20,000 Posts It took me two months to write my 10,000 landmark. Two years and another 10,000 (more or less) posts later, I’m ready to post another one.
I don’t remember when I forged Kat’s Rule of Life #3: Do not discuss love life or lack thereof on Hatrack. There have been some (now hilarious) exceptions, but I have stuck to it fairly religiously for the past several years.
The rule started to crack last fall, and it teetered like a drunken sailor when I feared I had exhausted the Live Journal crowd and my gushing needed to find another outlet. Time for it to crumble.
Last January, I started grad school at a university an hour away. I tried to be a good student (there’s first time for everything), and I worked hard enough that when summer came, I found myself abruptly out of practice with goofing off and I needed something to occupy my time. The movie project appeared. My ward at church would produce, in six weeks, a ten-minute movie and two commercials worthy of being shown to a regional YSA audience. I was in charge because I had the following showbiz qualifications: (1) I went to the planning meeting, and (2) I watched all the extras from all three Lord of the Rings extended editions.
The Movie My friend The Mathematician and I wrote a script, and we started scouting for volunteers for actors. I asked Hatrack if anyone wanted to edit the script, because it needed more Funny and it was possible that we had no idea what we were doing. Several people responded and offered to help; one of them was Matt. I knew of Matt more than I knew him – he was my cousin’s brother-in-law, and to my delight, he had the year before proclaimed us to be related. I remembered he was getting a degree in history somewhere, but we had interacted before only in that thread. This was the first time he e-mailed me. He took the script, added some Funny, and changed the leading male to a confident, gallant character. With some other people, Matt served as a consultant during the frantic six weeks it took to make the movie – he’s even in the credits. The night of the showing, the movie won Best in Show, but I was a little bit afraid that this meant Matt wouldn’t feel the need to e-mail me anymore. I still hadn’t told anyone about him except a few very close friends – I wasn’t sure what was happening.
Then he invited me to Utah. I said no.
I couldn’t go! I was going to go to Spain at the end of September, and I didn’t have enough money saved yet. I needed every extra bit of fun money for that trip, and I was afraid that I still wouldn’t have enough. He had tossed off the invitation so casually that I wasn’t sure if he’d really meant it. Although I wanted to go, I had to say no. At this point, I asked the women on Live Journal for advice. Normally I’d ask Hatrack, except for the Rule #3 and, well, he was a Hatracker. They said to do what I had to do, and reassured me that he wouldn’t disappear because I didn’t come. They were right.
We were still writing everyday. I realized with a pleasant shock near the end of August that I started every morning and ended every work day thinking about Matt. We talked about everything – history and books and ideas and the church and our amusingly-collective family. Matt is brilliant and snarky and still so incredibly kind. I started posting in Live Journal in awe that he was real – could he be real?
New York I was going to a conference in New York City in October, and I spent much of August trying to work up the courage to suggest that we meet there, since he’d be in school in D.C. Delightfully, I didn’t have to – Matt suggested it. He was adorable – I have to quote the conversation:
Matt: I have an idea. Do you want to hear it? Me: Of course. Does it involve ninjas? Matt: "Are you pondering what I'm pondering?" So, the idea is this. I'd love to get on a train and head up to New York and have dinner next month if you are able and willing. Me: I think this is a great, great idea. My conference is from October 31 to November 4. It's forever away. *pout* But that would be so much fun.
Then my conference cancelled. I found another one for the same time. Then that one cancelled. AAAAAGH!!! Never mind – I’m going anyway. I could stay with some friends, and even if it turns out to be a disaster and he doesn’t like me at all, NYC is always a good idea. Plus, I had a disaster plan: if he disliked me on sight and we spent the afternoon stiffly discussing the weather before mercifully breaking to escape to respective friends’ homes, when I got back to Dallas, I would take tennis lessons.
It was set. October 29th, 2:30 pm, on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
I was very nervous. My plane landed just a few hours before our meeting time, and in my usual airport grace I had barely made it on the plane. I had fixed my hair and dressed nicely before I left, but my contacts and make up were in my luggage. Which did NOT make it on the plane. Blast. I borrowed some makeup from my friends with whom I was staying, and my glasses were okay. I made it to the steps of the Met exactly at 2:30, but I didn’t see him. We’d exchanged pictures for the first time barely the week before, and while I had reason to think that he liked me, I didn’t know what he was thinking this was. Were we only friends? I don’t know…do Only Friends write each other every day for three and a half months? And we’d never met – I didn’t think it would be weird, but you never know – it could be very awkward in person. I was trying to drown hope just in case it turned out badly, but it wasn’t working very well. I loved everything I knew about Matt, and I couldn’t help being excited to meet him.
