We ran in similar circles throughout MIDDLE SCHOOL (!), we'd go to the movies on Friday night with the same crowd, shared a homeroom class at Moran Middle School in 8th grade and then both joined the Track and Field team in the spring. The most exciting day of Track and Field had come up (the day everyone gets their sweatshirts they'd ordered) and Mike received his, which didn't last long. I didn't get any, because mom was tired of buying more sweatsuits for my various sporting activities so I snooped around to see who's I could steal. Of course, having had a crush on Mike, he was the culprit and the rest was history. I went home with his sweatshirt and he with my phone number. Been inseparable since!

Mike planned an 'early birthday celebration' for me -- dinner at an unknown location on a Friday night. All I knew was to get dressed up (easy!) It was 16 degrees on this January night, but that wasn't stopping me from wearing a one shoulder black dress...of course. We pulled up to a restaurant in Stamford, CT and I instantly got excited. We had been dying to go there, so this was the perfect surprise for a birthday dinner. Upon walking in, our two amazing friends were there (shoutout to Drin & Edona!) - so this threw me off. We sat off to the side and waited for our table. Come to found out, we were getting a very cute outdoor igloo for the dinner...how exciting! We ate, we drank and we laughed all together. The waiters kept bringing over free food all night - I was NOT complaining. Then, all of the sudden, 2 dozen red roses are entering the igloo, then a tray of champagne - I was starting to get nervous. Mike, looking totally freaked out is making his way over to me! Our friends pushed back the tables and got their phones out. Down on one knee - Mike proposed!! We celebrated the rest of the night with our friends, it was the best night ever. When it was time to leave, I of course announced to the entire bar inside 'WE'RE ENGAGED!' and the entire bar cheered for us, one of the best moments of the night.