The Day I Said Yes

"I made up my mind, I was going to find someone 

who would love me unconditionally

three hundred sixty five days a year".

Last July 17th, 2015, on the day of our 5th anniversary, John asked me to marry him. Truth be told, I emptied my head for any expectations of an engagement ring and a mind-blowing proposal. Years before, we were already discussing our future plans: wedding, dream house, family. Hence, there was not a trace of ever saying No to him, should he finally ask me that. I kept on telling him, "you don't need to propose to me anymore. No need for a ring, etc etc" being the practical (or stingy) fart that I am, I was more worried on the cost of the ring he would get me rather than having all these overrated fairy tale like proposals all over the internet. 

That day, we left home early as we planned to spend the anniversary at Luljetta's Hanging Gardens and Spa located in Antipolo, Rizal. I had been dying to visit the place for years ever since I saw it on TV. Imagine an infinity pool overlooking mountain ranges instead of the usual beach. It was something different, exciting, and romantic. It was an unusual choice during the rainy season, but the thought of a crowd-less spa carved through the mountains was enticing. And we made the right choice! We tried all the Hydro facilities and indulged in the luscious Greenery of the Antipolo mountains and Laguna de bay. My favorite spot was the Infinity Pool. 

We were taking photos of our silly selves, when he asked me to stay at the edge of the pool, turn back and strike a pose. I obeyed cluelessly, thinking it was for some epic blog photos. And he was placing his phone on a stand. I did as I was told anyway, when I felt him approach me. I asked how he was going to take my photos if he left the phone at the other corner of the pool, and he said he brought along a shutter. I couldn't see his other hand because it was under the water but I knew he held something "Red", thinking it was the camera shutter. Seeing I was looking intently at the "shutter", he held out that hand from underneath the water and showed a heart shaped box. My world stopped spinning for a half a second, totally going blank. He opened the box and the diamond ring sparkled before my eyes. He took out the ring and held my hand. "Honey, will you marry me?".

...

...

...

o___O

Uhh..

...

What?

...

I knew I fell into a state of coma for a moment there. My mouth hung open, my eyes were not seeing anything at all and my neck mechanically spun to the right, slowly regaining vision of the mountains. And then I cried, uncontrollably. Though I knew I found the voice to say "Yes." Or I think I answered "siyempre" lol. And we sealed it with a kiss. :*

So much for all the sappiness. Here's a quick overview of the place:

Five years plus 2 months, we are still together. The road we took was not the less traveled. It was bumpy, muddy, dusty, with cracks here and there. But we are still together. Five years had gone by, and I still couldn't get the hang of it. We fought, a lot, made each other cry, made wrong decisions every once in a while, but we're still together. We are strong after all. And next July will be our 6th year. And a few months after that, will change our lives forever. Thank you for wanting to marry me lol. I'm not perfect, I'm not the best, I'm clumsy and sickly, I don't cook nor do laundry nor iron clothes. I spend money on clothes like hell, and sing and dance to K-Pop. I scream after cute K-Pop boys and watch anime and bowl over Korean dramas and Pinoy movies. I don't watch your gigs and don't listen to most of the bands you liked. I'm all these and more and you're still here with me. I cannot thank you enough. But I will thank you nonetheless. 

Thank you for always listening to my rants, for giving me advices that sounded a hell lot better than any shrink. Thank you for never failing to remind me to eat, take my meds, take a bath (lol), every day without fail. Thank you for always taking me home, every date, despite the distance and travel time, and unpredictable weather. Thank you for dancing with me to "Wonderful Tonight". Thank you for dropping by the office sometimes to surprise me. Thank you for the unyielding patience of taking photos of me for my blog for the longest time. I have so many things to thank you for, not even this space is enough. But always know, I am here for you. I love you. And I'm marrying you! 

#MayForever
#JohAnne17

Love Lots,

Happily Engaged.