A blue moon is the "extra" full moon in years that have thirteen full moons. Its also the phrase used to describe a rare event. Well another rare event occurred on December 31, 2009 besides the blue moon. Patrick proposed to me at 11:34 PM on New Year's Eve at the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort in Santa Barbara, CA.
We arrived home from Philadelphia the night of the 29th. We spent all day on the 30th getting unpacked and wrapping our gifts to each other. I made meatloaf for dinner (at Patrick's request). We exchanged gifts and I notice a box that I've never seen before. I opened it to reveal a file folder with a color printout of the Fess Parker Resort. I was at loss for words and couldn't process why Patrick would wrap a color printout. He told me that he made arrangements for us to stay at the Fess Parker for NYE weekend. I thought it was odd that Patrick would surprise me with a trip, but we did the same trip the year before so it wasn't too strange. We drive up the next day, NYE with a car full of wine and Adrianne in the backseat. We roll up to the Fess Parker, and I notice that it takes Patrick longer than usual to check in. This is clue number two for anyone keeping count. That night we go out for dinner at Seagrass, which is very good by the way. We get a cab around 11:20 and head back to the resort. Patrick lets me go ahead of him and open the door to the room. Then I see it...
Hundreds of red rose petals scattered in the hallway leading to the bed which has a huge heart made out of roses. That was clue number three, and I finally figured it out. Patrick is going to propose!!! He immediately pulls something out of his laptop bag (Yes his PwC Laptop bag). Once I put everything together, I started to get really excited. My heart was pounding, and I started the "Mandi Bounce". He got down on one knee and opened the box. I saw the most beautiful diamond glittering in its little red box. Before Patrick could finish his proposal, I ripped the ring out with catlike reflexes. I put it on, it fits perfectly. How did he know I wear a size 5? I proceed to jump for joy and scream like a banshee. I'm beyond happy, elated, and excited. Even Adrianne is jumping. I eventually calm down, and we open the bubbly and watch the ball drop on TV. I was truly surprised, and it was the best NYE of my life. I will never forget the night I got engaged once in a blue moon.
