It still feels surreal, like I imagined it, like I dreamt it.

There were times where I feel like nothing has changed, and there were times where I feel that EVERYTHING has changed. It's a really weird feeling.

Afraid that I'll lose the memory of that precious Friday, I decided to pen it down (or rather, type it down) so that I can cherish this memory forever (or as long as I still keep this blog).

So, the day started out like every other day. It felt like yet another Friday, just that this time round, I'm actually heading into the office (if you don't know, I typically work from home on Fridays). Strangely enough, I don't remember why I made the decision to head into the office anymore because it seems that I did not have a single meeting that day.

It's funny because Joel was actually at my place the night before, and I found it rather odd that he stared at the outfit I picked out for the next day for just that few seconds longer than usual. But I decided not to comment about it at that point in time (now, I wonder what he would have said).

Now back to Friday - I was supposed to meet Sheron, Jessica and Jojo for dinner, something that we've decided on at least a week back. Given that I had no meeting that day, I finished my work pretty early and had been bugging for SOMEONE to meet me earlier but to no avail. One by one, each of them had to deal with one thing or another and hence, I decided to wait in the office with mounting frustration (because as the time passed, each of them gave reasons to delay the meeting time and I only found out afterwards that they did it to give Joel and our friends more time to prep the place given that it actually rained in the noon time). Eventually, I told Joel about the situation and asked him if I should just head home.

*Miraculously* the girls decided that they could meet soon and so, the meeting was kept as it was. We decided to meet Jojo at Pico Building, as she 'was meeting a client at a cafe in the building and will be the last to finish the day' and of course, she suggested for us to meet her there for dinner instead. Obviously, we complied.

I can't even imagine the stress these poor girls had to go through to stall me because Jessica had to leave Pico Building to find me in advance while Sheron literally ran to catch up (as it turns out, her crisis was real and really had to follow up on a case before she could meet).

Finally, Jessica, Sheron and I made our way to the rather deserted Pico Building to meet up with Jojo. At that point in time, I was slightly suspicious and started looking around the parking lot to see if Joel's car was there (he hadn't been responsive since noon time and it occured to me that this might be a set-up). I became even more suspicious when Jessica trudged into the building with much familiarity even though Pico Building is probably the most random place ever.

The 5 Little Monkeys Cafe is situated at the rooftop and alas, we made it to the cafe. Jojo was sitting near the lift, which is also the entrance to the cafe, greeting us with a tired but happy smile. I started to wave at her and was pretty excited to (finally) be eating dinner when I spotted an extremely familiar figure standing at the end of the cafe, holding onto a bouquet of flowers.

Being vain as I am, the first thought that ran through my mind was 'my hair is in a mess, my makeup has smudged and I just removed my gel nail polish with Jessica before I came to the building. I am not ready to be proposed' (HAHA) I shall confess here that the thought of touching up did run across my mind but I quickly abandoned the thought - mainly because the girls were stopping me as I slowly stepped backwards towards the lift that I came through from (LOL)

I decided to be brave and tried to be less conscious of how I look so that I can focus on what Joel was saying. I swear I heard what he was saying even though I was screaming 'it's so weird' and 'it's so funny' 90% of the time he was speaking (I'm so sorry HAHA). If I had some time to calm myself down, I'm sure I would have teared at his speech, which I have decided to keep it to myself as it's a rather private moment.

To be honest, I was floored by what he's done to the place - he decorated the walkway with fairy lights and our photos (he actually printed 200 photos and I'm sure that's not even half of our photos together). There were candle lights on the floor, which eventually formed a huge heart shape that was big enough to accommodate both of us standing in it. There were flowers everywhere and it's seriously something that I could never have dreamt of.

By the end of his (shortened) speech, he knelt down and put the ring on my finger (even though I gave him the wrong hand initially). Of course, I said yes :)

Friends started pouring out from behind the bush and it was really a night I will never forget. I appreciate it so much that Joel has made the effort to talk to my mum before he proposed because I'd want to have my parents' blessings when I say yes. But comically, my mum decided to keep that as a secret from my dad and sis so, imagine my poor dad's surprise (more like shock honestly) when I called him to tell him that I've said yes.

I had to calm my dad down over the phone and promised him that we will talk to him in person the next day to explain (LOL) Let's just say that the proposal was definitely easier than the talk with my dad. But well, he's given his blessings nonetheless :)

Also, I can't thank all our friends who came down that night to help out, witness and celebrate that special night with Joel and I enough. I feel that I've discovered different sides of myself with different friends and when I'm surrounded by all these people whom I can so comfortably and happily be myself with, I positively radiate happiness and excitement.

Unfortunately, we've missed some friends who were there but had to leave earlier in the photos but it's ok because we will definitely be taking LOADS of photos with them during the wedding :)

02.03.2018 will always be a special day for me. And I look forward to setting another special date for the big day :)

Stanley has VERY kindly helped to create our proposal video and if you'd like to watch it, you can watch it here: https://www.facebook.com/msAILING/videos/vb.614317223/10155636084177224/?type=3