I Forgive, but NOT FORGET

Okay readers, so I've been flooded with emails from all about the ending of my last post concerning my "forgiving" Jordan "ex-fiance for his transgressions.  Let me explain something ... when I say I forgive him it's not to mean that I'm taking him back.  Those of you who know me know that I"m a stronger person than that.  What I mean is that I'm letting go of the hurt and trying not to dwell any longer.  I'm letting go of that and of him.   Like many of you have expressed, I do deserve better and am excited to know that my "special someone" is still out there looking for me.  For whatever reason I'm going through this I feel I will come out stronger and a better person on the other end.  I"m thrilled about that envitibility!

To forgive all DOES NOT mean that I approve of what's happen and what he did to me.  I'm simply letting go and letting God deal with him.  Unfortunately for me, since this has come out I've been messaged by not only friends of Jordan's but some of his ex woman also revealing other transgressions.  For example,  I've been told that Jordan propositioned an ex of one of his really good friends during Halloween... of course this proposition came after Jordan had proposed to me.  I'm in disbelief!  It's incredibly surreal.  This proposition included, "I've always been attracted to you and I'd love to get together for a Halloween party".  Luckily this girl had enough sense to turn Jordan down.  I've talked with this girl and she confirms everything.

If there was any hope, at all, in my mind that maybe Jordan and I could work things out it's all gone.  Too many stories have been told and confirmed for me to even consider something like that.  Sure I still have love for him however it's fleeting.

One of Jordan's really good "girl - friends" sent me a Facebook message the other asking if I feel if I"m  getting what I deserve?  For those of you reading this, if you'll look back to some of my earlier posts you'll find that I started this blog because I'm going through a transition in my romantic life - a true redemption.  Yes it's true that I cheated on all other S.O.'s in my life however the difference between my situations and what Jordan did to me is I told the truth and was upfront.  So Brooke, in some way yes, I do feel like I may be getting what I deserve. However, Jordan will to.

Here I thought after being proposed to by Jordan that he'd given me my redemption, but I see my redemption has come now.  Hopefully my slate is wiped clean.  Going through this time I'm a better person and will be the best S.O. to whomever my husband/boyfriend will be!  And that's redemption.

Those of you who may have not seen this video please check it out and send to all you know: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyWcXCHchCM

The Whole Truth and Nothing but ...

Here's the deal ... about a week ago I caught my ex-fiance cheating on me and that hurts, but nothing hurt more than to be lied to about it.  Days and hours leading up to me posting this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyWcXCHchCM  on YouTube I begged and pleaded with my fiance to tell me the truth, he didn't.  I practically all but told him that I knew what was going on, but he, as most of you know, insisted on his innocence.

That's why I posted the video.  A lot of people have asked me why I would post something so personal and well the answer is .... because apparently that's the only way anyone gets the truth.  Look at current events and celebrity news, Tiger Woods, former President Bill Clinton, Kobe Bryant all these men most likely denied the truth until a nationwide spotlight was shined on their transgression.  It's then and only then are they willing to come forth with the truth and feel any kind of remorse.  Why put yourself in the that position??  Why take it to that level. 

Have mainstream media and celebrities really gone that far in our lives?  Do we really put them on that high of a pedastal that not only are they influencing how we talk, dress, etc., but now they have an effect on our relationships?  That's pretty incredible if you ask me.

I posted my very personal video on Wednesday November 25 and it wasn't until that next Sunday that I was told the truth about what really happened.  What did he say?  Well and the quick and dirty of it, no pun intended, is he indeed went out of our relationship and had sex with this other woman, it wasn't just kissing.  When asked why he didn't stop all the cheating and inappropriate emailing he simply said, "I'm sorry, I don't know why.  It was all just a game.  I didn't and never wanted her; you're the one I love".

After only a few days of being posted on YouTube my, "Honeymoon is Over" video received 700 hits and while I appreciate everyone's support and love that's not why I posted.  I needed and deserved the truth and he really made me go to that level.

My truth?  Well, I still love him.  I'd love nothing more than for him to get help for this problem he has with going outside of his relationships.  Would I ever get back with him?  I don't know.  I've told him that he'd have a lot of people to make good with including me before something like that were to happen.  I asked and he agreed to counseling which is a good thing.  I guess time will only tell.  My next step is Forgiveness.

And I do forgive him.

