As Told By Manali
Two and a half years since we began dating, Terry had STILL not proposed, I figured it was coming soon – especially since we had already discussed our kid’s names, our parents had already met the other person and each other (a very momentous occasion that Terry can recreate perfectly – ask him anytime)
My thoughts: Get my nails done weekly in case of impromptu proposal and pictures of ring!
So about March 2007, we had decided to run the Peachtree Road Race, the largest annual 10K in the country that takes place in Atlanta every July 4th. Although you may not be able to tell, we both HATE running – so no idea why we had decided to run that far, nonetheless at 8am on a holiday! (Sleep is precious at our age and busy lives!) We had promised each other that we would work out, practice running, do the workout plan to gear up for the infamous Peachtree and earn the free t-shirts at the end! Of course – NONE of that preparation occured and we woke up at 5am that day untrained, yet both looking pretty smooth in our running gear.
My thoughts: Why did I let Terry con me into signing up!
Although unprepared and barely awake, the race was awesome! Never had we seen so many people cheering on the runners, drinking beer at 8am and passing them out to the participants! Even when we ran past the local churches, we were refreshed with a light mist of “holy Water” from the garden hoses 
We kept a good pace throughout; Terry didn’t even break a sweat (he was too busy catching all the freebies thrown by the local sponsors and was screaming back at the fur bus) and tried to keep me motivated by carrying on a conversation – I couldn’t have finished without him!
My thoughts: NEVER again.
We crossed the finish line together – hands in the air and celebrated our accomplishment. Terry then proceeds to tell me that he was really proud of me, this was a big step in our life… [insert lovey dovey words here].
My thoughts: Oh my god, is he really going to propose right here on the finish line – I look gross and can barely breathe – please don’t. Nope – complete fake out!
We hung out in the park for the next hour or so, of course picking up all the free samples we could get and catching up with friends that were also running that day. When we got home I was ready to pass out, but of course Terry had big plans that night – which probably prevented him from taking a nap when I totally passed out!
My thoughts: Skip the party and fireworks – why do I do this to myself – sore from head to toe.
He had told me that we had dinner reservations at a restaurant and were then going to watch the fireworks and go to a friend’s party. Of course, I just thought this was going to be a celebratory dinner for burning so many calories; but little did I know that Terry had been planning for ages!
My thoughts: I am going to chow down! Hungry!
He later told me that we were going to the Sundial restaurant; a rotating Atlanta landmark atop the Westin where you can see the entire Atlanta skyline as well as Centennial Olympic Park (the best firework location in town), so we dressed for the occasion.
My thoughts: Wow, my legs look incredibly toned from running 10k this morning!
We had a lovely dinner and right before dessert, the waiter came by with a gorgeous bouquet of roses with a card saying “To our life together”. I immediately start sweating and getting all flustered while Terry yet again begins to say something – but all that comes out is “Love ya babe!” – Fake Out #2!
My thoughts: I’m not going to fall for it again!
After dessert Terry suggests going down to the lobby to see whether any festivities have started. We start towards the door but he turns around and we proceed to a surprise viewing room on the 22nd floor! It will be perfect to watch the fireworks from a room he says. He opens the door and there is a neatly arranged rose petal pathway leading to a HUGE heart shape adorned with red and white roses.
My thoughts: Did he really do all this in the 1 hr nap I took?!
He proceeded to do the traditional “down on one knee” proposal and of course I said “yes!” (Finally!), just in time for the first firework celebrating the beginning of our life together.
My thoughts: So wonderfully perfect! Terry is truly the most romantic and wonderful fiance you could ask for – I am thankful for all that he has taught me and put up with over the years!
