The Parade Engagement or How I got lucky on St. Paddy's Day

As requested by some of our out-of-state friends, here's the excitement of John and my

engagement at the St. Patrick's Day Parade. More photos and video to come!

Jenny's perspective: 

John asked me to take St. Patrick's Day off of work so we could go to the parade. I just thought it was 'cause he was a crazy Irishman. But I did it anyway (with encouragement from Rachel) to make him happy. We arrived about a half hour early to stand around for awhile with his family and a few of our friends. The parade started at noon, and it was pretty normal: a bunch of people dressed in green walking down the street; tall boys of Guinness; and bagpipes blaring. Fun to be had by all!

After about 30 minutes of the parade, the St. Paul City Council group passed by. John got in front of me and went down on one knee. I thought he was taking a picture. Then suddenly a sign from the city council group was coming towards us. I thought the parade was coming was coming at us--I was so confused! Then I saw the sign and it said "Jenny, John has a question for you". I looked down and John was holding a box and opened it to a diamond ring. He asked "Jenny, will you marry me?" I screamed/exhaled/laughed and said "yes!". He got up and slipped the ring on my finger. I hugged him and buried my smile in his shoulder.

I looked around and everyone was smiling and saying "Congratulations!" and cheering. I saw a banner being held up behind me that said "She said yes!". To add to the excitement, a large camera appeared next to us. The news heard what was happening and came over to interview us (it didn't end up airing). Crazy! I can't believe I could put together a coherent sentence (well maybe I didn't). I must have been bright red!

My friends, Germaine and Rachel, appeared out of nowhere and John's friend, Jeff. They were across the street waiting. Is this happening!!? Well we definitely couldn't watch anymore parade after that. We headed down to the pub to start celebrating!

I am completely honored and humbled that so many people would go to such lengths to make our day possible. I know John is a wonderful, caring, supportive person. And it shows in the company he keeps. I am so blessed to have him in my life. I've said it before, but I'll put it down on "paper": the universe pulled me to Minneapolis for a reason.

John's perspective:

I first came up with the idea to propose on Saint Patrick's Day (now sometimes known as John Ward Day) back in July of last year. The first people I told were my coworkers Stacey and Kelley. They thought it was a good idea. My original thought for the place to propose was at Merlin's Rest (a bar in Minneapolis) where we met back in September 2012. I was going to do it in front of the whole bar. But late last year my sister Jessica suggested I use the Saint Paul Saint Patrick's Day parade. Since we would probably know several people in the parade she also suggested we put them to use.

So over the months we formulated a plan. We would make a sign that would alert Jenny to the proposal happening. The next step was to figure out who would carry that sign in the parade. I immediately thought of my friend Nicole who works for city council member Chris Tolbert. I asked her to see if he would be interested in carrying the sign for me. Then I also enlisted another city council member Amy Brendmoen to be the other person to hold the sign. They both quickly agreed and we were off to the races!

Slowly the plan began to take shape. About a month ago Jessica and I went to Joann Fabrics and Home Depot to get supplies to make the banner. We spent probably about an hour at Joann Fabrics alone. The most difficult part was choosing what fabric to work with. Finally I decided a simple white fabric that had shamrocks in the pattern. It fit perfectly with the theme of the day. Next up we chose a few decorations to go on the fabric. Lastly, we stopped at Home Depot to buy paint to make the sign come alive with color.

Some of my family got together a few days later to put the signs together. I say signs because we collectively decided to make a second sign that I will explain a bit later. So on a cold Saturday morning my mother, father, sisters, nieces, brother-in-law, and aunt got together to make the signs. After a little back and forth we decided the first sign would say: "Jenny, John has a question for you". The second sign would say "SHE SAID YES!!". So over about 6 hours we traced, cut, played with Mircosoft Word, glued, and painted. Now when I say "we" I don't mean myself. I know my limitations and got together a crack staff of crafters. The signs came together beautifully! (Oh and special thanks to Dave Zaffrann for being my excuse for being gone all that day. We were "watching soccer" at a bar downtown.) After the sign took longer than we thought I had to tell a lie (which I hated doing) and tell Jenny that my sister's car broke down and that I had to go help her. Sigh...

