We're Getting Hitched!

Sarah and Amanda met in 2014, while working for their local Girl Scout council. When supervisor Paisley found out about the relationship, she dutifully warned that dating a coworker was a bad idea (although upon trying to recount specific examples of why work relationships are ill-advised, all she could come up with was a list of happy couples who met while working together). With that warning/blessing, the couple tried hard to keep their relationship on the down low. There was much footsying under the table at work outings (sorry to those who we accidentally footsied) and speculation about whether or not they were actually dating. According to coworker Julee, there was no way the couple was dating because they posted too much on social media for folks who were trying to hide the fact that they were dating. But by the time they came clean about being a couple, almost everyone knew anyway. Secrets like that are hard to keep secret for long.

After determining that yes, maybe they should go out on a date and not just hang out at work or with other work friends, it was decided that the couple would meet for drinks at a local bar. Sarah offered a last minute change of plans though, and they met for a hike at Battelle Darby Metro Park instead. Never one to miss an opportunity for appetizers and good beer, Sarah surprised Amanda by pulling out cold beers and snacks to enjoy at a scenic view along their hike. The date was repeated on its one year anniversary and Amanda was again surprised by beer and snacks while hiking at Battelle Darby. By the second 1st-date-anniversary, Sarah had learned how easily Amanda gets surprised by seemingly predictable gestures. Still though, she seemed genuinely surprised when beer, crackers, and cheese appeared on another hike at Battelle Darby. It's possible Amanda is just really really good at acting surprised.

One of Sarah and Amanda's favorite holiday traditions is the celebration of Jólabókaflóð (Icelandic Book Flood), the tradition of giving and receiving books on Christmas Eve... or in their case, the eve of their annual road trip to Virginia. Last December, Amanda received a book called "A Holiday Proposal" and opened it to find a ring cavity had been carved out in the shape of a heart. She immediately said yes and ran to her hiding spot to pull out a ring for Sarah. Amanda was still trying to work out the details for her own geocaching proposal and was secretly glad to cancel her grand proposal planning. It's worth noting that this proposal almost took a disastrous turn when Macie the dog ate a good portion of the wrapped Christmas presents, including nibbling on the corner of the aforementioned book.