After being set up by mutual friends (thanks Aarti & Sarin!), Josh planned the first date - “an adventure” by his description. Excited to try something new, I took a chance and agreed to meet this stranger at Penn Station, not knowing anything else about what he had planned. Against my better judgement and the musings of girlfriends who politely requested that I share my location “just in case” - I got on a train and off we went. As it turns out, the trip was pretty short and we ended up at one of Josh’s favorite places: Devil’s Stadium, so that Josh could take one shot on goal, and try to win free season tickets. He missed the net that night, but it ended up that winning a second date with me was even more of a prize. :)

Thanks to a very intense corporate dodgeball game, a torn achilles derailed the first plan to propose on a trip to Miami, so I had to get creative. A few months later, still recovering from surgery and in a boot, Lauren and I were in Utah on my company retreat. To spend some time together off the ski mountain, a mystery adventure date was put on the agenda. All Lauren knew was that she had to get up early and that we were headed to the airport. A very bumpy flight to Moab for a guided 4x4 tour in Arches National Park set up the day. We drove to a beautiful and secluded spot, and with our guide's code word to go ahead, I knew it was time. I made my way (crawled) over some precarious rocks to the final spot and while our guide took photos from afar (see below!), I (carefully) got down on one knee. Mission accomplished when Lauren said “Yes” and almost fainted in the amazing moment with spectacular scenery in the background.