That Time I Got Engaged: How SVV Proposed

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Way back last fall, SVV told me he wanted to take me to some bad ass natural hot springs way up in the Sierra Nevadas for my birthday. There would be camping involved. I’m kind of a snob with my hotels these days—go figure—but I said sure nonetheless. February rolled around. There was never another mention of the getaway. So I planned my own soiree. On my birthday day, SVV admitted, “I don’t have you a present. I had this whole weekend at the springs I was banking on, but then you had to go and make other plans.” Oops. But in all fairness, he hadn’t mentioned it in, like, four months. By that time I figured it must have been an afterthought.

“That’s fine, though,” he said, “we’ll just go another time. How’s March for you?” I responded in bemusement, “surely, you must know me better than that. My schedule’s booked solid through May!” Not only was it true, but I think part of my allure is that air of mystique—I’m sometimes hard to pin down, even if you are my boyfriend, and you often never quite know where I’ll pop up next. Admit it, that’s why you like me, no?

When I got back from Florida, it was another couple days of guidebook smackdown, but SVV is out of work through mid-summer thanks to the motorcycle incident, so once I logged a couple more 20-hour work days and surrendered my Mac to the Genius doctors for a couple days of check-ups—meaning, I really had nothing else left to do—we decided to take the long-awaited jaunt to the Sierras midweek. We drove and drove and then drove some more. It was about a four-hour drive, with seventy bazillion stops, that totaled seven hours trip time. But in the end, we wound up in the barren stretch of land that is Sierraville.

I most surely thought SVV was taking me here to kill me. Other than some asinine cows for company, and the lone general store and Mexican joint, there was nothing—or no one—for miles.

In our two days at the springs, we also spotted some other friendly creatures, like the sunbathing, blue-bellied lizards.

And some more menacing foes, like this snake. Funny enough, after I spotted her, another snake slithered out from behind the rock, and they started making snake whoopie. I swear it. It was one of the craziest experiences I’ve ever witnessed, comparable to electrifying a cat: They jumped and violently twirled in the air, at times nearly standing on the tips of their tails, intertwined like a pair of  vines. We tried to get them on film, but they quickly dispersed as we approached. After my experience with the belugas at the Georgia Aquarium, I should probably just stop at that. Ever since that occurrence last Christmas, “animal porn” has been the number one search term that brings people to this site.

I guess I should mention that the springs…were clothing optional. And Californians, well, they take that offer seriously (hi, Mom!). Not a soul was wearing garments (in the baths, that is), and being the Southern belle that I am, I blushed more than once when an old man would strike up a friendly conversation in the pools, as his twig and berries shamelessly floated about like a couple of oversized Skittles on the International Space Station.

SVV had been to these springs before, many moons ago. They were very hippy-dippy-trippy, but in a good sort of way. And how cool to be surrounded by such barren wildlife as the sulrur penetrates your bones. I haven’t felt or heard that much quiet in such a long time ever. And the weather couldn’t have been more perfect; given my track record, that’s a miracle in itself.

The camping part of the experience wasn’t so bad either, as SVV is a fella who camps in style. Not only did we haul all the bedding from our home to the mountains, we also loaded up my car with every single blanket in the linen closet. In the end, I’d dare say it was nearly as comfortable as our brand new Vera Wang mattress.

It was a very relaxing time—heck, I was even inspired to turn off my BlackBerry for 24 hours, and I’m addicted to that thing. On the way back home Wednesday, we scenically veered around Lake Tahoe, had subpar bagels in Truckee, stopped over by Auburn to beat the 90-degree heat by taking a dip in a heart-stoppingly chilly reservoir, and got engaged. Kind of the recipe for a perfect day, wouldn’t you say?

COMMENTS
  • May 21, 2009

    YAY!!!!!!!!! Even though you’re a TOTAL TEASE.

    I know the story and I still want to read it. Argh.

    Tell Jeanie I’m happy to help with any or all wedding planning!!!!!!!!!

  • May 21, 2009

    That sounds and looks totally refreshing. I love the shot with the little house and the endless sky.

  • May 22, 2009

    I had to read that sentence twice! Congratulations! What a great trip!

  • May 22, 2009

    Oh what a lovely story! Here I was thinking it was just an ordinary camping jaunt and you end it with an engagement! Congratulations! Peace

  • May 22, 2009

    OMG, contrats! Do you think he’d planned this since first bringing up the hot springs. Which, BTW, I absolutely love and have none near by. They always seem to be far away.

  • May 22, 2009

    Whoa! Here I was just reading along, all “la la, heh, twigs and berries, hmm, I have relatives in Truckee…” and then you sneak that in. Congratulations!

  • May 22, 2009

    These photographs are absolutely beautiful and the post reads like a photo essay. I have never been to California but this post makes me want to pack my bag now. Congratulations on your (shhhh…) engagement!

  • May 22, 2009
    Corey

    Congratulations! What a wonderful story with great pictures to boot.

  • May 22, 2009

    Congratulation!! What a romantic way to get engaged.

  • May 22, 2009
    Kate

    Congrats!