Once on the steps, I heard a voice behind me, and there he was. He wasn’t sure if it was okay to hug me, so I hugged him. Matt grabbed my hand, led me up the stairs, and we spent the rest of the day in the Met. We didn’t want to leave.
The next day after church, we said goodbye to Jason and Melanie and left to have dinner with Matt’s friends. To get there, we cut through Central Park. Well, not through. More like around (and around) Central Park. We got a little bit turned around – construction was making the maps lie to us. We stopped to watch ice skaters near the southeast side, and just off the path, to the right, there was a gazebo. That’s where he kissed me. *bounce* That was fun. Matt is absolutely darling.
After New York, we missed each other, so Matt came to Dallas in early December for a weekend. We met again over Christmas break in Salt Lake City (city #3), and hugely enjoyed meeting each other’s families. I went to D.C. (city #4) in the middle of January. On Monday morning, January 16th, we sat on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial overlooking the reflecting pool, and Matt asked me to marry him. I said yes almost before he got the sentence out. The wedding is August 5th, 2006, in Bountiful, Utah.
Next Matt has this gesture where he bites his bottom lip, pushes his glasses up his nose, and ruffles his own hair. It means he’s thinking, and I love it. It’s like a drum roll. It means he’s about to come out with something really great, and I can’t wait. He’s so brilliant, and he doesn’t let me get away with anything. And he loves me. I’m in awe. He takes care of me, but not in the shield from life sense. He takes care of me by making me safe and comfortable and happy and loved, and with that strength I can do everything else.
There’s much more to the story, but I think it’s time for the landmark to close. Everyone asks us how we met. We usually mention the family connection, but Hatrack was essential part of it. If it wasn’t for the family connection, I may not have written so much to someone I’d never met, but if it wasn’t for Hatrack, we never would been interested in one another.
Thank you to the Cards for providing this place. My 10,000 landmark was about my mother, and about my past, and I loved having Hatrack to give me some feedback on the events that had haunted me for much of my twenties. The 20,000 landmark was about the future, and about Matt. Thank you for listening.
Matt has his own version of the events.
[ February 14, 2006, 04:40 PM: Message edited by: katharina ]
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
I suspected where this post might wind up when I started to read it. Congratulations. Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :
Am I actually the first to go: Awwwww!
(Blast, twinky beat me!)
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
Congratulations!
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Congratulations!
I, also, was suspicious. Glad it was justified. I'm amazed you kept it quiet for this long.
And, you two look so cute together! Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
*beams* Thanks.
It was hard to keep it quiet.
*whispers* Dana knew. I didn't want to take my ring off when we had lunch the other week.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Dana's good at keeping other people's secrets. Posted by Risuena (Member # 2924) on :
Yay! I had suspicions as well and I'm so happy for you Kat! And the Lincoln Memorial is a great place for a proposal (and a 'yes').
Congrats! Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
quote:On Monday morning, January 16th, we sat on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial overlooking the reflecting pool, and Matt asked me to marry him.
You weren't kidding in that other thread! That IS how Mormons do it! Three months from kiss to ring. *happy laugh*
Congrats, Katie. I'm ecstatic for you both.
Posted by Irami Osei-Frimpong (Member # 2229) on :
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
ElJay: Yes, she is. I knew she could and would.
Thank you for the congratulations. Tom, no kidding. I'm feeling a little sheepish for the many, many times I have mocked other people for doing exactly that. It is another five months until the wedding, if that balances it out at all. I've decided we could say that it started in July, which stretches the dating part out to a respectable six months.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
Congrats. Posted by oolung (Member # 8995) on :
congratulations, and let the bells ring!!!
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
Mazel Tov! May you live happily ever after.
Posted by Stray (Member # 4056) on :
Congratulations, Katie and Matt Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
quote:I'm feeling a little sheepish for the many, many times I have mocked other people for doing exactly that.
Ahhhhh, karma...
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Congrats to you both. I knew for Rule #3 to be broken there had to be a good reason.
I've always felt that true love is when both people feel like they got the better end of the deal.
Posted by Brinestone (Member # 5755) on :
Oh, cool! I'm so happy for you both. Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
Kat-- I can't believe you were in the DC area and didn't organize a con for me to not attend.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Wow congrats Katie! I had a few guesses (your job application that was so important, and your lack of presence on LJ lately ) Oh and Congrats, MattB too.
Posted by Lissande (Member # 350) on :
quote:I'm feeling a little sheepish for the many, many times I have mocked other people for doing exactly that.
When you know, you know. I'm so happy for you, Katie.
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
oh my stars!!!
kat kat kat!!!
I am so happy!!!
Posted by Evie3217 (Member # 5426) on :
Awwww!
This is so exciting! Congrats, and invite us all to the wedding! Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
You got engaged on my birthday. I knew it was an auspicious day .