Now over the past month I was able to enlist a lot of help with various tasks that I needed on Saint Patrick's Day. My friend Alex agreed to take care of all communications (texts, emails, phone calls) for the day so that I could concentrate. Nicole took care of communicating where the city council group was and let Alex know so that I could be ready when they arrived. Two of Jenny's best friends, Germaine and Rachel, were lurking in the crowd (out of sight) so that they could take pictures and then surprise Jenny afterward. My friend Jeff came down from Fargo and took pictures and also hung out with me the night before to help me remain calm. Lastly, Alex's wife Erica agreed to be my official videographer of the proposal. This was a team that had my back.

The day of the parade my father drove us down to the parade. I was worried about not getting down there on time so I had set a very firm time for us to be there. We ended up being at the designated spot at 11:30 (on time!). Some of family and Alex/Erica were already there. They had staked a terrific upfront spot at the corner of 5th and Market in downtown Saint Paul. The parade began at noon and of course I was incredibly antsy. The excitement and nervousness were both coming to the forefront but overall I was able to maintain my composure.

Nicole let Alex know throughout the parade where they were in relation to the designated spot. I was ready. The signs were ready. The City Council group made it to our spot around 12:25. I waved the group over to us as they came nearer. Then Jenny saw the sign. I've never seen a bigger look of confusion in my entire life. As she realized what was happening I got down to one knee. I struggled to get out the words that I wanted to but eventually settled on "Will you marry me?" I suppose those are the words that matter the most! SHE SAID YES! Above her Jessica and my friend Tammy unrolled the sign "SHE SAID YES" sign! It was perfect timing. All around me I could hear whooping and cheering from the entire crowd as they figured out what happened. I slipped the ring on Jenny's left ring finger. Now this was no ordinary ring. Jessica had allowed me to our Grandma Keldsen's engagement ring. She had been given it by my mother and aunt years ago. Jessica knew it was a special day and allowed this additional special thing to happen. I can't thank her enough.

After the proposal was finished we were surrounded and engulfed by people. So many friends and family members congratulating and hugging us. It was amazing. I've never felt so loved or cared about. But the thing I couldn't get over was how both Jenny and I could not stop smiling. We both seem to know that this was right and that we had both found our special someone. Her and I took a moment after the parade to just look at each other and be happy. It was one of those moments I will never forget. She's the one for me and there was no doubt about it.

But all of that was the easy part. Now we have to plan a wedding and life. That's going to make all my planning look like child's play.

Look Back and Smile Forward (Part II)

Now for the fun part: thinking about all the hanging out, trips to foreign lands, new skills and maybe a few tears.

Party like it's 2014

Relationships 

A regular weekend coffee date with Alicia

I can't wait to see where this whole John thing goes. Buckle up, internet! I will continue to work on our communication (me=not being condescending; him=being patient).

I want to continue to keep in touch with all my friends. I miss them still and will think of new ways to let them know that. (carrier pigeon? stripper-gram?) Thank god for Skype!

I promise to go out more to meet new people. Maybe a book club, sewing class, outdoor adventure gang, boardgame nerdout.

I haven't seen my Texas family in over a year. I'd like to go see them and catch up and get mad at them and then make up.

Career 

I'd like to help out more with Sierra Club especially the Communications Team. Maybe dabble in some outings.

I want to become fluent in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop or at least make some cool flyers and edit pictures of my cats.

Home & Budget

John and I are apartment shopping. This will be our first time picking out a place, which might require some extra hard communicating (see above).

I want to play in the dirt again with John and maybe even grow some veggies. Our new apartment will probably not have a yard so we'll  be back at the community garden--not that I'm complaining.

John and I have continued to cook at home (with a few arguments) and have enjoyed healthy, yummy meals. Not surprisingly, we've saved some cash and cooked up some love (oh yeah). I'm hoping against hope that our new place will have a gas stove and a regular sized fridge.

Continue paying down debt. As many people know, I'm not ashamed to discuss my debt and foolish spending habits. (Of course I need to spend $30 in China-dollar-zone at Target.) I pledge to keep using the envelope method to increase my savings and pay off my Capital One card, ENT Loan and possibly my Lowe's credit card this year.

Spiritual & Intellectual & Physical

I NEED to find a yoga studio I like. I tried out 4 different places last year, yet nothing has appealed to me. I was spoiled at Fountain of Health with inspirational instructors that I could trust. But in the Land of 10,000 yoga studios, there has to be one that fits me (and is reasonably close and affordable).

