Engagement

	She said Yes!	Saturday, July 17th Safeco Field After the 2nd Inning...

	On New Year's Eve '99, Sarah and I went to see "You've Got Mail", the cute Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan movie. Though we'd been dating about a year and a half, it was while sitting through that film on that night that I realized that I would marry Sarah. I'd like to able to share with you specific scene or reason or event, but it was just the realization that she was the right person for me to spend the rest of my life with. I had always envisioned a surprise proposal, so I started thinking about ways to pull one off. In March, I bought 50 tickets to the July 17th Mariner game, which was going to be the third in Safeco Field. My mother had agreed to come into town from Louisville for her annual summer visit. Realizing that and knowing that Sarah's mom would be there, I felt this was a perfect opportunity to propose. Baseball has been an integral part of our relationship. Even before we were dating, we went to several Mariner games together. So I thought that was a perfect forum to use. Frances, my sales rep at the Mariner's, loved the idea and was eager to help set it up. So all morning I'm sort of nervous, but I'm keeping myself occupied by planning who's sitting where and such. Once we get to the stadium, though, I have to sit through two innings of the game and I'm paying no attention to anything going on around me. About half an inning before the Moose and the big event are to arrive, Sarah goes down to the opposite end of the row and sits down talking to some friends. My friend Karen is talking to me for a while and I'm hearing very little of anything she's saying. And so I have to yell to Sarah and ask her to come back and sit with me. (Later, she notes she thought it was really weird that I called her over. She assumed I needed money or something.)	Sign in hand, the Moose starts coming up our aisle. Here is the big moment from above. In addition to the random beer vendor and his customers in the aisle, surprised onlookers include (bottom to top, left to right) Adrian Smith, Deb Waldal, Tina Burden, Dolly Chitlik, Anne Gottlieb, Tim and Julie McCallum, and Sarah's mom, Margie Moore.
	The Mariners were up and I was actually rooting for them to get out so I could get on with things. Sarah noticed the Moose down at the bottom of the section and asked me if I knew anything about it. I told her I might and she kept probing and probing: "I need details," was her line. The Moose walked up the steps and was right next to us, and failing to come up with anything creative to say, I just went, "I don't have a big speech or anything, but this is for you." I handed her a hollowed out blue and white Mariner baseball with the ring and box inside. She started crying and her face got all flush and it became chaos. Mothers are shrieking, the crowd is cheering, the cameras are flashing. The Moose is posing with us, etc. There's some kind of weddingish background music too. After the chaos, she remembered to say yes, which was a good thing. After a little while, I said to her, "So I've had six months to plan being engaged, so I have a lot of ideas already. I'll try not to bombard you with them." She replied: "Oh silly. I'm a girl. I've been planning this my whole life."
	The rest of the game was something of a daze. We called people on my cell phone and struggled to hear over the crowd noise. After the game, we went back to my house for a cookout. We had Alburgers, champagne etc. In April, we had gone to Las Vegas for two Mariner exhibition games and I'd taken several photos of Sarah's favorite player (and my rival for her affection) Edgar Martinez. Before the big day, I'd enlarged one of the photos and Frances had gotten him to sign it: "Congratulations and Good Luck, Edgar Martinez." I had the photo matted in Mariner colors, along with the ticket from the exact seat she was sitting in at the game, and framed. So I presented her with the frame during the toast at my house. I almost got her to cry a second time, so that was a pretty good deal.
	So here are the FAQs: Have you set a date? Everything is certainly in flux, but we're looking at Labor Day Weekend 2000. Sat. Sept 2nd is Sarah's 30th birthday and the long weekend would give out-of-towners a good opportunity to come into town. Where will it be? Seattle. Due to the likely size issues, some of the venues under consideration are Husky Stadium and Safeco Field. How large will the family sections be? Sarah -- Approximately 250. Albabe -- When I'm sitting there, it will bring the number up to 3.	So here you've got the Moose, Sarah, me, my mom Dolly and Sarah's mom Margie.
	How was the ring buying experience? Kind of challenging. Sarah doesn't like or wear jewelry. So the conversations with the jewelry people would go: Them: So what kind of ring would she like? Me: I don't know. Them: What cut of diamond are you interested in? Me: I don't know. Them: What is her ring size? Me: Good question. I don't know. Them: Would she prefer a traditional or modern setting? Me: Yes, one of those or something different. I'm sure of that. Eventually, I decided on a simple solitaire setting with a single diamond. Had you talked about this before? No. The closest we'd come is that Sarah had agreed not to dump me before I finished the three Diet Coke cans in her refrigerator. However, I started to question her level of commitment when she decided to refer to Samson the Wonder Puppy as my puppy, not ours. How did Samson feel about the engagement? Mainly he's been interested in chewing the sign and the photos.	My man the Moose shares a moment of congratulations.
	Have you made any other important decisions together? Yes. Apparently, when we share a house, most of my 1970s furniture and hundreds of never-used video and audio tapes get to stay in the "basement!" Are there any disappointments about the process? I'm wondering whatever happened to that great tradition of dowries? Who gets the better end of the bargain? According to Dolly Chitlik, I'm getting the better deal here. In a rare display of Chitlik unanimity, I have to agree. What about starting a family? Already got one.	There's nothing like the relief of having Sarah say yes to make me all smiley.
	Sure this wedding stuff is interesting, but what about those cute hats? Click here.	Later, Sarah actually had two seconds to take off her hat and make herself even prettier for the camera.

