Jun 09 2008
Happy Anniversary
Today, Dale and I celebrate 18 years of marriage. It is usually the one celebration day where there is always a conflicting activity. Dale’s in the field, I’ve just had a baby, we’re moving, Dale’s TDY, we have to attend a school function, Abby’s never ending birthday parties, or Dale’s deployed. Something always interferes with the celebration. We did spend one anniversary at a hotel on Waikiki. It was quite lovely and courtesy of the US Army as it was our lodging prior to leaving for our next assignment. When we were first together, Dale’s gift giving was a bit hit and miss. One time he gave me a purple velour track suit. Although I do love to wear sweats, I had not yet moved to Florida and turned 70. Dale usually purchased gifts the night before as he wandered dazedly around Walmart or the Mall. After awhile, I began to direct his search more clearly as I realized it really wasn’t something he could figure out on his own. Kind of like me trying to figure out how to upload pictures to the blog. I gave him lists of item choices with sizes and colors and directed him to particular jewelry stores. To his relief and mine, he discovered proflowers.com. Amazingly, after 18 years of marriage, he has figured it out. Since he has been in Iraq, the kids and I have received very nice gifts. All the gifts have been unique and arrived well in advance of the occasion. Abby’s birthday gift and my anniversary gift arrived last week. Abby received an imitation designer pink clutch bag that she loves, and I received perfume. I do not like very many perfumes, because their scents have a tendency to overwhelm me. However, the perfume Dale sent is lovely. I find it remarkable that he entered a perfume shop, smelled the scents and chose one I would like. I, on the other hand, have been dreadful lately with gift giving. He was home for his birthday, but the gift I got for him did not arrive in time and he won’t receive the anniversary card I sent until tomorrow. If I continue down this path of negligence, I fear Dale will soon receive a purple velour track suit of his own. With it, he could wear the gold chain that his sister Tami sent him years ago. Then I’ll know he’s ready for retirement. Although, that will probably force us to move to Florida on a future anniversary.