Many congratulations ! So when's the hatrack get together where we all get to coo over how cute you two are as a couple and see the ring ?
Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :
Congratulations, Kat! That's very exciting. Posted by Rakeesh (Member # 2001) on :
Wonderful news! Congratulations to you both:) I'm happy your 20K landmark had such happy news to relate.
*high-five* Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
*hugs to you both* Happy Valentine's Day!!
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
*hugs to everyone* Thank you.
It is a happy Valentine's Day, although it is not the only happy V-Day I've had. It is the first one to be spent with my sweetheart. (Sort of spent - he's still in D.C. and I'm in Dallas.)
I'm hoping this didn't provoke the singles mixer thread, although I understand. I have to admit that I'm sort of stunned, even still. It's...I mean, I am a good ten years older than the expected Mormon bride age. I think that fits me, and it works out nicely since Matt's type is intelligent, older women ( ). I think the most amazing part is that I don't have to...bury any part of myself in order for us to get along. Matt's seen all the different flavors of Katie, including the not-as-nice Arguing Katie, and he likes all of me. I think...I think I would have been a great deal less worried when I was younger if I had known that it was possible for someone to fit me. I think there is someone for everyone, and that's worth waiting for.
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I am so glad you two have found someone. I have interacted at Hatrack more with you than with him, but I am constantly amazed how great this place is and how many wonderful things happen here on a regular basis.
One of the reasons I love my wife so much is for the very things you mentioned...she knows me, all of me, and somehow still loves me completely. We fit together wonderfully, and usually compliment each others weaknesses, and support each other even when we disagree.
I also love the place where he proposed, because Jenni and I went there on our honeymoon. The reflecting pool was closed because of the work being done on the WWII memorial, but since my uncle Bobby died on D-Day I didn't mind at all...the memorial was long overdue, and we got to see it being completed. It is a wonderful spot, really beautiful.
Congratulations to you both, may you both deserve each other for the rest of your lives. Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
One of the unexpected good things about being married is there's no more split between "my life" and "my love life."
There's just life, and Eve lights up every bit of it. I'm so happy you two have found that for yourselves.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
I knew it I knew it I knew it!!!
I knew at Christmas where this was heading-- it was the first time I've ever heard you mention a boy and get that dreamy-eyed look... And I was secretly vowing to kick his butt if he didn't love you as much and make you happy. (Yes, Matt, she has a posse, and I'm a self-declared part of it.)
And, um, we can make Bountiful, it's not a long drive... If we're invited. Do you like knives? That seems to be the gift we're giving people who get married lately...
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
I love knives.
Oh, um,...*clears throat* Ahem.
Posted by MattB (Member # 1116) on :
So, um, what did 'dreamy eyed' look like specifically?
(Actually, I think I know. I'm just trying to embarrass Katie.) Posted by advice for robots (Member # 2544) on :
Yeah, kat! That's awesome! Congratulations!
Tell me this will cure you of your verb-dropping habit.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Matt, you'd better watch out with the embarrassing her... She likes KNIVES!
(You can register for the ones you want or just tell us, Katie. E-mail Jeff so we have time to figure out what you're getting.)
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Congratulations! I couldn't be happier for you!
Ordinarily, I would be very apprehensive about an engagement after 3 months, but I'm not. You balance your passion with clearheadedness and self-awareness and I just know this is right.
Five months isn't very much time to plan. Have you registered yet?
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
Congratulations, Katie! When we met the two of you in Salt Lake a couple months back, my impression was that you two made a great couple and were very happy. I'm glad to see that I was right. Posted by hansenj (Member # 4034) on :
How wonderful! That was a great story. Congratulations on the engagement, and have fun with the planning! My own wedding is coming up in less than three months ( ), and time is flying by.
So great! Stories like these make me so happy!
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Thank you for the congrats.
Mrs. M: *hugs* We have, at Target and at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I've also already ordered my wedding dress, our parents have met, and we've settled on and scheduled places for the wedding and for the reception. I'm so thrilled about being happy about everything that I went a little bit nuts with the early planning.
I am also using the file folder that you sent me ages ago. Do you remember? It's been wonderful. I feel so organized. Thank you.
[ February 14, 2006, 02:48 PM: Message edited by: katharina ]
Posted by Brinestone (Member # 5755) on :
You've probably gotten all the advice you want already, but if you haven't already bought your dress, you should get on that ASAP. Mormon weddings are generally easier to plan than others because the "venue" for the wedding itself is free and easy to schedule. But when I went dress shopping, I quickly found out that three months was not enough time to have a dress made, which is actually what usually happens. You pick out a dress in the store and order one in your size, and they start making it at that point.
