Mama's House

Well if you follow me on Twitter you already know the big news. This is my account of how it all played out.

I arrive at Uncle Joji's with Mama and my mom way before everyone else does. We settle down and watch a little Deal or No Deal in progress with Tita Evie. It happens to be a very exciting episode, not so much because it prompted a game theory discussion between EJ and myself (it's all about expected value people!), but because the contestant was on her way to becoming the second person in the show's history to win one million dollars.

During the show, which was tediously drawn out, an opportunity arose for some good-natured ribbing. The opportunity presented itself in the form of a commercial for diamond jewelry. You probably all know the one I'm talking about, the one with the Israel, Antwerp, Bangkok references which always makes me think of a certain movie. Don't know the one yet? Well it's also the one that says, "You have a friend in the diamond business."

Anyway with EJ sitting next to me it was too good of yet another opportunity to needle him about his relationship with Sara about taking it to the next step. Basically I told EJ that I have a friend who can help him get a better deal than George Thompson by taking him to downtown LA if he wanted to get a ring anytime soon for someone special. And how did EJ respond? Like it was any other attempt by me at humor by goading him into marriage. He politely laughed it off with a slight hint of annoyance.

The night continued and EJ eventually left for Sara's to celebrate New Year's Eve with her and her family. Now for the critical part of this story. There wouldn't be much for me to post if not for the fact that Jayden went along with EJ and was told by Annette to return before midnight.

So EJ returns with Jayden and Sara in tow. We ended up playing video games to kill the time - Little Big Planet, not that impressive. Just before midnight we switch the tv to Dick Clark (the man was physically falling apart before our eyes and his speaking ability has sadly degraded) and Ryan Seacrest surrounded by "celebs" (what was Lionel Ritchie doing there with Taylor Swift, some Disney chick, and The Jonas Brothers?). We counted down with Dick Clark wondering if he was going to live to see 2009, popped some noise makers, kissed loved ones, drank some champagne, and shouted Happy New Year! Yet another celebration of a overrated lame "holiday."

And then things seemed to get even lamer when EJ popped in a DVD to the PS3. At first I thought he was popping in a movie but the tv showed that it was a slideshow featuring EJ and Sara. I then thought it was the Christmas gift EJ told me he was making for Sara on Christmas Eve and he was belatedly presenting it to her. Other first responses were:

"When I saw it was a slideshow of EJ and Sara, I thought, 'Ok, party over, let's all go home now.'" - Anonymous Cousin #1

"Why the f*** is EJ showing this now?" - Anonymous Cousin #2

"Wow, we get to see an awesome slideshow of EJ and Sara." - Sarcastic Cousin #1

"Well this is a great way to start the new year." - Sarcastic Cousin #2

"This family is kind of lame." - Oliver's girlfriend, Linda

On the menu screen of the DVD though, there was an option for either the slideshow or "a love poem." I shouted for love poem, thinking that it might at least be very embarrassing for EJ. But EJ said later for obvious reasons.

So the slideshow went on and many a pictures where shown of EJ and Sara with some lovey dovey background music. Most of us were politely paying attention, meaning we weren't really paying close attention at all and then all of a sudden a black background with white text (helvetica font I think) appears on the tv and with my polite attention I make out the words out of the corner of my eye, "Will you marry me?"

I start pointing at the tv, screaming like a teenage girl sighting her favorite Jonas brother cheering like a man watching his football team scoring a touchdown, telling everyone to pay more than polite attention to the tv screen. Jaws hit the floor with an audible thump. A "What the...!" was sounded out along with a full version of "OMG!". Sara said something along the lines, "Are you being serious?!" More cheering and clapping as everyone gets over the shock and up-to-speed of what's happening. I'm yelling at Sara to say yes! Then EJ gets down on his knee and pops the question as he slides the engagement ring on to Sara's finger. People say Sara said something along the lines of, "About time," or "Finally," - don't know if that was in response to the DVD or to EJ on bended knee. More cheering and clapping. Congratulations abound. Best New Year's day EVER!

And that, my dear readers, is my account of how EJ proposed to Sara.

Congratulations once again to EJ and Sara! Now instead of wondering when EJ was going to ask Sara to marry him, we can now begin counting down the days until EJ and Sara get married (soon as Sara picks a date of course), which is a much nicer way of passing the time.

• If Jayden had not gone with EJ to Sara's and if Annette had not insisted that he be returned before midnight, EJ would have proposed to Sara at Sara's place. Very fortunate for us indeed.
  
• EJ hid it very well up until the very last moment. Nobody had a clue.
  
• Sara says to expect a summer wedding in the year 2010. Making this over/under officially closed. Congratulations to the 7 voters who said they would marry before 2012.
• In EJ's love poem, he says he loves her more than Cal.  Now that's when you know it's true love people!
• EJ and Sara have been dating for 6 years.

Simple question, not to be confused with either whether he should go or stay, or, whether you want him to go or stay. It's what do you think Roland is going to do? Does he stay here in Cali or does he go back to Florida? What say you?