So I asked, and she said "yes." Which is really good considering we just bought a house together and planning on living in it for the next 20-50 years. That's the other big news I have to tell.

But first, about last night.

Seeing as we'd kind of picked out the ring design together, and the whole house thing, it wasn't exactly going to be a huge surprise. Still, I tried my best to sneak it up on her because, well, that's what you do. It was a little last minute coming together. I really wanted to give her the ring before we left (today) for her sister's wedding and Lauren, the fantastic ring designer, was still cleaning it when I went to pick it up last night at 6:30p. When I woke up yesterday morning, I wasn't sure it'd be done in time.

I told Corinne we should go out to dinner because "we needed a break from all the stress and spend some quite, quality time together" (selling my current house has been a pain -- more on that later) and tried to play it off as no big deal. She got off work at 8:30p, came home, showered and changed, and we headed out to some place I'd happened upon called Albona. They serve Istrian food, which is a very tasty blend of Italian and Eastern European flavors. I know, whodda thunk?

Albona is one of those joints stuck in the middle of an otherwise residential neighborhood (see Chapeau for reference) that's equal parts wonderful and understated. It was an ideal spot for what I had planned. Cozy, quiet, friendly. Our waiter nearly spoiled the surprise, though, when he brought over some prosecco and said, "because I hear this might be a night to celebrate." I played it off and Corinne was none the wiser, but inside I was thumping my forehead -- and his!

Somewhere between the risotto, the rabbit, the lamb and the chocolate torta (all excellent), I reached into my pocket for a ring box, placed it under her hand, and told her how much I loved her. I don't know exactly what I said. It was something about how wonderful we are together, how wonderful she is, and how happy she makes me. Definitely not thought out beforehand and only kind of smooth. But it brought huge tears to her eyes (you know you've done a good thing when...) and a big, beautiful, wonderful smile to her face. It was a more special moment than I expected from what was something of a foregone conclusion.

We spent the rest of the night talking about how good we are for each other (aww, shmooshie) until we realized we were the only ones left in the restaurant and the kitchen staff was looking like they really wanted to go home. I tipped big and we left to drive around the city with her tucked up against my shoulder. Oh, and call anyone who happened to be up plus a few people who most definitely were not. (Everyone was happy except maybe Corinne's step-dad, who sounded a tad grumpy.)

She loved the ring, by the way. It was a little different than what we'd talked about but in a better way and definitely in the same character. If you ever need jewelry designed, I highly recommend the woman who did this ring. Ask me and I'll give you her name and number.

I guess I'll have to save stories of new houses and old houses for another time. Quick summary, though: new house = great!, selling old house = painful.