I ended up being okay because I bought a dress in the store and had it altered to fit me. You could do the same, but it would limit your choices. I think four months should be enough time to have a dress made, but I'd pick one out soon just in case.
[Edit: Looks like you've already got that covered. And like I was too slow.]
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Mrs. M, that sounds a lot like what one of my best friends said when she found out about Bob's and my somewhat unusual courtship -- "If it were anyone else I'd be worried, but from you? This is normal."
Posted by Nell Gwyn (Member # 8291) on :
Aww, what a sweet story! Congratulations!! Posted by hansenj (Member # 4034) on :
*feels sheepish*
Katharina's more organized than me, and I've been engaged for two months!
OK, you've motivated me to get things under control. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Heck, I got my dress the Monday before my wedding on Saturday...
But yes, good for you for being organized, Katie. Posted by Brinestone (Member # 5755) on :
quote:Heck, I got my dress the Monday before my wedding on Saturday...
This does not work when you're not a standard size. I had to have about a foot taken off the bottom of the dress I bought, and I had to have it taken up in the shoulders (so the neckline wasn't so . . . plunging) and taken in in the torso and sleeves.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
I got the dress, and I love it, but it is missing a top third. I thought about getting a dress made, but a woman said it was easier to start with a dress that is mostly what I want and just add on shoulders and sleeves. So the bodice and skirt will be done, and when it arrives in April, we will need to add on the top part. Right now it's strapless and stops just above my cleavage.
I have the name of a dressmaker here in town that alters the prom and wedding dresses for people in my ward, so I think I need to go and talk to her soon. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
quote:This does not work when you're not a standard size.
Oh, did I forget to mention that I had it let out from an eight to a nine, altered for length, and had a panel put in back and lace put in front to make it Temple-ready?
Sorry, I'm a little proud of the fact that I was able to do that when my dress plan fell through-- and for a total of $170, $100 for the dress, $70 for rush alterations.
(It also helps to live in a city with a wonderful Garment District, have a friend who really knows how to haggle, and know someone whose mother helped the woman who owns the bridal/formal shop, who happens to be LDS, to start her business.)
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Katie, I just looked at your registry on the Bed Bath and Beyond site and I'm so buying you a Good N Plenty!
I already have a pattern for a wedding dress I want my mom to make me, just need to wait a few (six or seven) years, but I know it'll be silk charmuse.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Katie, I do remember!!! I'm so happy - it couldn't be put to better use.
Pool cues? Power hockey?
I had to have my dress altered for modesty, too. The bodice was square cut, so I had them put a panel in that covered my cleavage. They attached it with tiny snaps, so I could take it out for the reception. I called it my modesty panel and I keep it in one of my wedding boxes.
Posted by MattB (Member # 1116) on :
quote:Pool cues? Power hockey?
Oh, and the Good N Plenty will be mine too. Posted by lem (Member # 6914) on :
quote:Matt asked me to marry him.
Congradulations! I am so happy for you. See...Hatrack is good for you! I will see if I can make it to 20,000 posts. Maybe I will get cast in an Ender sequel.
For you!
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Mine was the Tolberone. *sheepish*
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Then I'll send both Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Posted by Rakeesh (Member # 2001) on :
Look, someone needs to come in here and make fun of this whole 'missing the top third' of the wedding dress stuff, or I'll be making raunchy jokes in a bloody engagement thread and that's crass even for me!
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
I would enjoy weddings a lot more if more brides were missing the top third of their dress. You'd need a different kind of photographer, though.
(happy?)
Posted by pepperuda (Member # 1573) on :
Congratulations, Katie. I am so incredibly happy for you.
I always knew that you'd find someone that fit who would love all your many sides. And you do look great together.
Bountiful is beautiful in August.
Best wishes.
Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
Oh YAY!!!! That's one of the happiest, nicest, most wonderful landmarks EVER. Kat, I can't tell you how happy I am for you!! And how lucky YOU are, Matt!
Thank you for the lovely Valentine's Day gift, you two. I'm going to go kiss my husband and remember our courtship now.
(And for wedding dresses, I think I did well by getting mine at a secondhand wedding dress consignment shop in Denver in the midst of a blinding snowstorm. It was *exactly* what I wanted and fit me as if it had been made for me, even down to the length. It was perfect.)
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Oh, happy day! Oh, Kat, I am all teary and tingly!
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
*hugs* Me too. Oh, thank you for your congratulations, everyone. I've been floating.
I hope this makes it okay that I couldn't come up and visit last fall. That NYC trip was the one where I was going to take a little tour of New England. That's still a plan to do at some point - I'm moving to D.C., and that's much, much closer. Posted by MattB (Member # 1116) on :
I'm slightly amazed I'm writing this. I've been around Hatrack for a long time – my first post was in the "OSC, I challenge thee" thread, which seemed to bring a lot of lurkers out of the woodwork – but although I have for years consistently skimmed the board at least a couple of times a week, once participated in a fluff thread, and even got into one or two rumbles, I've never considered myself a jatraquero.