Date:: 7/20/99
Time:: 2:29:22 PM

Thank you for this story. Your creativity and courage are an inspiration. At your reception, I want to see everyone dance like spirits in the night. With any luck, Kim can get me a ticket. Ron Preston

P.S. Thanks for sharing so much of your cooking expertise with me.

Date:: 7/20/99
Time:: 3:13:23 PM

Very very cool!!!!! congratulations to both of you and much much happiness.

one song to be played at your wedding: To Make You Feel My Love - written by Bob Dylan and sung by Garth Brooks oh....and just about everything on "Tunnel of Love"

harry & becky

Date:: 7/20/99
Time:: 4:15:25 PM

Congratulations! This is great news! I am very happy for both of you. I am so sorry I missed this on Saturday.

By the way I expect to hear plenty of Billy Joel at the wedding and of course "Take me out to the Ball Game"!

Good Luck and a long life together!

Cindytu

Date:: 7/20/99
Time:: 5:38:15 PM

I want to hear "Deep Fascination" by the Feelies. Sincerely, George N. "Sparky" Thomas Jr.

Date:: 7/20/99
Time:: 5:41:28 PM

Did Sarah think it was the moose who wanted to marry her?

Date:: 7/20/99
Time:: 6:54:52 PM

We are so very happy for the two of you!! We gathered the office around to read about your happy day! Your friends at Universal wish you the very very best!! Love, Dee & Beth

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 12:28:09 PM

WOW - Great News Alan. I knew you were on the line for a marriage soon. Best of luck and congrats!

Holly Shamon

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 12:28:52 PM

Way to go Alan & Sarah. Congrats!!!!

Chris & Claudia

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 12:36:01 PM

Way to GO! I am Happy for both of you. Kenab

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 12:36:52 PM

This is one of the coolest web pages I've ever seen. And I'd be impressed as hell if my beau did what you did. How could Sarah ever say no?!

I think BOTH of you are very lucky. Yours is one marriage that will last.

Thanks for sharing your wonderful news.

Cynthia Chapman

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 12:38:03 PM

I wanna hear CRAZY TRAIN at your wedding since you wouldn't play it at mine!! danfe

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 12:39:00 PM

Nice work Albabe and congrats to both of you! I knew you had more respect for mascots than you were letting out.

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 12:48:53 PM

Alan everytime I tell this story I start to get teary-eyed. It's one of the coolest engagement stories EVER, and I am SO GLAD I got to be a part of it!! Your wedding webpage is par for the course. I am REALLY happy for you two, you really do embody the phrase, "two peas in a pod!"

