Now is the time?

So, Chris and I had a conversation about marriage last night, a realistic conversation about our schedule and trying to narrow down the month / or which quarter of the year it will happen.

This conversation took place because at this point in time, it appears it is something that our families perceive to be long overdue.  I feel like they are really putting the pressure on us, in other words.

From what I gathered last night, Chris suggested that we would most likely marry next year before we go on our trip.  As far as I know, we plan on taking the trip in the summer, so this means that we will marry before the summer.

Me: So, when will you ask the question? One day before the ceremony?
Chris: no way
Me: ok, two days before? One month?
Chris: very soon

By the way, just a side note, all this is supposed to happen in the course of the next 12 months: me teaching 5 courses, us planning our trip, and us planning our wedding when our families are spread out all over the continents.

I said to Chris, how can we do all these things?  I'll be busy with teaching.  He said: "I'll do the planning -both wedding and trip."  Ok, deal.

But just the idea that we are planning to make this happen this year is .... a little unbelievable to me.  Recall what I said to him over the weekend as we were walking back home:

Me: you know, I just can't imagine me getting married; I never thought it would be a real thing.
Chris: why?
Me: well, getting married is what parents do, what our parents did; but it's not something that we do
Chris: what do we do then?
Chris and me: we.....go eat McDonald's!

If what Chris says is true, it means that he will pop the question soon.  Last night, I told him that I don't want him to spend a lot of money on the ring.  I said, it's just a ring; it's not the most important thing.  I reminded him again for the 100th time that I don't want one where the diamond sticks out like it could hurt somebody.

Chris: really? Are you sure?
Me: yeah, I'm sure. 

................so when do you think Chris will ask the question? =) =) =)