  • May 22, 2009

    Congratulations!! What a great way to end the story!! Can’t wait to hear the details.

  • May 22, 2009

    Aww! Can’t wait to hear the story. Looks like a lovely spot!

  • May 22, 2009
    Kelly of MD

    How exciting!! Congratulations!!

  • May 22, 2009

    Yay! Congrats! Can’t wait to hear the story.

  • May 22, 2009
    Sarah

    Congratulations! !!!

  • May 22, 2009

    Tapping foot impatiently!

  • May 22, 2009

    You are hilarious 🙂

    And, YAY!

  • May 22, 2009
    Sara

    Congrats! That sounds like such a fun way to get engaged. Enjoy your engagement, it only happens once! I can’t wait to hear the details.

    ps: My husband proposed to me in Sierraville. (Well, actually he proposed at home before we left for a weekend camping trip there. He was too nervous to wait!)

  • May 22, 2009
    Amy

    Awesome! LOVE your site and your travels and glad to see this guy finally snatched you up 🙂

  • May 22, 2009

    EEeeee!
    yayayay!
    If you need ANY help with planning, I am your gal!

  • May 22, 2009

    You’re getting MAAAARRRRRIIIIEEED!

  • May 22, 2009

    Congratulations you two!! I can’t wait to hear the story.

  • May 22, 2009

    It’s such a Californian way to get engaged! That’s what I love about it. You’re really putting down roots, lady.

    CONGRATULATIONS!

  • May 22, 2009

    Awwww! I was just reading along, thinking “Whoa, you were just a half an hour away from me!” (I live in Roseville, below Auburn) and then BAM! ENGAGED! Hooray! Congrats! Can’t wait to hear the story!

  • May 22, 2009

    Congratulations Kristin and SVV! That is very exciting. Really happy for your Kristin. I’ll toast to your honor tonight in Hamburg.

  • May 22, 2009

    That’s awesome. Congratulations!

  • May 22, 2009
    s

    YAY YAY YAY!!!!!! 😀

  • May 22, 2009

    Champagne for everyone!

  • May 22, 2009

    I’m thrilled for you – congratulations! I can’t wait to hear how it went down. SVV couldn’t have picked a better location.

  • May 22, 2009

    WOOOOOHOOOOOO!

    I can’t wait to hear the whole story, and follow the journey. WOO!

  • May 22, 2009

    Wowwie. What a vast and dramatic landscape! And a tale that will keep us all coming back in order to hear more!

  • May 22, 2009

    Congrats, congrats, congrats! Can’t wait to see you and hear the whole story 🙂

  • May 22, 2009

    You win. You always do. Congrats.

  • May 22, 2009

    Wait . . . what?! UM, AWESOME!!! Congrats!!! I can’t wait to hear the whole story. 😀

  • May 22, 2009

    SQUEAL! You got engaged?! Can’t wait to hear all about it! Congrats to you two 🙂

  • May 22, 2009

    HOORAY! love how you just threw that in there at the end.

  • May 22, 2009

    Congratulations MRS. San Francisco Treat!!!! Feel free to use that on your save the dates. hehe. Cheers girl!!!

  • May 22, 2009
    k

    yay! congrats. i hadn’t yet read your blog post but saw your status on facebook and then was like hmmm…

    fun trip and exciting outcome. yay! (again)

  • May 22, 2009

    Oh I’m just looking so forward to the “i’m sooo pregnant” posts. Juuuuuuuuuuuust kidding!!

  • May 22, 2009

    I totally love! (these pictures, yes! and) wandering around the house calling Chris “husband.” “Husband, will you make me eggs?” “Husband, where’s our suitcase?” He just cracks up laughing every time.

    Here’s to happily ever after.

  • May 22, 2009

    Congratulations! 🙂

  • May 22, 2009

    Also: “His twig and berries shamelessly floated about like a couple of oversized Skittles on the International Space Station.” = HA!

  • May 22, 2009

    That was awesome! It was like “photo, photo, trip, cows, more animals, camping, oh P.S. we’re getting married. The end!!

    CONGRATS MY FRIEND!

  • May 22, 2009

    Awesome way to spill the beans! 🙂

    Many, many congrats!

    (My fiance hates the word too, he thinks it sounds pretentious…but what can you do?)

  • May 22, 2009

    Congratulations! Awesome reveal at the end there 🙂 I can’t wait to read all about it.

  • May 22, 2009

    WHAT THE WHAT? Engaged! Congratulations! 🙂

  • May 22, 2009

    Congrats!!! Can’t wait to hear the rest of the story! Happy wedding planning!

  • May 22, 2009

    Congratulations, just better make sure you have a say in planning the honeymoon. I try and avoid camping in the UK as it’s always rains when I try.
    http://www.heatheronhertravels.com/camping-in-sunshine-and-showers-on-the-gower-in-wales/

  • May 22, 2009

    Congratulations! This was a great post – really fun, and lots of good photos. And of course, you can’t go wrong with a surprise at the end like that. Am I right in guessing you made him wait months to propose to you by delaying the trip?

  • May 22, 2009

    How about Photo Friday: MY ENGAGEMENT RING!