Kind of reminds me of those great hats Sarah makes....

Cindya

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 1:00:54 PM

Congratulations! You must play "Take me out to the ball game" great music for the two of you to run out of the church to. Loretta

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 1:01:25 PM

I suppose I'm ok with this as long as Sarah agrees to the "open marriage" policy.

Saturday was great - I'm glad I was able to be there.

Congratulations and good luck!

Dawn

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 1:08:30 PM

Albabe, you're such a class act. I think we need to change your name to reflect this more clearly. Moving forward, I for one, will be calling you AlBabe . A subtle, yet sophisticated change, truly representative of your immense stature among men. My best wishes and warmest regard go with you and your bride-to-be. chriswh

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 1:40:44 PM

Congratulations Alan and Sarah! What an awesome engagement story. Perhaps Love and Honor Hors d'oeuvres, a Band of Gold Buffet, and Commitment Champagne should be on the reception menu? Best wishes to both of you! Jenny Scroggs

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 2:02:22 PM

alan, i expect to hear something *way* more original than "little girl i wanna marry you" at the wedding.

and i'm surprised that you didn't get bruce to interrupt the jersey shows to come out. i suppose the moose is the next best thing.

a hearty mazel tov to you both,

--caryn rose

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 2:14:08 PM

Congrats! Sounds like a great day. As for advice, just have fun and keep life interesting. Boredom is the root of all evil.

Take care and crongratulations, rog

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 2:36:45 PM

Congratulations on making the catch of your life and hitting the season-winning homer at the same time. September 2 sounds like a good date. I was married on Saturday, September 1, 1956, and am still married to the same woman. All the best! Affectionately, Ernest (now prof. emeritus!).

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 3:11:46 PM

Couldn't have happened to a nicer moose

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 3:43:44 PM

You two rock! I really enjoyed seeing you at the game right after the big proposal. I found you with binoculars from the left field lower level, and walked around the stadium to come see you. Right about then was the whole moose event. When I got there, I greeted Alan and noticed a sign behind him that said "Sarah, will you marry me?". I said, "Hey, is that yours?" :) Happiness and ring-showing commenced. Congratulations to you both. xxxooo Nichole Hardy

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 4:11:24 PM

Comment: Wow...that should dispel those nasty rumors!

Advice: Don't criticize any of her plans for the wedding...especially during your first wedding dance or just prior to sharing bites of wedding cake.

Favorite Wedding Story: When the ceremonial candle the wedding couple was lighting to symobolize their union fell over (names omitted to protect the innocent). Or when George White ripped his pants at my wedding, after ripping his pants at his own wedding the year before!

Song to Play: "Darlin' you got to let me know...Should I Stay or Should I Go?"

Congratulations, Bill, Margaret, Nolan, Logan

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 5:21:25 PM

Most excellent! What a story...save this for future generations!

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 5:38:35 PM

I'm very happy for you both. Glad you're not just jumping into this. A year and a half gives you plenty of time to talk about things (and you do need to talk).

Best Wishes, Mike Davis

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 5:51:47 PM

Alan: Congratulations!!--Best wishes for a long, happy life together. See you at the next Collins reunion! Jami Davis

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 5:59:44 PM

Obviously, you'll want to visit the jeweler one more time to prevent her from boring co-workers for the next ten years with any lame stories about diamond earrings.

Also, I strongly urge you to avoid shoving any cake into her mouth. She might subject you to many years of bitter harassment on this incident.

And on the wedding song question - DUH! hello, Albabe.... - Louie, Louie.

Audrey Bennett

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 7:13:15 PM

Congratulations Alan & Sarah!! Now, since you don't have final venue plans, I'd like you to consider VEGAS BABY! I even did some research for you (you can thank me later), and I found one that seems extra classy. Here's the description: "BEACH PARTY WEDDING CHAPEL: Includes the use of the Beach chapel, all beach party memorabilia, 1 Party Hearty minister, 2 muscle men to carry bride down the aisle on a surf board. Music from the Beach Boys or Beach Party movies, theatrical lighting. Additional characters can be Showgirls in bikinis carrying pink sand pails. $590.00" Hey, seems like a bargain! All the best!! --Jen Hartpence

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 7:33:46 PM

Congratulations..way to go, do it in style!

