Yesterday marked the tenth anniversary of the day that my husband and I met. As Alan points out in his blog “we’ve been together ever since”.

According to online sources this anniversary is the aluminum (or tin) anniversary, so gifts of cookware (Calphalon is acceptable) are appropriate, or diamond jewelry if you’re buying. Given that we also have a wedding anniversary to celebrate now (legal or not, we got wed, and we have the ecclesiastical charges to prove it), our custom is to “observe” the first date anniversary, but to celebrate the wedding one. Still, a gift seemed in order, so I picked up some great chocolates at this little chocolate shop in downtown Chelsea where we live.

Whenever I say I’ve been with my husband for ten years, folks often say “wow”, unless they’ve been with their spouse/partner for a while too. Ruminating about my relationships in my blog is out of character for me (for which my several readers are mostly thankful). But while being in a lifelong relationship is sometimes challenging (particularly for my selfish nature), its part of who I am, and thinking of my life without Alan is like thinking of my life without one of my limbs — its not something you can contemplate except in the abstract. You’re my touchstone, sweetie.

Oh, and honey, I’ll put away my shoes just as soon as you turn off the pantry light. :-)