I make this point to emphasize that the series of events that led to the posting of this thread seem to me nothing short of miraculous. (Though Katie will tell you the over-frequent use of the word 'blessing' rankles my theology.)
Some of you may remember that almost two years ago my sister married Katie's cousin. (And yes, this is a source of perpetual hilarity to all those appearing on the guest list we've borrowed from them.) I by then had been around here long enough to stop and look quizzically at the address on the envelope that I was helping my now-brother-in-law stuff. In fact, it seemed odd enough that it provoked my first Hatrack thread, which was, I believe, the first interaction that Katie and I ever had.
Katie didn't come to the wedding. Her uncle, though, talked her up to me, which led to a couple of frantically awkward moments in the back of my head.
Do I tell him that I know everything he's telling me about his niece from reading an internet message board? No. Probably not a good idea.
Flash forward a year. Katie needed help with a script. I am currently in grad school, which means that my summers are fully stocked with cubicle-oriented internships. I was looking for something interesting. I also used to make movies when I was an undergrad. So I emailed her, read the script, and liked it. And I liked her.
I sent her poetry. *eek*
She liked it. *yay*
(or said she did, I guess. hm.)
After a couple of weeks, I would try to stop by my computer around five thirty, Dallas time, when Katie would write me – about the movie, about books, about . . . Well, on one hand, it mattered a great deal what it was about, because she is bright and fierce and funny and interesting on a thousand different topics (it is known), and more, she *cares.* She cares about the search for what is important about life, and she cares about whether Paul Giamatti will win an Oscar. The two on their own are rare enough; together they are exceptional. So on one hand it mattered, but on the other hand, it didn't matter at all. Katie is extraordinary; she lives and feels with passion, and if she had written me a thousand words about the layout of the cubicles at Boy Scout headquarters, by the middle of August I would have read it three times immediately and then again the next morning.
In August, she dropped hints that she was going to New York in October. I live in DC, a four hour bus ride south. By the end of September, I decided to close my eyes and step off the cliff like Indiana Jones.
We met at the steps of the Met at 2:30 in the afternoon on October 29. I got there a little early and saw her cross beneath me at the foot of the stairs. I came up behind her and said, "Katie." It was the first word I had ever spoken to her. And she turned around and smiled and she was radiant.
She was a step ahead of me as we went up the stairs, and I don't quite consciously remember making the decision – which perhaps indicates how natural it seemed – but I reached out and took her hand.
Right after I did it, I thought – wait, maybe this is a bit too forward – but in a moment of sheer amazement that I still can't quite believe, I realized that she didn't even seem surprised.
Katie told me once that she considers the Hatrack community her family. I guess I'm here to say – and I'm not sure who or what to say it to – but, thank you, and I treasure her as much as you all know she deserves.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Awwwwwwwwwwwwww.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Awwwww. Posted by solo (Member # 3148) on :
Congratulations!
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
And here I thought I was special because both me and my wife posted on Hatrack on our honeymoon.....
::pouts::
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
quote:Originally posted by MattB:Do I tell him that I know everything he's telling me about his niece from reading an internet message board? No. Probably not a good idea.
I literally laughed out loud when I read this.
Congrats, you two. I hope you will be deliriously happy together. Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
It actually is a 20K landmark, if you combine your post counts.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
That's awesome, guys. Posted by Rappin' Ronnie Reagan (Member # 5626) on :
Congrats! Posted by Sharpie (Member # 482) on :
That's awesome Congrats!
Posted by peterh (Member # 5208) on :
I can't believe we're already on the second page and no one's added a yet.
Super Congratulations! to both of you...
Thank you for giving me the best warm fuzzy I've had all Valentines Day.
Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
Yay for you guys! Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
Just want to add my Congrats! (Katie already got them by email, but this extends them to Matt )
Hope you both have many years of love and learning ahead. Posted by Coccinelle (Member # 5832) on :
I am so happy you have found each other. You both look so in love
Yay! Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
I've been thinking how lucky Matt is, but after reading that, I'm thinking how lucky kat is too.
Congratulations you two from someone else who got engaged in DC!
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Congratulations!!
And a big *awwwwwwwwwwwwww*.
You guys are so cute. That's fantastic news. You've made my morning. Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
I've always felt that the perfect match was someone with whom you could be entirely yourself, warts and all, and still feel completely comfortable with each other and love each other. I love it when that happens.
Congratulations! Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
I have been waiting for this for weeks and weeks.
