'This is your captain speaking'

As I said in my earlier entry, Dave is a very practical type of guy. The time had to be just right, we needed to be stable, have enough money, etc. I had hinted subtly about a proposal, and really thought it would never happen. A lot of our friends were getting married or having children and I really thought I would never get my turn.

We go home to my parents in Dublin quite a lot (thank god for cheap Ryanair flights!) and decided this year it would be a nice idea to go back for Valentines weekend.

Dave had a little surprise up his sleeve and booked us into Jury's in Ballsbridge, for the night (how romantic!) He had to tell me before as he wanted me to bring my swimming togs. I really was chuffed and really started to look forward to it. I know what you're all thinking, a nice romantic hotel perfect for a proposal, Valentines weekend, but no - it didn't happen like that!

We boarded the Ryanair flight to Dublin the evening before Valentines Day, I sat next to the window and Dave was beside me. I was excited as always about going home. I'm not sure what it is about me and planes but I seem to drift off not long after take off. I had just shut my eyes when Dave woke me to show me something in the paper, needles to say I wasn't happy he'd woken me!

Then the captain came on to make his normal introductions "This is your captain speaking, we are now traveling at 40,000 feet" (great to hear if you're a nervous flyer!) "As you may already know this is Valentines weekend and I have a special request for a special lady!" I had no idea what was to come, and even less of an idea that this special lady he was talking about was actually me!

The captain announced how Dave would like to ask for my hand in marriage. I could not believe what I was hearing, and I can't describe the feelings of embarrassment and excitement I felt all at the same time! I just wanted the seat to swallow me up! Everybody on the plane was clapping and cheering! I was so shocked and was smiling so much I forgot to answer the big question - eventually I said yes! The captain made another announcement to say I'd accepted, to more clapping!! I was now officially the happiest girl in Dublin!

We landed in Dublin airport and my parents were there to meet us, I couldn't wait to tell them. My Mum had no idea; however Dave had secretly called my Dad from the airport to ask his permission! Dave really thought I was going to sleep all the way through it and was very relieved he'd managed to keep me awake!

The surprises didn't end there, Dave had plan B. If the Ryanair proposal hadn't worked, he had actually got a cake, iced it himself with the words Marry Me? (When I had been at aerobics the night before!) His mates don't know that part yet!

We had great celebrations that night, and went shopping for the ring the next day - what a lovely way to spend Valentines Day! It was a bit of a family affair, as my Mum and Dad came into town with us, but they made them self scarce. We bought my ring in a little jewelers in Camden Street. Some girls change their minds about their rings, I don't think I ever will, I love it! After more celebrations and a lot of champers we headed to Jurys in Ballsbridge. We had a fantastic time and a lovely Valentines meal in Bewleys Hotel. After the weekend was over we headed back to the UK (what an anticlimax!)

Now, let the planning begin!!!