Healdman! down under

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 8:21:04 PM

It was truly special to be there with you all that day. See, Sarah, I guess getting summoned to sit next to Alan pays off sometimes!! ;-) By the way, Alan, thanks for the column inches in your story. Glad I had the sense to wander away before you got engaged to the wrong girl!!

I'm thrilled for you both and can't wait to hear how things for the "big event" shape up. Knowing you both, it'll be something to remember.

Love and luck,

-- Karen (KP)

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 8:53:17 PM

Best Wishes and Congrats to you both. I'm sure Samson the wonder puppy is very excited about his new 'official' Mom. I wish you the most happiness. Teresawo

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 9:50:34 PM

Mazel Tov!

Adam Kuhn Bethesda, MD

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 10:37:04 PM

Hey Guys.... What a wonderful story! I must say, up to Albabe standards! Hmm, another year to the wedding... don't give her too much time to think about this.

Congrats,

Paul Ogle Lakewood, Colorado

p.s. Will there be a prize at the wedding for the one who comes the farthest?

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 11:11:31 PM

Just read the news! Congratulations and best wishes to you, Sarah and Al!

Michael McCullough

Date:: 7/21/99
Time:: 11:17:54 PM

wHAT WONDERFUL NEWS. I AM SO GLAD THIS WENT WELL FOR YOU ALAN. I AM THRILLED I GOT TO MEET SARAH. THIS IS JUST GREAT. LOVE-KERRY

Date:: 7/22/99
Time:: 8:04:31 AM

Dear Alan and Sarah.

Mazel tov! Our best wishes to both of you. We loved the way you proposed, Alan - you made the LLC proud! And, we LOVE the hats. Expect an order real soon, Sarah. Cheers, Patricia Patrick and Steven Sowards, E. Lansing, MI

Date:: 7/22/99
Time:: 8:18:39 AM

And they said it couldn't be done...

Congrats, and can't wait to see Kiefer reprise "Should I Stay or Should I Go" in your honor!

Kristi

Date:: 7/22/99
Time:: 8:40:35 AM

FLAWLESS AND FANTASTIC! Congratulations you two. Sarah, I haven't met you yet but feel I know you already from all the Web-text. Alan, I don't know how you tricked Sarah but GOOD JOB!

KEN L in Washington, DC

Date:: 7/22/99
Time:: 9:25:58 AM

Alan, I'm so happy for you! Marriage is wonderful and comforting and fun. My vast experience (close to 8 weeks) is showing! We've come a long way since our days at Highland Middle School and Atherton High. Mr. Walsh would be proud. Cheers! Amy Hamburg (Shir)

Date:: 7/22/99
Time:: 9:34:00 AM

Alan, what a lovely proposal! You did it with total class! I wish you both the best of luck, and hope some day to meet Sarah... she must be terrific!

Michele Siegel, San Francisco

Date:: 7/22/99
Time:: 9:59:25 AM

Congratulations! Remember...if you get cold feet and call it off, Sarah gets to...

KEEP THE RING!

Count me in for the wedding.

Kerry DeMuth

Date:: 7/22/99
Time:: 9:59:56 AM

What a great way to propose! I love the web site. My advice for a happy marriage is to have separate bathrooms. That way you don't have to fight about the toilet seat thing. I can't wait to meet Sarah! Love, Marci

Date:: 7/22/99
Time:: 10:53:31 AM

alan & sarah actually it should be Sarah & Alan

Congratulations !! Happiness and long life to you . The baseball park was a great idea, good pictures. Congrats again from the Thomas family in Pittsburgh. I like the hats too.

nick

Date:: 7/22/99
Time:: 1:09:55 PM

Albabe and Sarah: Wow! Congrats. Things are shaping up quite nicely for you two. Albabe, you should have consulted me about the ring. I would have made sure it was at least 3 carats. Did you go to the Shane Company?

