Setting the Scene: So the story technically begins the night prior to June 7th. I had on that day, as is quite usual, arranged with Michelle to have a sleep-over at her place (her idea) as we both did not work the next day. In the midst of this, Marty mentioned to me that his best friend Ryan (from Mt. Bridges) was coming down for the evening (also not out of the ordinary as they hadn't seen eachother in some time and he was due for a visit). It seemed perfect – we would meet all of us at the Brassie for some nachos and drinks, and then the 'boys' and the 'girls' would set home for their own respective fun times together. Well, little did I know, this was all part of the grand plot - I was playing right into the little "plan" to keep me from my house until just the right time on the following day.

So anyway, on to the next morning. After some breakfast and some hanging out for a bit I decided it was time to head home. It was around 11:30 at that point. Michelle, however, unbeknownst to me, had been instructed not to allow me to leave for home until about noon - so she conveniently had me first help her search high and low for a missing tank top of hers that she hadn't been able to find since she bought it - kudos to her for coming up with such a credible (and truthful!) distraction tool so quickly! After helping her for some time I decided I'd helped as much as I could and I headed home.

Heading home I, of course, still believed Marty to be at work. At home I non-challantly plunked my bags down in the kitchen. As I had the "whole afternoon" to do anything, I decided to go and clear the memory card on Marty's camera so that I could practice my photography skills by taking some nice pictures of the gardens outside. Well, as I went down the stairs to do just this I noticed, quite quickly, something out of the ordinary. At the bottom of the stairs was my corner table, not it its proper spot. Atop this was a single rose and a card that read "For You." The card inside indicated that today, starting at 2:00 pm, I would be on a treasure hunt which would take me to 5 places throughout Hamilton. At each place I would find a clue as to where I should head next. A cell phone, should I have any difficulties, was provided for me, along with a number to call. I was instructed to take the next little while to get ready as "anything could happen today" (duh.. first hint!).

By this point I was somewhat suspicious as to what was going on, though I wasn't sure if it would be what I hoped it was as I did not think Marty had either a ring OR had asked my parents blessing (which he obviously had). I thought that perhaps it was something for my birthday which happens to be next week. Added to this - my mom seemed completely clueless as to what was going on - and quite excited to find out what was in store for me (good acting on her part!). She sat out with me on the front porch while we waited for the "first clue" to come. After a few moments of sitting I realized that first clue was sitting right next to my mom - leaning against the porch wall. Exciting!