Well I'm still on cloud 9 and taking it all in..Yes Steve & I have got engaged. He has been secretly plotting with some of my friends for several weeks now and I honestly had no idea what was happening. I'd been expecting to go to the cinema on Tuesday night with Steve and a couple of his mates who were coming up from St Asutell when Jason (Steve's best mate) rang me to say they weren't all able to come up due to car trouble. I tried to talk Jason into coming up on his own as I knew Steve would like to see him but he managed to wriggle out of that as unbeknown to me that was part of the plot. Steve then emailed me to say Jason had just rung him with the same news and that as it was a nice evening he'd booked us into our favourite restaurant The Ship Inn at Noss Mayo. I was quite happy with that as I love it there and Steve had said it was going to be high tide which we both love and the last few times we've been the tide has always been right out. So off we go for our evening meal. We had a lovely time, munched our way through starters and main and I'd spotted the massive Strawberry pavlova which I persuaded Steve we just had to have. Coffee came and I was sat watching our lovely waiter carrying some champagne across the room which I suddenly became aware had been planted firmly on our table. I still had no idea and was asking Steve what the occasion was when out came the ring and he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I had no hesitation in saying yes and was still trying to take it in as I was starring at the most fabulous engagement ring. I was trying to compose myself when I had another surprise and some of our closest friends appeared to share in our night - including Jason. It was truly special and romantic night and I totally didn't expect it. Now I know why our waiter kept smiling at us all night and Steve had disappeared to the loo twice to obviously check on everyone. Apparently he was a nervous wreck all day hoping all the plans would come in place and they did. It was slighly unfortunate that my best friend who had helped Steve arrange a lot of it broke down outside of Exeter as her drive belt went and she had to get towed back to Bristol and never made it. I had a truly fabulous night though and thanks to all my friends who made it. And obviously thanks to my future husband to be Steve for surprising me and proposing in such a romantic way and making a special night for us both..I love you very much. XXX
All the Art of dance instructors were also in on the plot but were not able to join us as was a busy night opening the new Torquay venue and covering back in the Plymouth studio. Not to worry though as we will be having an engagement party and are looking to combine this with my birthday on Sat 25th October. We're looking to hold at Annabel's so that everyone can come along and then stay and party after so watch this space.
Steve and I are off to my Mum's in Bedford today as I have my best friend from school's wedding in London on Saturday. I know my Mum will be feeling a little sad today as it is her and Dad's wedding anniversary so this is the first anniversay since losing Dad last November. I'm hoping though she can think of the fond memories they had and I know she is looking forward to seeing Steve & I tonight. She is really excited for both of us and looking forward to seeing my ring. As some of you know from class last night I wasn't able to show anyone yesterday as unfortunately despite choosing our design together a few months ago and having the ring specially made for us they still managed to make it 2 sizes to big! I was able to wear it on the night but we had to take it back to Exeter on Wednesday to resize it. We are hoping it will be ready today so we can collect on the way through to Bedford this afternoon so I can show my Mum tonight and some of my frieds who will be at the wedding on Saturday as well. I'm looking forward to that as I haven't seen my friend Beth (the bride) for a few months now and I love a good excuse to get dressed up. The weddding is being held in the Barbican centre in London and looks like it will be a lovley venue - good job it is indoors as I think the weather is going to be pretty horrendous.
Once back from the wedding I only have a couple of days of work before Steve & I head off to Egypt for our 2 week break. We are both so looking forward to relaxing and spending a well earned break together. I am teaching in Exeter this Monday night and then that is me done for a few weeks. I'm not sure who will be covering in Plymouth but I'm sure it will be either Sam or Jo - so ladies watch out as they will work you extra hard! I'll be back in Exeter on 29th Sept and then it will be October when I am back in the Plymouth studio.
I think that is most of my news for now. As you know I danced at the recent social at Annabel's and one of my Exeter students also performed a stunning routine that she had in the main choreographed herself. She used the music beautifully and we were all really impressed and she has agreed that she will show case at our birthday event that Sam is trying to organise. There is some video footage of our performances so I will get a copy and put up on my blog for you all to see.
Must go now as off to town to get my hair trimmed.
see you all soon
xxxxxxxx
Just a very quick blog to say I'm just about packed and almost ready for our holiday tomorrow. I had a great weekend at my friends wedding in London and spending some time with my Mum. I had a bit of an disaster with the dress I was wearing as despite my long legs the dress was still much longer than me and I managed to step through the chiffon about 5 times! It was an emergency cellotape shop once we arrived in St Pancras as I had my first mishap on the way to get the train. Mia - get your sewing needle ready! Apart from that the wine and champagne was free flowing all afternoon and into the night and we had a fabulous time. Beth looked lovely and the Barbican centre was a great venue as we had a tropical paradise in amongst the plants and the rain was kept outside! It was great to spend some time with Mum as well. After the horrendous journey on Friday we arrived to good home made lasagne and champagne and on the Sunday Mum spoilt us to a fabulous lunch. She is really pleased for us both and is already getting ideas about what we can do for our wedding. I'm sure Sam and Jo will look after you all in my absence and look forward to seeing you all in about 3 weeks. 
