Ten years ago today, I lucked out on marrying the sweetest young, blue-eyed man there ever was. But at 23 and 19 years of age, we hardly knew who we were, let alone who each other was. Marriage is full of surprises and moments of self-discovery. This we first learned on our honeymoon (and NO, I'm not going where you think I'm going).
Our honeymoon was basically a disaster. We went to Orlando. ORLANDO! No offense to natives of Orlando, but it's not exactly the most sought-after honeymoon destination. I thought it was on the beach and my aunt, the travel agent, said she could get a good deal for us in Orlando. Did I think to check into my geography? No. Did I think that Disney World would get old after five days? No. All that I could think about was getting married. We wanted a really nice hotel, so we upgraded from our original hotel to a posh Hyatt Regency. Only, when we got there, Aunt Travel Agent had accidentally booked us at the Hyatt Hotel (different from the Hyatt Regency). The Hyatt Hotel was a smokey, pink Flamingo themed place with gray, polyester décor and we had paid top dollar for it. On our first day there, my handsome new husband's credit cards were all declined when we went to pay for some things. Awesome. I think I cried on the spot and wondered how in the world we'd ever get home.
We always said we'd go on a second honeymoon after the Orlando incident.
Today, I'm writing this post from a little apartment in Paris to proudly tell you that we did make it home from Orlando by the skin of our teeth (thanks to all the good souls who gave us cash at our wedding reception). We've also made it through ten years of marriage (also by the skin of our teeth at times). Ten really juicy years. I wouldn't trade the ups and downs, the declined cards, the dilapidated living spaces, the bathroom with no door, the baby with no crib, the fridge with only kethup and peanut butter in it, nor the ceiling that caved in for an infinite amount of perfect lifetimes. What would we have to laugh about together?
But, Paris. If you give me tickets to Paris, I will take them, thank you very much. Happy Anniversary to the man I want to travel through this life with.
Posts
oh i how love this post..i've just finished reading it to my hubby as we'll be celebrating our 10th anniversary this august. happy anniversary..and may the next 10 years be even more wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Che Carina! That little baby in your profile picture is the most darling thing I've ever seen :-)
ReplyDeleteCheers to a ten year anniversary. My parents love Paris and go every year. Perfect for a 2nd honeymoon. Bon voyage à Paris !
ReplyDeleteAwwwww!! I'm so happy for you!! Happy anniversary and ENJOY PARIS!!!!!
ReplyDeleteUn très Heureux Anniversaire de Mariage à vous deux ! Are you staying in Paris or will you travel a bit? In which case, you are most welcome in beautiful Aix en Provence, where the sun shines! Lots of love.
ReplyDeleteMindy, enjoy Paris. I loved it!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary!! It sounds like after the Orlando trip you earned AT LEAST a Paris trip! Hope you have a great time!!
ReplyDeleteWe spent our ten year anniversary in Paris! Congrats! You guys are awesome!
ReplyDeleteParis? As in, Paris, France? AWESOME!!!!! Congratulations on 10 years...That's amazing, especially in a world that is filled to the brim with divorce. Again...
ReplyDeleteAWESOME!!!!
Life is all about making memories...and the rough times often make the best stories. Who would want a boring honeymoon story? Beach, sun, surf and rest. BORING. We were nomads on our honeymoon. Went to Jackson Hole in September. Nothing to do (besides, well, you know - and that only lasts so long). So, off to Yellowstone (AWESOME cabin story there) then to Mirror Lake in a pup tent with no food because we thought we'd catch our dinner. (Two teeny fish, which we gutted and cooked over a fire.) It was so cold the water was shut off for the winter. We were wholely unprepared. Best...time...ever... We're making up for it now with more traditional destinations... Our twenty-fifth anniversary was spent in Hawaii with our kids, then we jumped out of a perfectly good airplane on the day itself. And saw the "Lost" airplane crash set on the way down...disconcerting for sure. Next September...31 years. As husband says, "Every day's a record." I'm just glad to be standing. You have so much ahead of you...and you will make it all memorable, because you are a story teller. I can't wait to hear all of it.
ReplyDeleteWow! Only "kethup" and peanut butter!? Gosh, I never thought anyone would be so poor that they didn't have any ketchup, or at least a little catsup! Maybe you better just use mayo with your "french" fries in Paris! ;) Have fun!
ReplyDeletePS...Hot picture. Wowza!!
ReplyDeleteOrlando's better than Vegas (where we went on our honeymoon).
ReplyDeleteAnd we celebrated our 10 year anniversary this year, too...in Park City.
You win.
Congratulations!
Congratulations on 10 years! I believe 10 years needs to be celebrated well, and Paris is definitely well :). My ten year is next year and my hubby and I have decided that we deserve a real vacation after all these years. Paris definitely tops our list as the perfect destination. Any travel tips? I'd love to know how it went :).
ReplyDeleteAwesome !!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your 10 year anniversary, and for being able to go to Paris with your loved one! I am with you, I totally lucked out on my hubby, who I married 10 years ago this year. Oh my we hardly knew each other back then, but now I am just so lucky that I get to be with my soul mate.
ReplyDeleteFor our 10 year anniversary, I picked my hubby up from work during his lunchbreak, and surprised him by taking him to the airport for a weekend away. The weather couldn't dampen the lovely time we had exploring a new city together.
PS I just discovered you through cjane's blog yesterday. Loving your new album! I have mentioned you on my "5 Great Finds" today.
http://jugglingmotherhood.com/2010/08/02/5-great-finds-hairdos-photography-tips-ring-sling-glow-cones-mindy-gledhill/
Since this post is so old, you most likely won't see this. But, as I am on my way to getting married in April, I am truly touched (and a little teary eyed) by your post. What a wonderful gift from God: love.
ReplyDelete