In my world, Christmas, our wedding anniversary, New Years, and Eric’s birthday, fall within a span of ELEVEN days. That’s a lot of celebrating for eleven days. This time last year, I distinctly remember feeling stressed (and maybe going a tad berserk on Eric) trying to be the “good wife” and make EVERY one of those special occasions EXTRA special—you know, with food and gifts and get-togethers. I was happy but I was tired! So this year, we did things differently.
On Christmas: there were no lights or decorations this year, no tree, no snow. We put gifts on the dining table and opened them Christmas morning with family. We went to church and sang Christmas carols. We meditated on the Christmas story and kept it simple. It was wonderful!
On 2 Years of Marriage: there is much I could share on this, but the biggest thing, I think, is that I feel a change happening within me with respect to knowing how to love Eric. I don’t know what triggered it or if I can really describe it, but it’s as if I am letting go of certain expectations and romantic notions of what I thought marriage would be (which were heavily influenced by society and media) and embracing what we have, as unique and unromantic as it may be. It’s like I’m experiencing love at a deeper level. On our anniversary, I previously would have wanted a special celebration, maybe eating out for dinner, exchanging gifts, etc., having Eric’s 100% attention. But as it turned out this year, I was a bit under the weather, and Eric had a big presentation to prepare for and was working on it (at home) til around 11:30pm. The previous me would probably have gotten upset (but it’s our anniversary! you’re choosing work over me!?) but the new and improved me (hah) wanted to do whatever I could to support him. Give him quiet, take care of dinner, do the dishes, tell him I understand and that it’s completely OK. And it really was… I knew he couldn’t help it and didn’t like having to work from home, but had no choice and was doing the best he could. I could see it in his eyes and I loved him for it. And that was how we spent our 2nd anniversary. (He did manage to steal away for 5 minutes of frozen cake, though, which was yummy!)
On the Eve of a New Year: we fell asleep. I can’t believe I just wrote those words! And I can’t believe I let it happen. I watch the ball drop on TV every year, but this year, Eric slipped into bed around 11, closed his eyes, and looked way too comfy for me not to follow suit. So somehow, with windows shut and firecrackers going off in every direction outside, we fell asleep before midnight and when I next opened my eyes, it was 12:20am. Happy New Year, Dear and he went right back to Dreamland!
On 27 Years: so the previous 3 celebrations were pretty low-key, and as if to make up for them and prove we are NOT TOO OLD to party, we just had a fun-filled weekend during which I kept shouting ERIC, it’s your BIRTHDAY WEEKEND EXTRAVAGANZA!!!!! We went to the beach and swam to the rocks, hiked a very anticlimactic hike with my brother & dad, did groceries & laundry, hiked Diamond Head at sunrise, took family portraits after church, looked at apartments, had lemon meringue pie, and went to bed pooped. I had an awesome time and it wasn’t even my birthday! But today (Monday the 4th) is Eric’s actual birthday, people, so wish him a good one!! Happy Birthday, Dear and may God bless you with a healthy and amazing 27th year of life!! Can’t wait to see what’s in store for you this year!
On the New Year: so the holiday weekend is now over and it’s back to the new normal. Friends have returned to the mainland, my brother has 1 more week at home before going too, and I start teaching in 2 weeks (yikes). Eric and I have yet to do our yearly list and I have yet to make resolutions, but all is well: we’ve made it through another stretch of eleven days, and this year I did not go berserk! No, in fact, what a blessed eleven days it has been. Blessings, friends. Have a joyful week!
Mom and Dad, thank you for teaching me that the strength of a marriage is not measured by flowers and chocolate, fine jewelry and fancy restaurants. Instead, it is demonstrated in very ordinary ways… knowing each other’s likes and dislikes, serving one another daily, being faithful in the trivial and unseen. Thank you for assuring me that it is normal to drive each other crazy 20% of the time, and that over time you learn one another’s buttons (but don’t necessarily stop pushing them) (but at least resolve each incident a little quicker). Thank you for being two imperfect people who are perfect for each other… you are a blessing and an inspiration. Happy Anniversary and may God bless you always!!
