot to my chest.

So now, you're all caught up....more or less. Last weekend I was down there for a scheduled visit, and we just did "wedding stuff". Aric, Ann, and I went to some weak Bridal Expo, that was held in a barn (pretty much), next to live-stock petting zoo and the swap meet.....the smell of hot dogs and manure. Mmmm-mmm! ;) We also attended our friend, Ben's engagement dinner. I felt kind of bad, since Ben had announced to everyone of Aric & my engagement, thus stealing the thunder from his event. Oh, a bunch of us checked out Downtown Disney....it's smaller than Universal City Walk, but lively nonetheless. The restaurants are way overpriced though. Next time, I want to check out Disney California Theme Park. It looked really cool from the outside.

I'm spending this Saturday with my sisters, mom, and nieces for a day at the spa and pottery-painting.

Saturday night, we're celebrating Ivy's birthday at Aaron's.
Sunday, Cin, Bett, Wil, Ivy, and I are shopping for bridesmaids dresses.

Wishing you all a great weekend!

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