Bad Hair and All

To celebrate 8 years of marriage, Jerry and I decided to kick it back old school. It certainly met our current criteria for anniversary plans. Romantic and budget conscious. Especially important when you are contemplating a trip to Portugal to celebrate ten years. But big plans or not it definitely qualified as a hair dryer and make-up date. These days, not much qualifies for that degree of effort. Jerry, is starting to consider it the highest complement. Make up is usually a two minute routine that covers the essentials (concealing the ever present circles under the eyes and blush...cuz I never could pull off the whole Vampire chic thing). We had a babysitter, a free and trusted one at that (thanks Mimi!). We planned on a photo session outside of Glen Crest Junior High. I imagined golden skies, great lighting and two impeccably dressed lovebirds getting a rare photo of where they first met. And that's when the rain came. My hair went to shit, my make-up started to run and my hopes were dashed. These days I feel like it's now or never. Planets must align. Child care and good hair? Might as well wait for Hailey's Comet. It's not that I'm vain...I just never look good anymore. It's not a bad self esteem thing it's just a mom thing I think. Anyway, I'm sure Jerry was running a very active inner dialogue as I started reeling to myself like a person off their Risperdol..."mascara, humidity, planetary alignment,". Without much discussion, he ushered me back into the car and out of the rain. He sped up Raider Lane to our high school and parked near the covered awning near our old lockers. The scene of many love note exchanges. We took pictures. I tried to smear away the crazies as Jerry tried to swallow his immense fear of another year of marriage. Later that evening we caught a movie at the Ogden 6 (scene of our first date). In the dark of the $4-a-ticket theater, I felt so lucky to have a husband that understands me so well. He knows how to seek out a plan B, he knows how to help shake away the disappointment, how to get a laugh and how to overwhelm my heart with gratitude. With all the noise of parenthood and the outside world, I know I don't say it enough. I wish I did. But for today, here it is. I love you so much Jer. Happy Anniversary.