Our Engagement-aversary

Friday was our one year anniversary of being engaged! It's such a quirky and unusual anniversary, and one that I knew we really only had one year to celebrate, so I was excited. First up, I trusted that David would not remember it (he didn't) and used that to my advantage. Second, I had to come up with a creative surprise. I was pondering a scavenger hunt followed by a picnic, when I asked my friend Emily for ideas and she suggested that I propose to David, to make it even. Since David proposing to me was the most gender-stereotypical part of our relationship, this seemed perfect, we'd even the scales. I wanted something to play off of our (first) engagement, which took place on San Francisco's Filbert Street Steps, so I decided it needed to take place on another of San Francisco's many and beautiful stairways. I decided on the sand ladder at Baker Beach. It has beautiful views of the ocean and the Golden Gate, and is right by our house, for easy tricking.

Next up, I needed a ring. When we were younger and broker and I'd suggest engagement, he always told me he'd get me a cracker jack ring. So naturally, I had expected David to propose to me with a silly fake ring. Turns out, he had planned to propose with a fake ring, but changed his mind because he was afraid I might be offended. So, my mission was clear. Find the world's silliest fake ring for the proposal. I think you'll agree that I did a good job:
The best part, is that after I surprised David with the proposal, he immediately put the horrendous girly ring on his finger. I'd expected him to just laugh at it, and keep it as a memento, but no. Instead, he stayed true to our improvisational theatre training, and 'yes and-ed' my ridiculous offer. So, now we're truly engaged to each other. He asked and I answered, and a year later I asked and he answered. And no. He's not going to wear it on a regular basis.
Afterwards, I had planned to take him bowling and to pizza, two things he loves but we never do. Sadly the bowling alley was closed for a private party, so instead we drove over the hills, past Coit Tower at sunset, and toasted a very happy year in North Beach. Next year, we'll be married.

Photos by me, Polaroids created with this (and yes, all this is really five minutes from our house. How lucky are we?)