Year two of marriage is in the books, which means another list of things I love about my wife is ready for liftoff. This year I kept a notebook of the things that she does that make me smile. Here’s a look at just a few of the things that made me fall for her 19 years ago…I still can’t believe it was that long ago. It feels like yesterday in a lot of ways.
1. The popcorn struggle
My wife loves popcorn. She doesn’t eat it every night, but there are definitely weeks where it’s the snack of choice in the evening. This year alone, the over/under on bowls of popcorn we made is probably 100. I’ve shown her how to do it, I’ve analyzed her oil to kernels ratio, but somehow, someway, she’s never made a good batch. Burnt to a crisp every time. And yet somehow…also unpopped kernels floating in the bowl every time? I have no idea how, or why…but this is one of the few things she just can’t figure out. And I find that adorable. It lets me be the knight in shining armor whenever she needs a bowl of popcorn.
Except for this time…
2. She’s not afraid of a hard day’s work
She worked her ass off our entire home renovation last fall, more than any other of my friend’s spouses I’ve ever seen, that’s for sure. And honestly, that’s not saying enough, overall…and I hate to admit this…but she probably worked more on the reno than I did. She’s talking about doing it professionally, which even just the thought of scares me but makes me admire her even more.
The note I wrote down that really blew me away this year was when I couldn’t (wouldn’t) get in the attic to rake insulation. I was worried the beam wouldn’t support me and I’d go through the roof – but also – I’d way rather just pay someone to do it. Not her, though. She masked up and climbed into that attic, garden rake in hand, and raked every inch of it. Maybe more than at any other time this year, I was blown away by her. Kind of cool that even after knowing someone 19 years they can still surprise you like that.
3. Pakoras for the table
When she ordered “pakoras for the table” and went on to twirl her finger around in the air, it was really funny. When she did it 15 more times after that, it was hysterical. My wife is funny all the time, but after a few tequila-sodas, she’s a riot.
4. She’s a clock
Yeah, you read that right. While I think she’s a riot after a few drinks, apparently she doesn’t feel the same way about me. I’ve noticed that whenever I crack a beer at home, the sound is immediately followed by her announcing what time it is.
My beer: *Crack*
Her: “It’s 6:30!”
Why buy a watch when I’ve got a perfectly good one at home. She’s also really great at reminding me that we’re fully in stock on protein powder, or anything else that I’ve purchased and not used daily.
5. She’s a wordsmith
This year she literally spoke the words, “Our love is the best kind of average” to me.
I mean, if that’s not poetry I don’t know what is. It didn’t feel great but still. I’d say it’s a bit better than average.
6. How she wraps a burrito
My god. You’ve got to see this one to believe it. It’s like, 8 lbs of stuff, on one flimsy wrap. She’s never successfully raised the first bite to her mouth without everything falling apart. Not even once. I love the ambition.
7. I still have no clue what’s going to come out of her mouth
Standing in our kitchen earlier this year I asked her whether she thought she was any kind of animal in a previous life. Her answer:
“Yes, I think I was a bee, because I like flowers, and I’m sweet….but I can sting.”
Didn’t see that coming. She also said her name was probably Buzz.
The general silliness, that’s probably what I love most about our marriage. Or one of the things I love most, at least. Here’s a memory from last August, it’s totally blurry, but I can still remember how funny we thought this was. It was pouring rain, for reference.
8. Two words she can’t pronounce
Oaxacan. Tortilla. The first one I can forgive, the second one…come on lady.
9. The raw emotion
While moving a box inside a few months ago (her desk that we ordered from Costco), she yelled, “I CAN’T DO IT” loud enough for the entire neighborhood to hear. And with passion. I still laugh when I think about it.
10. How she treats the newest member of our family
She loves Frankie more than anything. I love watching how she treats him, talks to him, takes care of him, worries about him. She’s going to make an amazing mom. I hope that’s something I can write about next year.
Happy anniversary my love. Despite a pandemic, we got a lot done in year two. Things are moving quickly now, and more changes are coming. Let’s slow down and remember to enjoy this year as much as possible. I love you. Here’s to an exciting year three.
