"I met someone, Dominique. She's beautiful..." That was the first line of a journal entry I wrote shortly after our first date in Santa Fe. I was immediately entranced by her eyes and felt at ease just by the sound of her voice. I was fully present, and have remained so ever since, but especially that night it was as if nothing around us mattered. Initially, our first date was supposed to be at the rooftop bar at La Fonda Hotel but, in true fashion, neither of us called ahead and they were completely full. We ended up going down the street to the Dragon Room bar. I would propose there one year later. We talked about our lives, past travels, and laughed. It felt as if we had known each other for years. I felt butterflies in my stomach. Hours passed in what felt like a blink of an eye. Eventually, drinks became dinner and we found ourselves at Pasqual's, which still remains a favorite restaurant of ours. After dinner, we walked together to her car and she drove me to my truck. I eagerly awaited our next date, which was a sunset hike at Sun Mountain. Two years later, I still find myself eagerly awaiting the next time we'll be together whenever we’re apart. And that's what it's all about - finding the person with the same zest for life, whom you are madly in love with to share the road ahead.

We took a trip back to New Mexico in the fall for Balloon Fiesta and to "re-celebrate" my Mom's birthday (for those who do not know my Mom this is very on brand for her so I didn't suspect anything). My parents had been acting exceptionally giddy all morning, while Joshua much more quiet than usual. On our way out the house, I noticed that Joshua had something box shaped bulging in his front jacket pocket. That's when I had 80% confidence that this might be IT! But, I couldn't say anything because I thought, "What if it's a gift for my mom? But if it's not for my mom and it's THE ring, then I'm going to blow the whole surprise," so I just played along. We arrived downtown in the plaza and Joshua was walking us over to the bar where we first met - the Dragon Room. Upon entering close family and friends were all there on a big table to the side (even a camera man). There were pseudo birthday present bags all over the table and everyone was still in character and stuck to the plan of Mom's decoy birthday party. "So great that we can celebrate your Mom again while you're in town" I would hear people say. At this point I had 100% confidence the proposal was happening. Joshua ensured my parents got there early to reserve the table we sat at on our first date. Everyone was mingling over over spicy margaritas when Joshua clinked his glass for a toast and I instantly began to sob. I was so overwhelmed with happiness and was so touched by Joshua'a words and the effort he put in to make this moment so special. He got down on one knee and the rest is history. Saying "yes!" was the easiest decision I ever made, because I knew in my heart from the very beginning that Joshua was my person, my best friend, my soul mate. As the saying goes, "when you know, you know" and that couldn't be more true. See you in México!