Write in my journal more. I know it helps me tease out frustration and relieves some emotional constipation. I need to turn off the TV and pick up a pen!

Complete my Goodreads goal of 20 books. I probably could read more if those pesky Game of Thrones books ever ended. I read some amazing books this year. Fave fiction: The Poisonwood Bible Non-fiction pick: Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.

I'd like to continue to blog. I think it might just be for me. I have no subscribers and don't get too many comments. Yet I feel a little more accountable for my goals and I like sharing my new life with my old friends.

More bikes, more hikes. I can't live in the #2 most bike friendly cities and not bike. I will bike to the lightrail in the summer and take that to work at least once a week. Two birds: save the world and firm my butt.

I will complete some of my cross stitch and craft projects that have been on the back burner for quite some time. They're probably burnt by now...

Experience & Travel 

So many places to go, so little money and time. Hopefully my budget skills will allow me to go to
these places this year:

• California! in February with John to see Monica in LA, Sandi in San Francisco, Robin in Sacremento, and whales in the ocean
• San Diego for Moriah & Kimberly lesbian beach wedding 
• Visit Colorado to see everyone! 
• The Big D to see my family (That's Dallas for everyone outside of Dallas)
• Pop down to Branson to visit my mum 
• The big trip: Ireland in the fall with John for some Gaelic action 

I will also stop into five Minnesota state parks to mark off my list and get to know my state. 

More music, art and all that cultural crap. I must take advantage of Minneapolis as a nest for new acts and shows galore. 

Look Back and Smile Forward (Part 1)

As you know, I love traditions. One activity I've been able to keep up is reviewing the past year and looking at the future every new year with my best friend, Alicia. The last two years we've had to Skype but that hasn't stopped us! Here are my 2013 revelations and my 2014 expectations.

2013, you blew my mind! 

John. 

Simply said, I got to be with John. We created adventures, fought about trivial things (cheese?!), and decided to move all of our crap together for better or worse.

Friends, new and old. 

I made many great friends in Minnesota that I'm thankful for. Rachel, Germaine, and I have explored this strange Midwest world and had quite a few laughs because of it (you drive on ice?!). Couchsurfing, Sierra Club, work and volunteering have opened the doors for me to ask the hard question, "Hey...so...you wanna hang out...or something?"

I had quite a few visitors to my new home: Christina in January, Alicia in March, Julia in April, Mom in June, and Hannah in September. I hope to have many more visitors in 2014! (Hint: get your ass over here)

Explored my new home. 

With my new MN drivers license, I zoomed across the Cities and state to visit friends, go to events, and check off state parks. I got out during the winter to an kite festival on a frozen lake, ice fishing and ice skating. My summer was filled with To-dos (I did 18 of 25--not bad)

I turned 30!

I still feel like I'm 28. That's a good age. But alas, I'm going into my forth decade on this earth. My birthday was insanely awesome! A week of events with friends culminating in a surprise visit from Hannah for the big day. (Credit: Thanks John for my awesome birthday gift of Hannah.

I had longed to go to Italy for my 30 birthday with my sister, but that idea floated away when I couldn't make the finances work. Instead, Julia and I went to Costa Rica. I had dreamed of going since I learned about the cloud rain forests in elementary school. It was an unexpected and completely amazing trip.

Screw you, credit cards!

I am proud to say I met with a financial counselor from Family Means, a non-profit to help with your budget and debt management. I held to my budget and cash-only spending the whole year (a few hiccups occurred) and was rewarded with paying off 2 of my credit cards. I'm tired of being in debt and finally feel like I have control. I didn't use credit once last year even though I had many unexpected expenses pop up.

And now for 2014....

My first white Christmas

I stayed hunkered down in the Midwest for the holidays. After spending Thanksgiving with my mom in Branson, I promised John that we could celebrate Christmas with his family. I was a little melancholy at first; I didn't have any of my traditions here. I was excited to join in John's family's traditions, but I wanted my own, too.