My Wedding Plan Put on Cruise Control

Now that I'm engaged and Jordan has granted me the ultimate Romantic Redemption I've thrown myself into a wedding planning frenzy. First thing I've notice --- WEDDINGS ARE EXPENSIVE!!! Yikes! At this point, I think everyone who isn't in the wedding industry is in the WRONG business. WOW! So much money thrown around.


I've been going around Dallas trying to find the best venue for my, I mean OUR, big day (NO BRIDEZILLA HERE) and the costs are incredible. The average price for a particular venue is right at $8,000 and that's if you plan on a Sunday. Saturday weddings are upwards of $11 - $15,000 and that's not including the DJ, cake, lighting, flowers and all the other extras. Whew!

So, my momma comes into town (Dallas) to tour a couple of venues that I just LOVE - the Warwick off Oak Lawn, the Mansion on Turtle Creek, Hotel ZaZa and the Fairmount Hotel. I totally fell for the Fairmount - absolutely loved it. Rooftop pool area where I could have my ceremony and fabulous reception room. That was the place, that was it!

After we toured the Fairmount and settled on that venue, mom, dad, me and jordan went to have a couple drinks at Humperdinks in Arlington. And that's where it happened ....

Mom turns to me and says, "Let's scrap the whole wedding thing and I'll pay for your entire wedding party to go on a cruise and we'll have a ceremony on the ship."

Now, if you're reading this I'm guessing your giving your best, "Wow" or "What!" face, right?? Probably the same exact face I gave me mother when she said that. So now I"m faced with the decision to either do the traditional wedding day complete with ceremony and reception OR go on a 7-day Mexican Riveira cruise with all my best friends. WHAT WOULD YOU DO???


RoMANce is in the air, SO TAKE IT IN!!!

Surprise! I'm ENGAGED!!!! The rest of the story ...

Yes, it's true I'm engaged!!!  Thanks to all of you friends who've watched and commented on my YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/dzgirl15

But here's maybe what you didn't know ...  Jordan actually started planning the whole thing back in August with the help of a mutal friend, Jeff Crilley (Thanks Jeff!).  Jeff provided us with a contact, Paige Smith, at Good Morning Texas.  However, he gave us this contact to help get our business, Surprise! You're Engaged some publicity. 

Right away, I started trying to get a hold of Paige so we could do an interview.  I must have emailed at least 10 times between August and Oct. 13 - nothing, not one email was returned.  It mad me furious!  Then, Oct. 8, Jordan calls me and says to call Paige because she had just called and wanted to set up an interview.  FINALLY!!!

My mind was totally in "Biz mode" the day of the interview that I had no clue that Jordan was going to "pop the question".  That's why you see a very surprised look on my face in the video.  After the show I started asking Jordan the following questions:

When did you start planning this?  Back in August when we first met with Jeff.

Are you the reason why Paige never emailed me back?  yes, everytime you emailed her, she would forward it to me.  She didn't get back to you because I asked her not to so we could plan this without word getting out.

When did you get the ring?  I went shopping for it two months ago and picked it up 3 days before the show.

Who all knew? Everyone in the studio knew what was going on except for you.  The anchors, the other guests, the camera men, everyone.  They brought in the celebrity wedding planner, flowers and bridal gowns in just for you.


I couldn't believe his answers.  He did VERY GOOD.  Not only did I get a ring, but he managed to promote the business in the process, incredible!  Plus, and most importantly, Jordan had to get over a fear to make this happen.  For those of you who know Jordan, you know that he's not the showy type.  He doesn't do on-camera stuff often.  In fact, the days leading up to the show he couldn't  sleep; he'd wake up at 4a.m. and stay up until work at 8a.m.  That's why this proposal means so much.

That's the thing about proposals guys, you have to tailor them to the lady in your life.  Think about who she is, what she likes, special moments the two of you have shared, things like that.  Then plan a proposal.  Spur-of-the-moment type of proposals should not be an option.  If you need help, call on us Surprise! You're Engaged and we can help plan and videotape the whole thing.

Now, that I'm engaged I know what my clients feel like and how special that time is.  The best part, I have the moment on DVD and it's now my most prized possession.  I'll never forget this moment.  Thank you so much Jordan for picking me!

Love is in the air, SO TAKE IT IN!!!

Are Wedding Proposals Dead?

