We’re engaged! It happened in front of my school the afternoon of my graduation in Oakland. Jes had planned the event and purchased the ring a week in advance while telling everyone and their mother what he was planning to do on Saturday, August 18, 2001.

Graduation was really nice. It was good to see old friends and to finally feel officially done with school. I got hooded on stage in front of my family, friends, and classmates. Photos were taken and leis were given out to each other. Yoon and Jimmy also came to watch the ceremony. How nice. Once the family was finished taking photos at the theatre, Jes suggested that we go back to my school to take more photos. I thought, “Huh? Why would HE, of all people, suggest to take MORE photos?” Maybe he was just in a really good mood that day. So I went with the plan. Three cars caravanned back to my school and we took our pictures. Dahlia’s family and friends were also there.

Once I thought we were done, Yoon pulled me and Jes together and suggested that we take a picture together. Well, little did I know that I was being set-up! Jes grabbed my hand and said, “I have something for you”. My first thought was “uh oh…what’s going on?” Then he reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a small black velvet box. Then I thought, “oh my gosh, this is the day!” I was in such shock! I couldn’t stop laughing. I was shaking. I kept saying, “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh!” Jes got down on one knee and quietly asked, “Will you marry me?” It was so neat because he said it so that only I could hear it. Everyone was asking, “Did he ask her yet??! What’s going on?” Despite that my whole family was there, a bunch of my friends were there, and I was in my cap and gown, for a brief moment…we were alone. It was perfect.

Well, of course I said “yes”. Actually, it was more like, “YES YES YES!” after everyone asked, “what did she say?” I was so happy and couldn’t stop laughing. Yes, I laughed…I didn’t cry. Jes had a big smile on his face and my friends and family were really happy. The ring is so sparkly! Now I have lots of witnesses to recount the moment to me, lots of pictures for me to remember what happened, and actually, Keni (Dahlia’s boyfriend) got it on video too! I’ll have to see that before anyone else does…I must have looked like such a dork!

So we’re engaged now. It just sunk in on Wednesday and I’m actually excited to begin the planning…well, sorta. I’m still really clueless. The big question nowadays is “when is the big day?” Hm…Spring 2003? Other than that, I don’t really have anything really thought out yet. We’ll have to keep you posted.