The Sixth Year

August 4, 2008

It's official. I'm twenty-seven years old, and Jared and I have now been married for six years. My goodness...how Mormon is that?

This past weekend our friends generously offered to babysit for James so we could have a night on the town to ourselves. We started the evening at a funky little Thai place that sits right on the edge of the water, and ended our night at our very favorite coffee house/bar.

You're right. Mormons don't drink coffee or alcohol, so it probably seems a little bit strange that we frequent a coffee house/bar, but rest assured, we only go for the live music. Well, the live music and the view of male bar tender--he works out and shops at Banana Republic, a very rare combination in Maine. Even Jared admits that he'll be happy for me if the guy's shirt ever happens to fall off while he's mopping down the counter someday.

Anywho, we had an excellent time together on Saturday night.

Usually on our anniversary, we recap our last year of marriage--you know, talk about the hi-lites and the low moments, what we did well and what we should try to improve on for the upcoming year. But this year, we skipped right over that conversation and spent hours reminiscing about years gone by.

I was like, "Oh man. Do you remember what we got married and I weighed 135 and wore a size six? I used to be so hot."

And Jared was all, "Oh I know. And do you remember when we used to do fun things together like road trips and skiing? You were so awesome back then."

And I was like, "You're so right--I used to be so much fun. I remember when you used to mountain bike every day. You were all in-shape and bruised up and muddy. Gosh I loved that. I thought that was so sexy."

And Jared was all, "You know what I used to think was sexy? The way you never used to make me to-do lists. And they way you never bossed me around or micromanaged my career. You used to be so laid back. That was great."

And I was like, "Yeah that's true. And I used to think it was really sexy when your student loans weren't in repayment yet. I loved it when you didn't have that big-ass payment attached to your soul. So carefree!"

Then Jared gave me a gift certificate for a manicure, pedicure and facial. He handed me the envelope and said, "Here, this is for you. I think you could really use this. I don't mind if you treat yourself to a haircut, too."

The thoughtfulness of that gift made me tear up because seriously, I've been looking a little bit rugged these days. I leaned over the tiny little bar table, gave Jared and hug and said, "I couldn't afford a gift for you, I had to pay the electric bill. So happy anniversary, I hope you enjoy our household illumination!"

All in all, it was a fabulous anniversary. I think we've clearly exited the honeymoon phase of our marriage--but that's okay. There's no one else in the universe who I'd rather clip coupons for.