New Years Eve is always a holiday that holds so much anticipation. The excitement eventually culminates with the dropping of the Time Square Ball and a new year with new chances is ushered in. New Years Eve of 2019 was more than just a holiday because I met Sydnee for the first time. We had met each other through a mutual friend and had talked leading up and into the holidays about everything from mutually watched tv shows to our love for our families and our various holiday traditions. When New Years Eve arrived, Sydnee and I both were hosting respective get togethers for our friends that night. Despite this, she had told me she wanted to stop by my place to meet me. As the night passed, I did not foresee any chance that she would be able to make it. As snow came down and began to layer the roads, I doubted there was any chance at all. However, shortly after the ball dropped she let me know that she and her friend had arrived through a miraculous Uber ride in the snow. When she walked in, my night and seemingly the entire room had brightened up to match her sunshine yellow personality. Her happy go lucky mannerisms shined through as she took not one, but two tequila shots upon arrival. As a true modern gentlemen, I provided her with an iPhone charger and a sweatshirt (that now sits in her closet not mine). Her infectious smile and caring personality made me feel like the happiest person in the room (and it still does). After chatting for a bit, she mentioned that people were still at her house and she had to return home. As New Years’ Eve turned to New Years’ Day, she headed out the door with my sweatshirt, a fully charged phone, and our memory of a magical meeting between us.

It was the day before our anniversary. I spent the day with Evan's sister, Leah, as she got her furnace fixed at her house. It had started to snow on my drive home to our house. I went upstairs to my home office to finish up the workday. Evan came in and said he had to run out to get wine for our anniversary dinner tomorrow. I was confused as we had a lot of wine and it was also a blizzard outside, but I just let him go ahead and went on with my day. He cooked dinner and we decided to watch a movie, Evan's choice! He chose "My Dog Skip". What we didn't know is that I would be sobbing in tears over a movie reminding me of my childhood dog (rest in peace Scooter) an hour before he was planning to propose. I eventually recomposed myself and got ready for bed when Evan said, “I am going to get anniversary present ready downstairs." I was clearly frustrated as we said no presents and the only surprise I had for him was beef jerky. He texted me to come downstairs and be "video ready". My Christmas pajama shirt didn't seem to fit that category, so I threw on a sweatshirt with blue light glasses and headed downstairs. I was greeted by Evan in a suit, our favorite song playing, and pictures of us from over the years filling our house. I thought it was the best no present, present ever! Then he started to drop down on one knee, and I couldn't even begin to keep my composure. It was the easiest YES of my life!