T'was a cold February day in 2014. I was hired as a student recruiter at the all girl school, and during my first week, was instructed to "meet with Mr. Moneyham at the all boy school, and see what you can learn from him." Well, I certainly tried. I emailed. Waited. I emailed again. I got a response from someone that called himself "RM3" informing me that his calendar was booked and that he would touch base with me in the coming weeks, and I was like... what in the world is this? I don't have time to wait, I need to meet with him NOW! Nevertheless, I waited. When RM3 finally had some free time, he asked me to come to his office. Chivalry. Hmmph. When I got to the office, I was warm and friendly. Smiling and cracking jokes. Just being a true jewel. I tried to become besties, but nope! Cold shoulder was all I got. In fact, he sat looking through his emails for the first 5 minutes while I was there! I finally asked him what high school he went to, and he responded (proudly?) "Von Steuben" then went RIGHT back to looking at his email. I said "Oh! My cousin went to Von. Do you know Nasha Griffin?" He finally looked at me (instead of his computer) and exclaimed "Nasha! Nasha Griffin?? Yes, I know Nasha! She's my homegirl!" FINALLY! A win for ya girl! As SOON as that meeting was over, I sent a note to Nasha and said "Ay, I just met a guy that went to high school with you. Do you know Roosevelt Moneyham?" She said "awwww yeah! Moneytree, that's my dude!" I said "GOOD!! I need you to send him a message ASAP and tell him 'you met my cousin, she got street cred, give her whatever she wants.'" Nasha sent him a message on Facebook, then let me know that the plan was in motion. Suddenly, Mr. RM3 was available and ready to partner with me on recruiting. He had suggestions. Ideas. He came to my events to show support. The plan worked. I had a new work bestie. And now, a future husband. #Shoutout to Nasha! You're the real MVP!!

T'was a cold Sunday morning in February 2018 and by cold I do not just mean Chicago's frigid temperatures, but also the cold reception I had just received from my soon-to-be-but-little-did-she-know-it fiancée. I had concocted the perfect proposal plan and I was excited to see what she thought. The plan: an intimate dinner with a few of our friends and a last minute proposal as we all stood at the door saying our goodbyes. Pure genius. So I tossed the idea at her casually, "Hey babe, let's have an intimate dinner party with a few friends for Valentine's Day." I sat back waiting to revel in her love... Danielle: "A dinner party? Wait. Who is paying for this?" Me: "Us, well, me." Danielle: "We do not have extra money to spend on a dinner party. I do not think this is a good use of our resources. We are trying to buy a house!" Me: "Well, I have no idea what we are doing for Valentine's Day then!" I sulked to the couch and immediately got on the phone to Ed to declare the "death of the dinner party!" To be fair, Danielle has a history of ruining surprises... ask Lauren about the birthday hammock. So, I had to scramble and create a plan B. I have to credit the women in my family for inspiring my ultimate proposal experience. Months before, my mother mentioned that I should consider allowing our families to be present during this joyous occasion. Separately, my niece Ariel suggested that I propose in the church. I'm glad I listened. I asked Danielle's mom for permission - she said yes. I told Danielle's sister and friends about the plan. I told my family about the plan - we were in motion. One (night before) snowstorm, one (morning of) broken dress zipper and miracle blazer save, and one (ten minutes before) police stop (ask Cicely) later, here we are. AND.... I win, because she had NO IDEA. ...Hindsight being 20/20... The "death of the dinner party" allowed us to share this wonderful moment in our life in the presence of our family, friends and God!