Jun 14th, 2009 Archives

Lawrence - HOW WE MET: Anjelina and I met in an unlikely place at an unusual time. Chalk it up to fate, fortune or just plain good luck. My friend William and I had finished a steak dinner and returned to Manhattan from across the river in Hoboken. It was about 11:30 in the evening and since neither of us was tired, we decided to go to the Marshall Chess Club which was empty but for two other people. We settled in one of the long banquettes and I opened one of the micro-brews I bought in the Korean store nearby. Quite unexpectedly, the doorbell rang around midnight. Since people don't usually go to chess clubs this late, I went on the balcony to see who it was instead of just ringing the buzzer. From above, I saw a beautiful brunette with a lovely tan. I said a few words to her to which she replied, 'Why don't you let me inside?' I went downstairs and opened the large and heavy locked door. Her tan was quite lovely. Noticing this and for whatever reason, I asked if she was from Argentina. She answered 'no, I'm Anjelina Belakovskaia.' I liked how she assertively answered a 'where' question with a 'who' answer. And since I was in a chess club at midnight on a Saturday and she was the three-time U.S. champion, it was the perfect answer. I felt a pinch of embarrassment at not recognizing her. We went upstairs to the main room. I was quite pleased I'd bought those beers, as now I could offer her a drink. As I poured her a glass, I somehow tipped it over, spilling the amber liquid all over the table. How I pride myself on never spilling anything. In fact, it wasn't until two and a half years later that I spilled something again - also in the presence of Anjelina. I'd just told my mom that Anjelina and I were getting married. Anjelina - HOW WE GOT ENGAGED: On the crossroads of August and September of 2002 we were sailing on the Ocean Princess in Alaska. On the fifth day of the cruise, after the Captain's Dinner, Lawrence disappeared somewhere with my father, while my brother and I were testing our fortune in the ship's casino. That night, roulette was lousy and I was losing my chips rather rapidly. With the last chip gone, I raised my head and saw Lawrence heading my way. A few minutes later, we were strolling on the top deck under the beautiful, flickering, green-and-red, Northern Lights. My good fortune came in the way of Lawrence dropping down on one knee and asking if I would marry him. Apparently, my father gave his permission already. I was waiting for this moment for more then two years and it's not a surprise that my answer was 'Yes! Yes! Yes!' I didn't need a jackpot to be happy! Our engagement was announced on September 4, 2002.