The Proposal

After getting up late and then hitting traffic, Hoop and I didn't reach Orlando until mid-afternoon. One of the heaviest and longest jams we encountered (45 minutes) was caused by a group of bikers parked on the side of the road. There was no discernible reason for them to be pulled over, but that didn't stop rubberneckers from slowing down to look. Once we got to the hotel, we agreed it was too late to hit the park. So we relaxed for awhile before heading to The Marketplace to grab a bite to eat and wait for Halloween Horror Nights to start.

All through dinner I thought Hoop was acting a bit fidgety. But I chalked it up to his lack of nicotine and the fact that we still had two hours to kill before scare time. Fortunately for us, they decided to open the park a little early. As people were starting to form lines, Hoop suggested we take a walk around the Hard Rock Hotel. I thought that was a little odd too, but went with it anyway. Around the hotel are pathways leading to ponds and beautifully landscaped gardens. I had just turned to admire some bamboo when Hoop went down on one knee.

"So this is what they make floors out of," I said, rapping my knuckles against the stalk. "I was going to do this inside the park. But then I saw they had metal detectors and were making people empty their pockets," he said. "Will you marry me?" Obviously, I said yes. Then I wrapped my arms around him and said, "It's about time!" At that point I hadn't even looked at the ring. But as you can see, my guy has great taste in jewelry as well as dresses and shoes. I couldn't help but admire my hand all night. That is, when it wasn't gripped in Hoop's hand with fright.

What was really great about Hoop's proposal was that he did it in a way he knew I would love. We'd met during the Halloween season. Our first kiss was in a graveyard. It seemed fitting that he should propose during Halloween Horror Nights. On top of that, he picked the ring out all by himself. Despite the constant pushing and suggestions from both sets of parents, Hoop picked out a ring he knew I would love and hadn't bothered to get it approved by anyone else first. So there you have it my friends. You were there in the beginning, four months after we met. And now you're here for this, the next step in our awesome adventure.

I couldn't ask for better friends to share this moment with. Thank you!!

*******************************************************************

In Other News: Check out this chick. She fended off a would-be robber with an ax! It's stuff like this that gives me the warm fuzzies about being female. I would hug her if I could... Once she put down the weapon.

Daily Hoop Conversation:
(On phone)
Hoop: Hey, I think I found you a job on Craigslist!
Tink: Oh yeah?
Hoop: It says, "Office position. $15 an hour. I am looking for a position as Admin. Assist or Office Manager. I have over 25 yrs experience-"
Tink: -Uh, babe?
Hoop: Oh, wait. That's for someone looking for a job, huh?
Tink: Oh my God, we should hire him!
Hoop: Shut up.

P.S. Hoop has the flu. He wrote a post the other night while high off NyQuil. Good stuff. I'll have it up tomorrow for your viewing pleasure. Stay tuned!