Scenic Route – December Six

Here’s another project with the Scenic Route Kit I got to work on as an
AMM DT member.



Journaling Reads:
December 6, 2001 was a special day for me before it began. I had been
preparing for an interview that promised to change my life. In the
months before, I had decided to walk away from my Wall Street job and do
something more purposeful with my life.



I applied to Teach For America and got as far as the interview process
and my interview was scheduled for December 6. I still remember every
detail of that day clearly. It was exceptionally hot for December in New
York City. My interview went smoothly and I was feeling exhausted but
hopeful on my walk home.



Large Christmas ornaments decorated Madison Avenue and I was so much in
the spirit by the time I came home that I told Jake we should go see the
Rockefeller Center tree that night. The tree has always been a favorite
of mine but that year was even more special than usual. Due to the
terrible events of September 11, just a few months before, the city had
decided to decorate the tree with only red, white, and blue lights.



To my surprise, Jake agreed to take the trip. He even said he wanted to
see a particular view that we’d seen on TV. He’s not the romantic type,
so it did strike me as a bit odd but I was too tired to think. When I
woke up from my nap, I asked him if we could go to the bookstore instead
but he insisted that we go see the tree. On the way out, he put on his
jacket and I reminded him that it was actually quite warm outside, but
he wouldn’t leave it at home. Another hint that should have made me
realize something was going on, and yet I had no idea.



As we walked around the tree, to the angels, I stepped up on one of the
benches and leaned over just to show Jake the view he’d claimed he
wanted to see. I turned around to make sure he was following me, and
then I saw that he was on one knee with a beautiful blue box in front of
him. It took me a few seconds to realize what was happening and I
instinctively kneeled to his level.



He asked, “Will you marry me?”



I just leaned over and kissed him as a bunch of strangers cheered and
shouted their congratulations.



I’d always told Jake that I wanted his proposal to be extra romantic. It
had to be a good story to tell our kids. But after seven years, I had
totally given up and figured we’d end up at City Hall.



It turns out I was wrong. He still managed to completely knock me off my
feet.



The very next morning I found out that I made Vice President at my job.
A few days later I got accepted to Teach For America. It was one of the
best weeks of my life. Needless to say, I will forever cherish the
memories of December 6, 2001 and never again underestimate Jake.