Best Wishes to both of you -- I expect an invite.

Slushie

Date:: 7/22/99
Time:: 1:18:51 PM

Hey Al, This is Bob (Marci's husband). Just wanted to wish you guys luck and to let you know Marci has the hots for Juan Gonzales (Texas Rangers) so I know how you feel about old Edgar. We have been thinking about music for you wedding and have kicked around "Born to Run" or that song off the "Bat Out of Hell" CD where he is praying for the end of time. Since you did everything at the ball park you might want to include "Centerfield" and of course the "Star Spangled Banner" to close out the ceremony. Got to go and hope to see you in October.

Date:: 7/22/99
Time:: 1:43:33 PM

Alan, I couldn't be happier for you and Sarah. This is a wonderful engagement story, and I hope that it's the beginning of a tale that lasts for 50+ years. You're both very lucky to have found each other, and I think that you're a perfect pair. Congratulations! Kristina

Date:: 7/22/99
Time:: 1:48:25 PM

Congratulations to the Both of you! Welcome to the Club - your Wedding will proceed ours by about 1 week. Alan this looks like a whole new unexplored bonanza of comedy bits for you. Peace and Long life

Ryan

Date:: 7/22/99
Time:: 2:07:28 PM

Alan & Sarah,

Congratulations on your engagement! That is great news. Quite a story! Alan, very original way to propose. I'm quite impressed. And to think, this is the same guy with whom I used to ride the bus to Meyzeek Middle School every day (and listen to whether it was Suzy, Karen, Amy, or my own sis Lisa that was the girl du jour!).

I was tempted to bring a buddy and make a road trip to your 4th party. Thanks for keeping me in the loop.

I vote for Billy Idol's "Nice Day for a White Wedding" at the reception and "Kyle's Mom is a..." for the bachelor party.

Congrats again! Mark Read Somewhere in a corn field in West Central Illinois

Date:: 7/22/99
Time:: 2:08:23 PM

Alan, Congratulations!!!! It's so nice of you to keep me undated on everyone. May you have a long and prosperous marriage!

Take Care, Tammy Vander Hoek

Date:: 7/22/99
Time:: 6:00:39 PM

Hey Al! Congratulations and the very best wishes for a long & happy life together. Love, Mom Strange

Date:: 7/22/99
Time:: 6:55:26 PM

In classic albabe style!!! Who would ever guess you spent time in Indiana!

This definitely calls for M.B. and the Peanuts song!

Date:: 7/22/99
Time:: 8:16:37 PM

Congratulations Sarah and Alan!

In keeping with the very public nature of your courtship and proposal, I suggest a virtual web wedding- live action, real time observation and participation for your friends from afar. However, I fully intend to attend in the flesh. Alan's family side might be small, but I suspect by the 555+ people who have visited this site that you will need Mr. Gates to lend you some space and food to accommodate Al's alleged friends, acquaintances and virtual pals.

Sarah, you might want to insist on hiring security for this most personal of your days. The very fact that you agreed to Alan's offer suggests to me that you have not yet met all of his "friends".

Won't the music at the reception be a full fledged review of Albabe's Party Classics?

Love and best wishes to you both,

Kathy

Date:: 7/22/99
Time:: 10:31:08 PM

Congratulations. Who says dowry's are dead. My father-in-Law offered me three goats and a sheep. Going along with the moose theme, I think you should play the theme from the Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoon at the reception.

Date:: 7/22/99
Time:: 10:32:01 PM

-Mike Rosenzweig

Date:: 7/22/99
Time:: 10:47:44 PM

crack, crush, kerplunk... it's the sound of hearts breaking everywhere knowing that Albabe is officially out of the dating scene. How many nights at IU did I spend longing for that incredible man?

Alan - Mazal Tov, congrats... and I wish you and Sarah all the very best. Sarah... you found yourself an incredible man!

Keep us posted as wedding plans progress!

