It all started with a ring.

Well, wedding proposals always start with a ring. Too weird of me to think otherwise.

From the start, I always knew that the wedding proposal (from Lex of course) was never a question of “Will it happen?” but rather an issue of “When will it be?”. Even before we were together we share the same sentiments with regards to dating and relationships. Be with someone who we really think is spouse material, not some random fling that can be changed any time. After we got together, random talks about marriage issues and how to go about it were always welcomed.

Essentially, we were really engaged. But we still kinda need the wedding proposal to mark the beginning of wedding plans. We also need the pre-proposal timeframe to sort out our personal endeavors (i.e. studies, career, enjoy remaining days of single blessedness, etc)

With that in mind, I would tell him time and time again that if ever he decides to propose, I will do the following:

1. Stop for a few seconds
2. Deliberate whether his proposal was acceptable based on my criteria (which were really easy to achieve, IMHO)
3. If not, say try again.
4. If passed:
a. Pause for a few more seconds.
b. Relish the moment.
c. Say ‘yes’

Good thing, He never questioned the algorithm or proposed any changes to it. Although he did made sarcastic comments about the three-months-salary engagement ring. But in my defense, I was misunderstood. I only said that there should be a time-frame when he’ll think that his salary (not necessarily 100%) will go to the ring. Because there should be the ritual of labor, right? Right.

It was some time in February (I think) when he contemplated on purchasing a new car. His second-hand Nissan Sentra was having more problems and owning it was more of a hassle than a luxury. Of course, there is always the issue of finances and not having enough savings for other things. When he asked for my opinion, I told him that it’ll be better for him to have a new car since the comfort and convenience might not translate to financial savings but at least he wouldn’t be so tired trying to do all his daily tasks. Thinking that a new car could serve as our first family car (his very words), I added that he should concentrate his financial efforts on the new car — not on an engagement ring (which I didn’t require to be too expensive in the first place). I even equated the car to a proposal so that he wouldn’t worry too much on how I’d take it. New car = engagement. That was the deal.

Fast forward to April. Despite the workload in the office, they were really gracious to approve my vacation leave so that I can attend Lex’s MA graduation. We were both relieved and happy that he finished his graduate studies considering the number of hurdles he went through to get there. I needed to go to the recognition rites even if it was a weekday.

After the ceremonies, Lex suggested we have lunch at some fine dining restaurant near UP. Since he was in a barong and I wore a fancy dress, I did not protest. No way would we drive to Techno Park, SM or Trinoma where all the undergraduates are. So we went straight to Zucchini’s — a super classy restaurant near A. Roces.

I really could not remember the exact sequence up to this point. I think somewhere in our conversations about his Master’s degree, his UP mentors, my work and how I should really go back after he just mentioned excitedly that he already bought my anniversary gift. He was really smiling and giddy which I translated to “I have an anniversary gift and you don’t. Ha!” (which is true… for shame!). Still excited about the gift, I asked repeatedly what it was. My mind stop guess when suddenly, a little box just appeared on the table. Still smiling, he opened the box and there it was…

A ring. Not a car, but a ring. THe ring.

And of course, I skipped number 3. =)