We're So Excited You're Here!

And if you don't know, then the answer is in High School Geometry class in 2008. Alex skipped enough classes his Sophomore year that he had to retake it and I got lucky enough that he was in my class. We dated the whole next school year but alas, young love, it didn't last. Throughout the next few years we remained friends and eventually had lost touch for the most part. While I was working at Starbucks Alex came in the one day wearing a shirt about running. I jokingly said "do you just wear that shirt or do you run?". As luck had it, I was training for a 10k and my usual running buddy from work was busy that night and Alex agreed to join me. We spent the night catching up and learning about who the other person was now. It wasn't until another year and a half later that we came back together realizing that the short stint of us hanging out for a few months showed us what the non-high school version of our relationship would be and that we both wanted it. Voila! You're all caught up.

Roughly 3 days after getting the ring, Maryland shut down due to COVID-19 and threw Alex's plans for a loop. Alex enlisted the help of of our friends, Mike and Lexi Zuckerman (+20 others), to use their home as the ruse and location of the proposal. We were going to Mike and Lexi's about every other week for a bonfire to help Mike burn fallen tree branches or leftover wood from contracting jobs. So when Lexi texted us that Tuesday prior saying, "Bonfire this weekend, Mike has more wood to burn", I thought nothing of it. The plan was to head to Mike and Lexi's for a bonfire Saturday, May 30, 2020. That day we went about our normal business. Alex rode his Motorcycle, I worked out (which thankfully led to a shower) and cleaned the apartment. After Alex returned from his bike ride and shower he started to get ready for Mike and Lexi's. I watched him change his outfit twice between different jeans or khakis and button down shirts. I asked him "that's what you're wearing to a bonfire?" to which he replied "yeah, don't you miss wearing real clothes? I just feel like I want to wear some of my regular clothes again". Me, sitting there in my yoga pants and a t-shirt so old it has holes in the armpits replied with "well that's dumb for a bonfire, I'm not changing". A valiant effort on Alex's part to get me dressed. Once we arrived at Mike and Lexi's I created my own diversion by asking to see something inside. Giving Alex the opportunity to head over to the bonfire clearing in their trees. A few minutes later I walk out with Lexi, talking to keep me distracted. Realizing Alex doesn't often stand in a circle of rose petals for fun, it clicked what was happening. After the proposal, Alex had coordinated a Zoom call with our friends who aren't local for which I cried harder than the proposal itself. A second surprise of friends then cheered from the yard. We ended the evening celebrating with the bonfire and smores and I could not have planned it better myself. We love you all.