- Bekki Harris Kaplan

Date:: 7/23/99
Time:: 8:45:51 AM

CONGRATULATIONS I got this site on my web from my daughter in SEATTLE WHO GOT IT FROM SOMEONE AT Boeing. I will call your mother to come over and see it when I finish my mail . I try to be at the wedding as I have already gotten an invitation and we are planning a shower here in Louisville for your bride to be ESTELLE COHEN ruth kimball's mother.

Date:: 7/23/99
Time:: 3:04:57 PM

ALAN= Your mother and I are sitting here reading your pages and she is laughing and getting a kick out of your web site , just as I did this a.m. when I saw it . Have you set a date . Your mom would like to know . Just put it on your web site because I am adding it to my personal . estelle cohen P.S. YOUR MOM SENDS HER LOVE TO YOU AND SARAH

Date:: 7/24/99
Time:: 3:02:45 PM

Dear Alan, Congratulations to you and Sarah!!!! We are so happy for you. You deserve all good things. We can't wait to meet your bride-to-be. Enjoy! Love and Peace, Joan and Corey

Date:: 7/25/99
Time:: 1:49:51 AM

Salut Sarah et Albabe!

Very classy and romantic proposal! I am so happy for you both. Sarah - you need to get a big dress so that when you do your first dance, no one will notice that Alan is stepping on your feet! Alan - You need to go golfing with Tim on your wedding day or you will be taking five showers, calling everyone and pacing the floor - trust me.

As for the song, the definite must is "Bow Down to Washington". Tim's vote is "Another One Bites the Dust" I am looking forward to the months ahead!

Congratulations! Julie and Tim

Date:: 7/26/99
Time:: 11:29:48 AM

How splendid!! I LOVE romantic engagement stories!! When Maury asked me to marry him he siad, "Mother would like you to have her engagement ring." I thought, "How nice." Then I thought......"Oh, he's asking me to marry him!!!" He got down on one knee to officially ask me. Best wishes to you both.

With love, Maria & Maury Burgwin, & George Thomas' Mother, too!

Date:: 7/28/99
Time:: 2:03:52 PM

Alan and Sarah,

Congratulations! Best of luck to the both of you!

Deanna Rago Columbus, OH

Date:: 8/1/99
Time:: 7:16:01 PM

Great story. One piece of advice... Don't make your getaway from a dock that has been previously hit by a boat! We did that 19 years ago and we still hear about how everyone ended up in the creek! Too bad we didn't get it on tape!

Date:: 8/1/99
Time:: 10:23:32 PM

Well, well I'll be darned! AlBabe finally popped the question-- and Sarah fielded it like a pro. Who knew? Apparently a lot of friends had an inkling-- guess I was just out in left field! Heartfelt congratulations to the two of you and your ready-made family. (She does know about your offspring, doesn't she, AlBabe?)Many a heart will be broken, alas, but no doubt the two of yours are already beating as one. ¡Muchas felicidades! --Angela Heimburger, Mexico City

Date:: 8/2/99
Time:: 12:37:47 AM

Congratulations Alan and Sarah! For some reason, Don Ho's "Tiny Bubbles" comes to mind and I don't think arriving back to the mainland from Waikiki has anything to do with it! I wish you all the best (including the Moose...) laura henley

Date:: 8/10/99
Time:: 12:22:54 AM

Dear Sarah and Alan,

What great news! I heard all about it from Deb and Adrian. I don't think I have any brilliant wedding or marital advice to offer, but I consider myself an expert in the area of dogs.

DO teach Samson a very large vocabulary. While he's fetching the paper, getting your slippers and uncorking the wine you guys will have more time to cuddle and be all romantic together!

Joanna Plattner Berkeley, California

Date:: 8/19/99
Time:: 12:47:18 PM

I think I love you (partridge family)

Date:: 9/15/99
Time:: 12:41:19 PM

Only those who have proposed can relate to the anxiety that sets in while you wait to pop the question. I proposed to my Sara with a fortune cookie. Unfortunately, fortune cookies come at the END of the meal. I feel your pain ... and your joy! Congrats!!!

Jesse Yao