  • May 22, 2009
    Alexa

    Yay – tres excited for you guys!

  • May 22, 2009
    a ds

    Can’t wait to hear the whole story, I’ll be right here, waiting. Congratulations! What a way to tell a story!

  • May 22, 2009

    Congratulations!

  • May 22, 2009

    Congratulations! I wonder if he had planned to ask you on your birthday?

  • May 22, 2009
    Melanie

    Congratulations!! Sounds like an awesome trip and I LOVED your Skittles reference! Hilarious!

  • May 22, 2009

    GAAAAAAH! CONGRATULATIONS! I bet that photo only reveals a mere fraction of your bliss. I wish you both all the best!

  • May 22, 2009
    Amy

    Congratulations! Sounds like a perfect trip, and the last picture with the two of you all smiles is wonderful. 🙂

    I also hate the word fiancé. It bothers me that there aren’t any suitable synonyms.

  • May 22, 2009

    So damn happy for you two! Enjoy engagement. Enjoy marriage. Enjoy life. One thing’s for sure, you two will be a well-traveled married pair 🙂

    Congrats!

  • May 22, 2009

    Yay! Yay! Yay! Many congrats to you both!

  • May 22, 2009

    Yaaaay!!! I’m so happy for you guys!! We need to get together so I can give you a hug!
    And I second the Photo Friday suggestion.
    Congratulations!!

  • May 23, 2009
    Sarah

    Um. What! Congrats! Can’t wait to hear the story.

  • May 23, 2009

    Congratulations!!! Talk about a buried lead. TEASE. I can’t wait to hear more.

  • May 23, 2009
    Mom

    As much as I’d like to take credit for anything Kristin does… unfortunately, I can’t. This also goes for the upcoming “event”. In the annals of wedding history, I will probably only be a pocketbook , so any offer of help should be directed to her! Thanks tho… and am I ever EXCITED!

  • May 23, 2009

    Congratulations! How fun is that? What a wonderful trip! What a shame you didn’t take this trip months ago 🙂

  • May 23, 2009

    oh. and how about calling him “my betrothed” would that be better than fiance? haha.

  • May 23, 2009

    I am so happy for you!

  • May 23, 2009
    Bethany

    I saw this on facebook but way to slip it in at the end there! And congratulations again! I’m so happy for you.

  • May 23, 2009

    That is so wonderfully fantastic!! Congratulations! Great story, and great ending — looking forward to more details (and perhaps a picture of the ring???)

  • May 23, 2009
    Alyce

    You know better than to bury the lede like that.

    Delightful news. Couldn’t have happened to two nicer people.

  • May 23, 2009

    Congrats! Sounds like a very relaxing weekend with an awesome surprise.

  • May 24, 2009

    i told you this already, but YAYAYAYAYA!
    big, fat smooches to you and THE FIANCE!

  • May 24, 2009

    Engaging article, to say the least. Photos were a draw as well. Congratulations!

  • May 25, 2009

    I’ll add my congratulations here!

    Great story, although the image you conjured up in my head after describing the “twigs and berries” guy isn’t so appreciated 😆

  • May 25, 2009

    congratulations to both of you!

  • May 26, 2009
    Nicole

    Congrats! I was reading along and had to re-read twice. Hooray! I’m as happy as a person can be when she doesn’t actually know either person involved but sometimes feels like she does because she reads along with every adventure. Good luck on the best adventure of all!

  • May 26, 2009

    I know I’m very, very late, but wanted to send you a big CONGRATS!! I’m thrilled for you 🙂

  • May 26, 2009

    Haha, can’t wait for the story! Congrats! 🙂

  • May 26, 2009

    Waiting not-so-patiently for the story!! Can’t wait. 🙂 And, of course, CONGRATULATIONS!

  • May 26, 2009

    Congrats!!! You’re the second Sewanee person this weekend to get engaged (that I know of)!

  • May 26, 2009

    Whoa!! This is what I get for ignoring my feed reader for the long weekend. CONGRATULATIONS!!! So happy for you. Can’t wait to hear the story 🙂

  • May 26, 2009

    squeee! engaged! I’m so excited for you!

  • May 26, 2009

    Oh goodness! I didnt expect that at the end, holy cow that is EXCITING!!!! BEST WISHES! Can’t wait to read more about that! on the other note, hotsprings rock and I am psyched to know there are places in the US where clothing can be optional. If you ever get to Buena Vista, Colorado, there are some great hotsprings there. (I spent many many summers there)

  • May 26, 2009

    Great story. Just think…he’d been sitting on it since February.

  • May 27, 2009

    Wow! Way to slip the big news in at the end!! Congratulations to you and SVV!! That’s fantastic and I’m very excited the proposal story is coming soon!!

  • May 27, 2009

    Oversized Skittles in the international space station…I like this!

    Oh and yeah…umm, a BIG Congrats!

  • December 15, 2012

    I don’t even understand how I finished up right here, however I thought this post was good. I don’t recognize who you’re but certainly you’re going to a
    well-known blogger if you aren’t already. Cheers!

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