March 14, 2009 marked a major landmark in my life - I proposed to Julie, my girlfriend of six years. It was kind of a foregone conclusion for us and for all of our friends and family - I mean, hell, we'd been calling each other our "fiancee" for a year or two now. But I decided it was time to make it official, and saved the occasion for a relaxing winter weekend at a northland resort. It was Julie's idea to go there to kick off her spring break, but she had no idea what I had been planning.

After an easy hike in a nearby state park, we reached the peak of the trail and took a break. I cleverly hid the ring in a nearby tree and pretended to find it. She was shocked. After six years together, I don't think she expected that I would surprise her with it. But she should know me better than that - I always have a plan for everything. Her reaction was perfect and it was everything I hoped it would be. She wasn't underwhelmed, nor did she freak out with excitement. She just welled up, did a couple of "Oh, Dan"s, and hugged me. It was perfect. Then, lacking a tripod, I wedged my camera amongst some tree branches and took a few pictures while we were still at the scene of the crime.

This is the ring. White gold, ruby, and fourteen little diamonds. We've long known that we (she) aren't gold and diamonds people.

Life as an engaged couple is actually a little different, which surprised me. I can't explain how, exactly, but all I know is that every time I look at her now, I find her more beautiful and irresistible than ever before.