The Proposal!!!!

As follow up to my last post...topping off an already exciting month in April, on Easter day Kris proposed to me! Kris and I had actually just celebrated our 5 year anniversary a few days earlier. We had been talking about getting married for some time and I forewarned Kris that since we had been dating for awhile that I didn't think he could really surprise me. Well I guess he accepted that challenge and won because I was more than surprised when he did propose.

We were at our apartment in Schaumburg getting ready to meet my parents for Easter mass. I was as usually running behind and focused on figuring out what to wear, fixing my hair and make-up...you know, the usual. Meanwhile, I didn't notice Kris pacing the floors. Kris told me that the Easter bunny had brought me a present. He gave me this cute box that he had made and I opened it up to find an Easter egg inside. At first, I thought could it be? But then I shook the egg to hear what could be in it but it sounded like two earrings rattling around. It turned out that it was a pair of diamond earrings. I was really excited about the present and put them on immediately. Then I went about getting ready again.

Getting this gift definitely threw off any thought of us getting engaged on the same day. Well I was wrong about that. A few minutes later Kris said that the Easter bunny had brought me another present. I thought to myself, this must be like a chocolate bunny or some sort of candy. As I went into the hallway to see what it was, I was completely shocked as Kris opened up a small box and got down on his knee. As I realized what was happening, I started balling and I can't tell you what Kris said to me! I was just so overwhelmed and surprised! I believe I just held out my hand, shaking my head yes.

We both called our parents after it happened. My parents and Kris' parents were of course thrilled! Kris had actually asked my father in December and told my mom a few days prior to the proposal. Good thing because less than 24 hrs later she was already telling people! She's not very good at keeping secrets. Not that I blame her, because I wanted to post it on Facebook immediately but had to wait till we could tell our families first!

With all that being said, I'm super excited to be engaged. I couldn't imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else. He is the love of my life and one of the most giving people I've ever met. We are planning a fall 2012 wedding and I can't wait to dive into all the details once we finalize a venue and church.

End to the blogging hiatus!

After a long hiatus from blogging, I have decided to rededicate myself to blogging. Since writing my last blog, I've worked at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, ran my first 5 mile race, got engaged, and resigned at CTCA due to our recent move to Columbia, MO.

We moved to Columbia about three weeks ago as Kris was accepted into Mizzou's DPT (doctorate of physical therapy) program. I'm so proud of him and all his accomplishments. I know he is going to make a great PT one day!

To back track a little bit on some pretty exciting events...in March, I ran my first 5 mile race at the St. Patrick's Day Race in St. Louis. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed running it. I trained a little bit prior to the run but I hadn't actually ran 5 miles since before Thanksgiving.It was really exhilarating and the weather was perfect. It was about 60 degrees and I had a great running partner, Cathy Morgan. The starting line was right next to Busch Stadium, Home of the St. Louis Cardinals...yes I was in enemy territory but no less sporting my cubs hat like a true cubs fan!

Starting Line

Cathy and Andrea Pre-Race

Andrea and Kris Post-Race

The race was of course followed by some STL bar hopping.

April followed with some pretty exciting events...one being my 28th b'day which was spent with friends in downtown Chi. The day began with running the 5K Race to Wrigley with Kris, Molly, Dan, Cathy and Brandon. Cathy and Brandon made the trek up from STL and it was great to celebrate my b'day with them. My bestie, Molly, made some fine b'day running shorts for me. Awesome!

The race was followed by a wonderful breakfast at my brother Nick and his girlfriend Kate's place. They live about a mile north of Wrigley and made an awesome breakfast for us!

The rest of the day was followed by seeing more friends including Kristin, Ryan, Courtney, Mike, Brittney, Kirk, Kat, Brian, some drinking games and hitting up some bars downtown.

Molly, Andrea, Cathy and Kristin

Kristin and Ryan