I was even a tad suspicious that y'all were already engaged . . . but told myself I was just being paranoid.
A month?!?
But I guess you're forgiven, considering the circumstances.
I wish you much joy, happiness, and bliss. Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
I'm very happy for you, Kat. Good stuff. Posted by Anti-Chris (Member # 4452) on :
Hey, congratulations Kat and Matt, you two are great people, and deserve happiness together for eternity. Posted by Scythrop (Member # 5731) on :
Congratulations, both of you. That's great news. You look lovely together, too.
Posted by MattB (Member # 1116) on :
quote:I've been thinking how lucky Matt is,
Me too.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Awww! That's sweet. I guess there will be no harming of Matt necessary. That's a good thing.
Posted by Bob the Lawyer (Member # 3278) on :
Woah. I picked a good day to be browsing this board!
Congrats you two Much happiness to you both.
Posted by whiskysunrise (Member # 6819) on :
Congrats!
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
Could someone please tell me (PM or email) what Kat's name is so I can get first dibs on the registry gear?
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
"I hope this makes it okay that I couldn't come up and visit last fall. That NYC trip was the one where I was going to take a little tour of New England. That's still a plan to do at some point - I'm moving to D.C., and that's much, much closer"
You are SO forgiven! And now, you will be an east coaster. Oh, my.
Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :
Congratulations, you two.
And hurry up and bring forth a son who likes older, intelligent, beautiful women. ;-P
Posted by Jaiden (Member # 2099) on :
Congratulations Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
quote:You'd need a different kind of photographer,
You mean the type that takes mammograms?
And congrats you guys. We are going to have quite the Metro DC clump come summer.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
*beams* Thank you. I'm still kind of floaty.
Posted by Kasie H (Member # 2120) on :
Katie!!
I am *so* excited for you. Do you know who's moving where? If it's out here, to DC, well...we have to have lunch. At least once.
Congratulations Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Kasie, she said above that she's moving there, so I guess you'll have to have lunch! Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Yes, we'll have to. This is going to be great.
Matt lives in Falls Church right now, and we are looking for jobs/places around Crystal City and Pentagon City. Is that anywhere near you?
Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :
Two Jatraqueros living in (the) Crystal City?
Sounds perfect.
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
quote:Originally posted by katharina: *beams* Thank you. I'm still kind of floaty.
You'll probably be floaty for one or two more years. Dopamine is like that. Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Kat's moving to Northern Virginia?
Very cool!
Edit: changed because...
[ February 15, 2006, 07:13 PM: Message edited by: Dagonee ]
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
... I'm not naive enough
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
you can't point at nothing, dags
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Wonderful news! Warm good wishes to the both of you! Aunt Kristine's secret breeding program is one step closer to fulfillment. Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
Wow! Congrats you two! Posted by Kasie H (Member # 2120) on :
Katie,
I live downtown, in Foggy Bottom (orange & blue lines, if you're familiar with the metro map). Crystal City/Pentagon City is only a few miles outside and is also on the metro system; Falls Church is farther out but, again, also on the metro. Sorry I missed the bit about you moving to DC...guess I got ahead of myself wanting to post Posted by larisse (Member # 2221) on :
Congratulations to both of you. I hope your wedding day is wonderful. I wish you a long and happy marriage.
I hope this isn't being rude, but I have to ask, and I don't think I've seen anyone mention it just yet. What is the center stone in the engagement ring? I ask because I love gemstones. And, I love it when an engagement ring has a centered stone other than a white diamond. (Not that there is anything wrong with a white diamondn mind you.)
On my monitor, it seems too much on the blue-green side to be a sapphire, but there are sapphires of that color. I have seen blue diamonds of that color. Another stone that would match that color is a London Blue Topaz, which are just simply vibrant.
May I compliment MattB on a beautiful choice.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
I might be moving to Georgetown (or somewhere in that area) this summer. Even if I don't, Richmond is only 2 hours South. We'll definitely have to have a Virginia/DC get-together.
Do you have your somethings old, new, borrowed, and blue? How about your sixpence?
Posted by cheiros do ender (Member # 8849) on :
What ever happened to that Snake Story? Did I miss it, or has it just not been told yet?
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Uh - wrong thread, I think.
Posted by Evie3217 (Member # 5426) on :
You know, with so many Jatraqueros in DC, we're going to have to have a DC Con. This should be fun!
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Jenni and I may be taking her mom to DC this summer to see the memorials.
We aren't sure yet thoguh, and probaby won't be sure for a few months.
Matt, we will have to play some pool if we get to meet up. I use to be good, although I am out of pratice. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
quote:How about your sixpence?
I thought it was a ha'penny. At least, that's what my grandma gave me.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
We are definitely going to need to do a DC con.