If you ask me, I'd say absolutely not however, I do think some men have become lazy when it comes to this life-altering moment in time.  And Hollywood is no help:  On the season finale of “Entourage” this week, one of the characters proposes to his girlfriend only there was no grand gesture, no, instead it was more a spur-of-the-moment declaration of his commitment.  Unfortunately, that's how some engagements have gone.  Instead of taking the time to really think and plan something for your lady, some men opt for the spur of the moment thing: 
1.  The wake up in the morning and propose only works if you plan and prepare a nice breakfast
2.  The romantic dinner proposal only works if you opt for champagne and prepare an out-of-this-world speech
3.  The 'at-home' proposal only works if you go all out and light candles have music maybe prepare dinner, you know what I mean.

And of course every proposal would be better ehanced by hiring Surprise! You're Engaged (me) to professionally videotape the whole thing!

Getting back to the point, guys you have to get with it.  The proposal is 100% you and your reflection of your relationship.  A man in love is going to take time and really think about a good proposal and plan one around his woman; what she likes, what she would be impressed by.  He knows his lady.

Take for instance my S.O. - a good man - he knows that I"m the type of lady who is going to want the world to know when he proposes.  He knows I'd want my mom and dad there, as many friends as he can get and I'll want it videotaped to post on my YouTube channel.  He jokes with me sometimes saying the perfect proposal for me would be during the next opening of the Olympic games; he would have to be the once carrying the torch and before lighting the flame he'd ask me to marry him this way the whole world would be watching.  haha! 

Some ladies aren't like me.  They are more of the "just you and me" keep it quiet type of proposal.  A romantic get-a-way with no one around or romantic dinner in a dimly lit Italian cafe.  Bottomline, know your lady and know what type of proposal she'd want.

One thing for sure, that both types of ladies would hate, is the spur-of-the-moment proposal.  Guys, don't ask during a heated argument just to get her to "be quiet" that kind of proposal would rob us ladies of the grand proposal women dream of. 


An official proposal  is the act that seals the deal— even if we’ve already decided to marry our respective partners.  There's something about a lackluster proposal that just seems incomplete.  Plus, it's a horrible way to start the martial part of the relationship, AND there's no great story when the eventual question comes to pass, "How did he do it?"  Don't rob us of that glory, guys!  Come on!

Take ownership, guys!  The proposal again, is 100% all you.  Take the lead and run with it.  Use up all your creative juices.  Keep in mind, the proposal is the memory your lady will always cherish and one that people will always ask about. 

Now, I'm sure those of you reading this who didn't get the kind of proposal you dreamed of don't feel any less married, but I'm sure it's something you wish you could do over.  Be honest.  For others, I imagine, a proposal is an unnecessary formality that’s easy to forgo. So, tell me, readers, what camp do you fall into? Is an official proposal something you feel you need? Do you want your man to ask for your father’s permission or blessing? Does he have to get down on one knee?

Also, don't forget about my business: Surprise! You're Engaged - we help PLAN and VIDEOTAPE wedding proposals.  It's all hidden camera work - she'll never know I'm there until she says YES!

Remember, LOVE is in the air, SO TAKE IT IN!!!

My Weekend Packed with Celebrities, Chicago, Notre Dame and LOVE!!!

My weekend, OMG!!!, I had a wonderful weekend!!!  My S.O. and I flew from Dallas to Chicago on Southwest (my perferred airline) for the Notre Dame football game on Oct. 3.  I use to do sideline reporting for the Irish in 2005 and 2006 so going back for home games has become somewhat of a new tradition.

Anyhow, the game was fantastic and tailgating was perfect!  I saw old friend from South Bend and Fort Wayne, IN; it was rainy and in the 50's (football weather); and the Irish won in overtime.  We had such a great time! 

For those who follow this blog, no I wasn't proposed to.  Though I did think we was going to ask me since we were on the Notre Dame campus with special friends - would have been a perfect time, but I would have expect it so I'm glad it didn't happen there.  : )

Anyhow, the next day we drove to Chicago to spend a romantic night together.  And boy was it romantic and special.  First, we stayed at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Chi-town near the "Magnificent Mile" - great room. 

Later that night we went to enjoy a comedy show at the legendary theater, "Second City" - a theater responsible for putting comedians like Joan Rivers, Mike Myers, Chris Farley and others on the map.  The show was fantastic and so hilarious! If you're ever in Chicago make sure to check out "Second City"!

