...actually, we've been together for 10 years altogether, but our nuptials took place six years ago this past "flag day". I always thought that it was cliche to get engaged/married on holidays. But after some careful consideration, "flag day" didn't seem to have that same trite stigma attached to it. Plus, we got a sweet "flag day" book from one of our wedding attendees as a present. So not only was I able to ceremonially legitimize the union to my wife, I was educated on the history of our national banner, and the celebration thereof. Double whammy.
At one time in our marriage and relationship, it was just the two of us. And as far as I can remember, we had a really empty home and did a whole lot of nothing. We had two dogs that were treated like royalty, cars that were fun and fairly small and a LOT of space in our storage room. Now, six years later, we've got two and 3/4 additional residents in our home, making for a tight squeeze at times. Our dogs have needed haircuts running on six months now. Our cars are both depressingly un-fun and increasingly "roomy" and our storage space is now loaded...comprised mostly of the 88 plastic bins filled with ill-fitting children's apparel. When this newest kid is out of baby clothes we're going to have quite the liquidation. And screw the garage sale, we could open our own toddler second hand store out of our basement. The image I have in my head is of numerous 3 year-old toddlers pushing tiny plastic carts... "browsing" our wares. The only problem I foresee is that it would be hard to haggle with them because they'd be so darned cute.
I must have lucked out. It's hard to imagine that I could have found someone that can multi-task like my wife does. And by multi-task I mean she is able to manage our home, our children, our dogs...and my childish mental state and space-cadet tendencies all at once. The first three are a task in and of themselves. I can only imagine the shitstorm created when one adds "me" to the mix. Yikes. I feel bad for her when she's pregnant. Less so because she's self-conscious and uncomfortable. More so because she can't have a drink. Must be hell. But she soldiers on. I'm thankful for that. I'm not sure that I'd be able to survive all that well without her. Really, the only time I remember our marriage being in jeopardy was when the Republicans told us it would be undermined when the gays got married...but that didn't really materialize.
Now, I'm not a complete slacker. I do bring certain things to the marriage. First, I can lift heavy stuff. This comes in handy when she needs me to move large objects from one place to another. Second, I can reach things really high up. She's not short, but our ceilings are high and sometimes a step-stool isn't enough. I am 6'3" and can reach the spices that are in the tall cabinets above the stove. Third, she can play me off as the bad guy when it comes to disciplining the children. This comes in handy when a birthday needs to be cancelled or Christmas revoked. Forth, I am handy with technology. Shanna would still be using dailup internet if it weren't for me. And with the impending switch from analog to digital cable, she would be screwed. Her giant console TV wouldn't play without some assistance. Finally, I am a far sight less spazzy. And don't think I'm being mean here. She knows it. She is the consummate planner. This lady needs an itinerary to use the bathroom. I, on the other hand would prefer that no planning be done. I find it easier (obviously) and a damn site more exciting. We meet somewhere in the middle. We're a team in this way. Although I would imagine her take on it is somewhat different. Like in a "pay attention to what I'm saying and get the kids' SHIT TOGETHER!" way.
We're a team, people....the "G" team. And it works. Well, it works for me. But this is my blog.
Happy Anniversary honey. I appreciate everything you do. I hope you know that. And no I haven't folded the laundry from this morning. Sorry.