One of the activities that I look forward to every year is a mani-pedi on Christmas Eve with my sister, our friend Kathleen, and the other lovely ladies during my Dallas vacation (wine included, of course). I would have never done this on my own--I hadn't even had my nails done before--but now I can't wait for a little girl time and pretty nails. Although I wasn't in Dallas to enjoy the polish festivities, I decided to make my own fabulous tradition in Minneapolis. Germaine and I went to get pampered and sip wine. What a great start to Christmas!

Another new tradition with John: visiting the Como Zoo on Christmas Day. We saw a polar bear playing outside in the snow and seals playing in the water. We had to strip off layers in the Tropics area and greenhouses. We even saw a sloth! Perfect Christmas morning! The rest of the day I could share in John's family traditions: gifts, dinner, drinks and quality time.

As my blog title suggest, this was, in fact, my first white Christmas. But didn't I grow up in Colorado? Yes, but surprisingly it doesn't snow around Christmas. I've had many (too many) white Halloweens, but never a snowy day on Christmas. Minnesota's holiday produces perfect, fluffy snow. It's all I could talk about!

State Park #6: Nerstrand Big Woods

What kind of crazy double name is Nerstrand Big Woods? Turns out there's a lot of history in that name. The town of Nerstrand was settled in the 1850s in southern Minnesota near a large area of forest. See where this is going? The "big woods" represents the contiguous forest of trees typical of southern Minnesota prior to those devilish European settlers. Settlers used the forest to plant woodlots for a more sustainable wood source.

"In the spring, the park is a wildflower garden where hepatica, bloodroot, Dutchman's breeches, and the dwarf trout lily bloom. The autumn brings a burst of red, orange, and gold in the maple-basswood forest, one of the last extensive stands of the "Big Woods." When winter comes, ski or snowmobile the trails through picturesque woods."

John and I took an afternoon drive to the state park to view some colorful leaves. First we had to get me an updated state parks pass. A mere $25 gets me into all parks for a year--what a deal!

It was a lovely fall day for a brisk walk around the park. The trails are super easy and even bring you by a waterfall. The trees in Minneapolis have started their transformation from green to orange, red, and yellow. The aspens were in full swing but I bet another week would've added more color.

One more state park visited! Only 62 to go!

Fall!

How to turn 30

I was dreading my 30 birthday. I don't know why; it's never been a big deal for me. But the months leading up to my Virgo birth date, brought on shortness of breath, headaches, and a few tears.  I wasn't necessarily scared to turn 30 but hated to do it without my clan of friends from Colorado. I decided to not fear this ominous and irreversible event, but take it on with as much excitement as possible.

My birthday week--yes WEEK--was one to remember; however, I could never have made so many happy memories by myself. The bright red cherry on my birthday sundae was conspired by my wonderful boyfriend. He helped fly one of my best friends out from Colorado to share in the 30-something festivities. I can't begin to describe how much it meant to see a supportive face that has been there for me for years. I love my new Minnesotan friends. I also desperately needed some Colorado love. Dreams come true!

Bday Minus 5 Days

Germaine, John, and I enjoyed the rarely-heard-now Minnesota Orchestra at the Harriet Bandshell. The sunny, breezy day was perfect for listening to classical music in the open air with thousands of other people. Germaine packed a lovely picnic basket and let the sounds roll over us.

Bday Minus 2 Days

I was still getting over a severe head cold but couldn't resist joining my friend Rachel for dinner. Her, Ben, John, and I went to Merlin's Rest for a pub meal, draught beer, and challenging trivia. This is where John and I met one year ago tomorrow. A very special trivia night that was our beginning.

Bday Minus 1 Day

My birthday isn't the only celebration this week. John and I have now been together for one year. We had a lovely evening at the Minneapolis Institute of Art's Third Thursdays. The theme was LOL with special interactive exhibits, a band, and beer. Then we went to the restaurant of our first date: Tum Rup Thai. I've been looking forward to going back here for a year. It's so good!

Birthday!

John woke me on Friday with a small token to get my birthday started; a shiny necklace and earrings. Then I strolled into work with a smile and chocolate zucchini brownies. I actually always liked going to work or school on my birthday. It gets all involved (whether they like it or not). My bosses were out for my bday and it was pretty relaxed. I met co-workers for lunch at Red Robin 'cause I got a free meal for the occasion. John was also scheduled to meet us there. But he wasn't alone. My friend Hannah from Colorado followed him into the restaurant .WHAT?!?! He helped fly my friend in for the weekend. I almost screamed with glee! The rest of the lunch was a blur and I couldn't stop smiling.

