I've been struggling to write this post for a little while now ... because I'm just not sure I'll be able to find the words to do this day justice. But here goes!
I knew that Mr ZeroDays was up to something for my birthday, he'd been behaving rather bizarrely and had been so twitchy the week before that I was told that "you mustn't ask me ANY questions this week, otherwise I'll blurt it all out!" I'm not sure after all the events that unfolded later that weekend, whether this means he's a terrible liar or a really really good one!!
Anyway, so my instructions were: "Be ready for 2pm, and wear something nice!"
So there I was, all dressed to the nines and waiting for my handsome Mr ZeroDays - we took a few obligatory snaps larking about in my hallway before we left of course!
And then we set off on what will probably be one of the most epic and memorable days of my life!
I was blindfolded and driven to what I later found out was Central London.
After we reached the city, we walked - with me still blindfolded! - all the way to Surprise Number 1. Now let me tell you - walking blindfolded, in heels, is NO easy feat! This takes trust! And apparently guts - as I'm told everyone walking past was staring and Mr ZeroDays kept getting cheeky winks from every couple that we passed! However, people are great at getting out your way - so perhaps this is a handy tip when you're in a rush and can't face the crowds!
We reached Surprise Number 1, only after Mr ZeroDays made the most of me being blindfolded and took a few sneaky snaps en route!
(Blindfolded right outside what was going to be a very important jeweller!)
Eventually, we reached Surprise Number 1. And boy did this knock me for six!
Mr ZeroDays remembered that for some silly reason I still hadn't tried out afternoon tea, and not only did he arrange that for us, but he arranged for Private Afternoon Tea, by hiring out the ENTIRE restaurant at the Radisson Hotel on Oxford Street!
This was insane! Literally out of this world! Me, Mr ZeroDays, our own waitress and then obscene amounts of cake! Heaven on a plate.
As if afternoon tea wasn't enough, they even brought me an additional birthday cake!
Satisfied face!
And we pretty much demolished it!
Somehow, we were still hungry, so we snuck off to our favourite Tokyo Diner for a quick dinner before we headed off to Suprise Number 2 (I couldn't believe there was still more after all that cake!).
So again I was blindfolded, and we walked through the City, much to the amusement and cheering of some of the passers by! This time Mr ZeroDays literally brought me to tears - I could not believe he'd done all of this for me.
The Lion King has been my favourite film since I was a little girl; my pug was even called Rafiki! And I love all the swahili words in the film; I feel a bit of an affinity to it having Kenyan roots. Now I still hadn't gotten around to seeing the musical, so this day was a series of firsts for me!
I had an incredible experience as we delved into the African plains and watched Simba race through the jungle, eventually taking his place as the King. To everyone that's seen this before, I'm sure you'll agree with me that every artist involved in this production - from cast, crew, musicians and all the way to costume designer - each and everyone of them is insanely talented.
Now after what I thought had been the best birthday of my life - ever - Mr ZeroDays and I strolled back to our car, taking in the buzzing city atmosphere. I was convinced that this was the end of a magical birthday and I was headed back home to dream about this ... but no ... it wasn't over yet.
As I got back into the car, I was told - "Your birthday isn't over yet, put your blindfold back on!"
During the drive, Mr ZeroDays was so sneaky and convinced me we were headed back to Hampstead - where we first met - for a surprise that "really is nothing compared to everything that's happened today" and so I was told to "lower [my] expectations" and not be underwhelmed by it, and to "remember it's the thought that counts". He was totally setting me up for the biggest surprise of them all, and I had no clue!
So we got out the car, walked a little bit and I was told to wait while he got a few things ready. I could here him striking some matches, so naturally I thought this meant more cake - especially as it was nearly midnight and hence nearly my actual birthday, so of course to me this meant birthday cake!
Eventually, he said, "Count to three and then take off your blindfold."
One.
Two.
Three.
OH MY GOD!!!!
We were out on a jetty in the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park (exactly where we ended our first date, lying on this very jetty looking up at the stars!), surrounded by candles, with picnic blankets and a hamper full of all of my favourite things. And right in the center of it all ... was my wonderful Mr ZeroDays, down on one knee with a ring!
I don't think I've said yes yet (and it's been almost a fortnight since he asked!). Apparently all I did was keep saying oh my god and start crying! He said he had to get up pretty quickly as he thought I might faint!
Eventually I managed to stop my heart from galloping and reduce to perhaps a flutter, and we tried to realize what had just happened as he put this beautiful ring on my finger. I really could not have had a more perfect day ... but then again, I've found my perfect match, so it makes sense.
I know this has been a long read (IF you've managed to get this far!) but I had to do this memory justice. It will stay with us forever, and has been the biggest turning point of my life - or our life now.