The center stone is a blue diamond. Those appear naturally, although I think they radiated this one to make it change color. The color depends on what trace elements are in the stone. I didn't want a clear diamond, because I love colored stones, but most of them are too fragile to really hold up to the beating a constantly-worn ring gets. I have an emerald ring my mother gave me with three little emeralds on it, and the stones have fallen out many times.
The ring we bought together from a place with the hilarious motto of "Decent rocks at reasonable prices." No "High quality", but "Decent rocks." *amused* Despite the low aspirations of their advertising, the people were wonderful and the saleslady was so sweet in helping us finding something. The stone was in a different setting, and my setting wasn't intended to be a bridal ring, I don't think.
It's hard to tell what it looks like in the picture - I'll try to get a better picture. The band has channel-set diamonds going down each side, and when the diamonds stop, the band is filligreed (sp?).
There's not a matching band, and I since the sides of the band are filigreed as well, I don't think I want a band that fits too tightly. Matt said the jeweler said we'd have to get one custom-made, but since I want two seperate rings, it will be a plain band and shouldn't be too hard.
quote:Do you have your somethings old, new, borrowed, and blue? How about your sixpence?
I haven't even thought about those things yet. *thinks* My mother had some pearls, and I think I am going to ask to wear them, so that will take care of the old. My dress will be new. Maybe an aunt or a grandmother has some earrings I could borrow? Blue...the diamond in my ring is blue, but there should be something else, I think. Any ideas?
What is the sixpence? I haven't heard of that. Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
I know a great jeweler in Northern Virginia. Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Is it bad I don't actually remember whether I had my old, new, borrowed, and blue?
Thinking... I had my own antique sapphire earrings (given to me by my grandparents). They were my old and blue.
I also had new (the dress - 3 day before wedding! But also a lace heart made by a family friend to go around my bouquet). But I don't think I had borrowed.
Hmmm. But I have been happily married for over a year now, so I guess we're doing ok.
**
Kat - I think a plain band will work beautifully with your ring. Will you get yellow gold or white gold?
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a lucky sixpence in her shoe.
Mom brought along the sixpence from her wedding but forgot to give it to me while we were getting ready so I didn't actually have one. Ooops.
Posted by Jeni (Member # 1454) on :
Congratulations!
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
My garter had a blue band around it, which covered my something blue. A lot of them come that way.
Posted by amira tharani (Member # 182) on :
Congratulations, Katie and MattB! I have just got back from Paris so I missed this until today. I am thrilled to bits for both of you! Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
See, I was always told, "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a ha'penny in your shoe." My grandma lent me the one from her wedding (which took place in Liverpool), so it was my old, borrowed, and ha'penny. Posted by Kasie H (Member # 2120) on :
I just realized I didn't congratulate Matt in my post!
Congratulations, Matt Posted by Uprooted (Member # 8353) on :
Ya know . . . I was in such a heavy, blue mood tonight--and this is the most incredibly HAPPY thread I've read in ages! Congrats to katharina and MattB!! Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Um, is a ha'penny different from a sixpence? I'm terrible with foreign currency.
BTW, where's the honeymoon?
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Ha'penny = half a penny. Sixpence = six pennies.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
I was thinking about how to incorporate those traditions.
I need to apparently put six pennies in my shoe, or else cut a penny in half. Maybe I can involve some train tracks.
I can't wear them during the actual wedding. I'll be in all white in the temple, so no blue, and no jewelry. It's possible that I won't even be wearing that big white dress I picked up yesterday (three months my left foot), because there is a train and, uh, petticoats involved.
Petticoat is an inherently funny word.
However, we will be exchanging rings and there will be some marching and Matt is lobbying for a little person to carry the train, although it would have to be quite a little person because it's not THAT big of a train, and so maybe I could put the change in my shoe then.
Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
Katie, (and Matt) we'll have to get together when you get to NoVA. I'm less than 2 hours from DC. If we get a DC con on, I'm all over it. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
quote:and Matt is lobbying for a little person to carry the train, although it would have to be quite a little person because it's not THAT big of a train,
That is SO ADORABLE!!! I'm with Matt on this one. Posted by Dante (Member # 1106) on :
quote:Matt is lobbying for a little person to carry the train
I'm assuming this means "child" and not an actual "little person."
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Children are little people, too. Just not Little People. Posted by Brinestone (Member # 5755) on :
quote:It's possible that I won't even be wearing that big white dress I picked up yesterday (three months my left foot), because there is a train and, uh, petticoats involved.
Does your dress have some way to "tie up" the train for dancing? Mine did, so I was able to wear it in the temple. I don't remember petticoats being a problem either. The only problem was the length of the dress, which was perfect for my 2.5" heels but too long without them. I kept thinking I was going to trip. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
My dress had no train but was a little long without the heels, too. I solved that by holding it up while I walked. Posted by Little_Doctor (Member # 6635) on :
This calls for a Huzzah!