I ditched work for the rest of the day and hung out with Hannah. Since she is my very 50s vintage friend, I knew it would be a weekend of exploring vintage stores and thrift shops. We stopped by a few after we got settled at my apartment.

Brewery tour to celebrate! We met some other friends in Northeast and made our hoppy way to three breweries: Dangerous Man, Indeed, and 612 Brew. By far, Indeed had the best beer and atmosphere. For some reason, you don't get free drinks after your 20s for your birthday. I know this now. Great beer, great friends, awesome birthday!

Bday plus 1 day

Hannah, John, and I picked up Germaine after eating delicious breakfast at Bad Waitress. Off we went to the Hastings area to the Carpenter Nature Center to meet Sarah and Ashely. The morning was perfect for an easy hike around the St. Croix River then apple picking at the nearby orchard, Fischer's. Fabulous start to the first day of fall!

More vintage shopping... Indian dinner...movie rental and relaxing at my apartment.

Bday plus 2 days

Brunch at Modern Times and more vintage shopping. Our big tourist activity was visiting the state capitol, which surprisingly non of my other friends/family were interested in seeing. I wish we had had more time but it was fun to peek in. That got us hungry for Ethiopian food. The breezy evening and full moon motivated us to stroll along the stone arch bridge.

Bday plus 3 days

Saddest day. I had to drop off Hannah at the airport today, but first we enjoyed a frou frou donut at Glam Donuts and homeless people at the Central library. Sigh. I'll miss you my sassy friend!

Bday plus 4 days

To end the week of 30 something fun, I met friends at Acme Comedy Club. They give you and 5 friends free tickets to a show Tues-Thurs. I think laughing hysterically was the appropriate beginning to my 30s.

The Great Minnesota Get Together

It might seem like I made up the clever title of this blog, but it was the great marketers of the Minnesota State Fair aka The Great Minnesota Get Together.

John and I visited the annual convergence in the midst of a heat wave. The temps here have been in the 90s all week with humidity at 50-60%. That's dang hot. Apparently not hot enough to keep us away from fried foods and loud music.

The fair is much bigger than the Colorado fair (sorry, friends) and more interesting than the Texas fair (sorry, family). Over 100,000 visitor peruse booths and entertainment every day during the 12 day celebration of everything Minnesotan.

Fun fact: Over 450 types of food are sold at 300 booths. 

With a fair app downloaded on my phone, we hopped on the bus after work ready to explore. I took the obligatory first-fair-experience pic at the gate and then we headed straight for the fried food. My choice: a Pronto Pup. As a non-native midwesterner, I didn't know what the hell a Pronto Pup was until a few weeks ago. I visited the Dakota County Fair with some co-workers. We were checking on the recycling containers but, of course, we had to get a snack. A Pronto Pup, so I'm told, is similar to a corndog but instead of a cornmeal outer layer it's made of half cornmeal and half flour. Before serving, the vendor brushes ketchup or mustard all over it and hands it over. It's delightful!

Next up: a whole building dedicated to environmental stuff called The Eco Experience! Inside were displays for public transit, wind and solar energy, science research for new materials, green building info, and recycling. I could have spent the rest of the evening here if John wasn't getting hungry.

We walked around the fair for the next three hours and saw crafts in the Creative Activities Building; plants in the Ag Building; semi-wildlife in the Division of Natural Resources building; and education booths in the Education Building. We also saw Hanson--that's right, HANSON--at one of the free stages. Mmm ok. In between all this fun I had a peanut butter and chocolate shake and John had a pail o' fries.We also saw public radio in action with Mark Wheat blastin' some tunes.

To get back to our entrance, we took the Sky Ride across the park. It's a great way to see the sites and also Depeche Mode who happened to be playing at the Grandstand. To complete our fair adventure, I had a last snack of deep fried Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and John slurped down an over-sized root beer.

Our fair experience was complete!

Cute stitchery at the Creative Activities Bldg

Bicycle exhibit

Some recycling 

John, Speaker in the Hizzouse

Oh My! 

Recycle your cans!

Beautiful '40s building 

Cool display about plants' roots

Art made from seeds. Yep

We blitzed the Republican booth

Deep fried Reese's. So good