It was cool autumn Baltimore night. A new town, a new adventure, and of course a new job. No one could have predicted what would begin to transpire thereafter. I joined a Social Kickball League at the behest of a friend because it seemed like a great way to meet people in a new town. Later I learned, it was also a great excuse to enjoy a Thursday night of drinking, which is, let’s be honest, why everyone bothered to play kickball. I had a lot of nervous anticipation walking to the pitch that night, being new and only knowing one person on the team. Additionally, this was also my first social kickball game and someone forgot to tell me to dial down the competitive juices (as if that really would’ve mattered). As I arrived at the field, my anxiety hit new peaks; all these fresh new smiling faces… oh wait, they all have beers in hand, and immediately I felt more relaxed. What kind of league is this? Shortly after meeting a few of my new teammates (who later became some of our best friends), I heard a loud greeting that reminded me of Fran Drescher. “Heeeyyy Bossssssston!” Lauren boomed. My first reaction was what anyone from Philadelphia would’ve thought. “I’m not from Boston,” I moodily responded. That was how Lauren and I met for the first time. Admittedly, I thought she was attractive, but as the match wore on, she also seemed a little crazy for my tastes; however, later on as our relationship progressed I fell in love with Lauren’s outgoing personality, and in turn, it made me feel more comfortable letting loose in public. This is a small example of how I knew that I was falling in love. Lauren has several amazing qualities: great listener, selfless, funny, she dedicates herself to teaching (genuinely cares about her students), patient (definitely needs this quality to marry me!), and approaches life with a great attitude. I’m extremely lucky we met and I cannot wait to spend the rest of our lives together. I love you Lauren, and I’m excited for our big day!