Huzzah!
Posted by JennaDean (Member # 8816) on :
Big smile for the whole thread!!!!! Congratulations!
What's this about no jewelry during the wedding? You can certainly wear your engagement ring, right? I never heard of anyone who couldn't - and actually, I've never paid enough attention to take off my jewelry in the temple. Except maybe big bulky colorful things. But rings? I always wear them. And if your stone is blue that oughta count.
I just wanted to say I loved this:
quote:I've always felt that true love is when both people feel like they got the better end of the deal.
That made me feel wonderful, because it's how hubby and I have both always felt. And it's good to know there's a way to quantify our "true love".
Posted by whiskysunrise (Member # 6819) on :
My dress had a train that had the hook and eyes that kept the train up. It was no problem in the temple.
My ring has a perido and two sapphires and I don't take it off in the temple.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Jenna, I took off my engagement ring in the Temple to be sealed, although I leave my wedding ring on if I wore it there (I sometimes forget since I don't wear it inside my home.) They symbolize different things to me. I also take off earrings other than plain silver or gold balls or pearl studs; just got in the habit of those being the only ones I could wear in uniform in AFJROTC and I kinda got in the habit of considering all other earrings more "ostentatious", so to me, as a personal feeling, I feel better taking off anything more than that at the Temple. But I totally never notice whether people are wearing jewelry or not while I'm there, other than myself; it's just part of my own personal ritual of preparing myself to "leave the world" for a while.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
"Matt lives in Falls Church right now"
Kat, Donna the Buffalo plays some of their best shows in Falls Church...
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
quote:He’s so brilliant, and he doesn’t let me get away with anything. And he loves me. I’m in awe. He takes care of me, but not in the shield from life sense. He takes care of me by making me safe and comfortable and happy and loved, and with that strength I can do everything else.
quote: I think the most amazing part is that I don't have to...bury any part of myself in order for us to get along. Matt's seen all the different flavors of Katie, including the not-as-nice Arguing Katie, and he likes all of me. I think...I think I would have been a great deal less worried when I was younger if I had known that it was possible for someone to fit me. I think there is someone for everyone, and that's worth waiting for.
Katie, this is wonderful. Wonderful, wonderful!
I am so very very happy for you and Matt.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
quote:Kat, Donna the Buffalo plays some of their best shows in Falls Church...
Where? We've lived and will live again in Falls Church. I want to make sure to catch them next time.
[ February 18, 2006, 04:17 PM: Message edited by: Dagonee ]
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
Oh my goodness! Many happy congrats to Kat and Matt!
space opera
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Kat, seriously, I am so glad you are going to be within semi-visiting distance! Plus, Dag needs to be real!
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
I want to plan a DC Con - maybe for late August? Elizabeth, when does school start for you? Is that terribly inconvenient for anyone?
Heck, if I get a job anytime soon, it could be sooner than that. Matt will (most likely) be in D.C. for a seminar for two months at the beginning of the summer, so if I can get a job before then, it's entirely likely that I will be alone in D.C. for a little bit before the wedding. That sounds like a great time for the first visit with everyone. Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
Keep me posted. Lunch is on me. Posted by MattB (Member # 1116) on :
And by "in DC for a seminar," Katie of course means, "in Utah for a seminar." Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
August is good - after the bar exam, before I start working. It's very hot in D.C. then, but there's lots to do.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Or "away from DC for a seminar" -- she probably conflated the two.
The good news is she hasn't dropped any verbs lately. Clearly, being in love improves her verb retention.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
The end of August is tough, but keep me posted!
Posted by JonnyNotSoBravo (Member # 5715) on :
Hey kat,
Realized I hadn't posted yet in this thread even though I read it months ago (a product of infrequent visits to the 'Rack)! It's wonderful that you found someone that maked you feel so in love, and loved. You deserve this happiness. Congratulations and good luck in DC!
Posted by theresa51282 (Member # 8037) on :
Falls church is really close to where I am moving. Our new place is right by the Ballston Metro station. I move in two weeks. I hope things are going well planning for the move, new job, and wedding.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Does it involve ninjas?![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
"Are you pondering what I'm pondering?" ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
I'm amazed you kept it quiet for this long. ![[Cool]](cool.gif)
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
), and time is flying by.![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[The Wave]](graemlins/thewave.gif)
For you!
![[Party]](graemlins/party.gif)
yet.![[No No]](graemlins/nono.gif)
![[Laugh]](graemlins/laugh.gif)
![[Blushing]](graemlins/blushing.gif)
![[Hat]](graemlins/hat.gif)
![[Group Hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)