It all began with a...

Kiss?

Nah. I don't do things the simple and sweet way.

It was just another Boxing Day, albeit one with a party (of my friends) thrown in.

But first things first...

The Ring

Planning had started way back in September. Having broached the idea to Koof, I set myself to learning all about diamonds. And boy was there a great deal to learn. This site helped immensely - the accountant in me appreciated the fact that the diamond merchants saw it fit to attach alphanumeric ratings to the various Cs of a diamond.

And then the diamond hunt started in earnest October. It was a period packed with diamond fairs (I remember Celest's "3 months gross pay minimum" at the fair in Ngee Ann City's Civic Plaza) and some random hunting. Huimin, Jing, Ra and Koof tirelessly went with me on those (fruitless) escapades. I was torn between the Carat and the Cut. A combination of both would lead me straight to Chapter 11, and after much torment (and irritation on the part of my friends), I decided on a compromise of both. At Larry's.

Smoke Screen

I had surprised her with a new pair of couple rings on Christmas Day itself packed neatly in a nice jewellery box - this was in a desperate attempt to throw her off the scent. I had 'borrowed' her diamond solitaire that her mum gave her for her 21st to ascertain her ring size. It just so happened that she went into spring-cleaning mode, which was triggered by the mysterious loss of her pendrive.

The Proposal

And so came about the Day.

My friends were the ones who made it all possible.

The original idea was to kidnap Sonia (after work) and then chauffeur her to a romantic setting where I would then propose and we would live happily ever after. It was soon thrown out of the window after we considered the following:

• It would have been a sweaty proposal
• Sonia might call the police

And so some other ideas were thrown up: TJC Sports Complex, someone's place, the Flyer...

Until the idea of a hotel party was suggested. Immediately the negative aspects of so doing became apparent:

• Heated food would be a problem
• A standard room would not suffice (we had 10 pax)
  
• Logistics would be a nightmare
  

Still, my dear bros (and erm, girls female friends) bent over backwards to make it all possible.

A big THANK YOU to my bros and the girls

It was a wonderful event (and a visual feast [of the culinary kind]).


Whilst she wasn't at all touched by my botched script (she said yes before opening the ring box / I could have saved on the ring), we both agreed that it was a night to remember.

She thinks that it's just another exchange of Xmas gifts. She has absolutely no idea what's awaiting her...

Success !!!

Ryan Bob