My long-planned intention in 2001 was to propose marriage to my roller coaster-loving wife at the apex of Batman: The Ride, a popular attraction at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia (Los Angeles County). But as the coaster twisted and turned for two eternal minutes, there would be no words, except for what sounded like the shrill cry of a pre-pubescent female in the front row of an 'N Sync concert.

"You were really loud," she said, when the coaster finally pulled to a halt. I had no comeback, having left my ability to speak on the first inverted corkscrew.

I popped the question later that day on a park bench, at the end of a short hike. It was a much less memorable location, but had the advantage of being grounded.

I've always been afraid of roller coasters, refusing to ride them long after sprouting (more...)