After the show we hit up this little Italian restaurant in "old town" called, "Orso's".  The food was so incredible, OMG.  Definitely a place I would use for Surprise! You're Engaged.  I imagine they probably have several wedding proposals happen there. 

After dinner we decided to walk back to the hotel, 2miles and 10PM.  On our way we happened upon the Four Seasons Hotel - Chicago and guess who we saw getting out of this lavish SUV ....

Yup, that's the "Iron Man" himself - Cal Ripken Jr.  He was so cool too.  I asked for a picture and he sat his luggage down right away and obliged.  What a wonderful person.  Definitely in my top 5 Most Friendly Celebrity Encounters.  What a surreal moment!  Good times.

Our date night was capped off by all the great buildings and scenery we saw on our walk back to the hotel.  The next day we checked out Wrigley Field and ate at Harry Caray's.  My S.O. wanted to do a little shopping at Niketown so we went there and who did we run into .... Robbin Williams!  Couldn't not believe it.  He too was pleasant to chat with cool to be around.  Again, SURREAL!

What an incredible weekend and impressive weekend; I'm just so happy that I could share it with the love of my life.  He truly made it complete .... LOVE is in the Air, so TAKE IT IN!!!

Surprise! You're a Jerk

I just ran into one of the biggest jerks I've ever encountered - in my APARTMENT COMPLEX.  Now, we didn't make eye contact or even speak, but that's the problem!

Here's the scenario:  It's raining, I'm rushing outside to roll up my windows.  Realizing that I"m still in the process of moving into this apartment complex, I get some hangers and cleaning stuff that were left in the car.  To be exact, I problem had in my hands about 30 hangers a broom and a swifter swiff-jet (love that thing!).  As I walk a couple of steps toward the stairs I find it's very difficult to carry all that as I'm dropping hangers and the broom.

At about the same time, a lady pulled up in the parking spot next to me, a handicap spot - she's not handicap, and I know she sees me struggling to get my stuff to the stairs.  Instead of offering help, she briskly walks away.  Once I open the door that leads to the stairs, still struggling I might add, I see her opening the door on the other side (there are 2 doors that lead to the same set of stairs). 

Alas, I second opportunity to right her wrong from only seconds ago and what does she do?  Puts down her head and without a word spoken walks up the stairs as if I didn't exist or need help.  Who doesn't offer to help another person in trouble?  Grant it, I'm not dying or anything however, it's about respect and character.  Who does that?

I'll tell you who does that ... a person who does NOT know LOVE.  Someone who doesn't have love or romance in their life.  Someone or even doesn't SHOW love or romance in their life.  Stay with me on this because I feel there is a direct correlation between Love/Romance and Kindness/Courtesy.   

Here are some simple definitions:
"Love": a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person
"Romance": (verb) - a. to court or woo romantically; treat with ardor or chivalrousness: 
"Courtesy": excellence of manners or social conduct; polite behavior, a courteous, respectful, or considerate act or expression
"Kindness": of a good or benevolent nature or disposition, as a person: a kind and loving person.


"To make friends, you have to be a friend"?  "Love breeds love?"  "Be KIND to others?"  Where do you think all those lessons came from?  Most likely your parents.  And I'm sure they didn't teach you to be selective in who you practice those lessons with, right?
 
I know how to Love and be Loved because of my parents - they showed me love, they showed me all the above words.  Therefore, I express myself  to everyone in a loving, romantic, courteous, kind way.  If I see someone struggling, I help them out.  If I see someone who looks like they've had a bad day, I ask if they're okay.  I'm the one person you'll see saying hi to everyone; I don't discriminate; I don't segregate anyone from my kindess and love.  Why shield that part of you?  It's so beautiful and contagious.
 
We were all born out of love.  Once born our parents made sure to show us love and teach us kindness and courtesy for others.  Overtime, we develop our own sense of romanticism. 
 
I honestly believe that the girl from the story above doesn't have love in her life.  Whether someone isn't showing it to her or she isn't showing it herself.  When people are in love and romantic, they are happy and want to make others happy, not just their parents or significant others. 


Like I've said before, I started my business, Surprise! You're Engaged because I found love and fell in love with the act of love and romance.  If love breeds love, then I feel it can breed kindness and courtesy and if that's true .... let's get to breeding!