Anniversary

Tomorrow, May 1st, marks the three-hundred sixty-fifth day of my marriage to Zaida.  It’s been a wild ride of ups and downs, a learning experience for us both.  If you came up to me a few years ago and told me I’d be married, I’d have told you that you lost your damn mind.  It was surprising enough that I moved away from the retail world so quickly, I wouldn’t have dreamed that I was going to embark on a long-term relationship.

The relationship was shocking enough, but what really kicked it into gear was moving out.  My mother announced that she was selling her house and moving to Michigan, so I decided it was time to look for a place of my own.  I decided that Zai should move in with me, I didn’t want to move out by myself, and I knew it was definitely the right move for her.

Her parents were very troubled by this development, being extremely traditional.  So I thought long and hard, and decided that I was ready to do the next step.  I bought a ring, and proceeded to make the most awkward proposal ever.  Awkwardness aside, it was a very happy day for me, and it did help smooth things over with her parents. 

That was in April 2007.  It surprised my friends, many asking if it was an April Fool’s joke.  The following months were filled with many learning experiences.  I learned that spending an entire weekend playing video games and ignoring everything else is an extremely bad idea, and a very good way to ensure you sleep on the couch.

I learned that water pressure is something I took for granted.

I learned that elote and horchata are two of Mexico’s best kept secrets.

I learned that small gestures can make a huge difference.

I learned how to parallel park.

And finally, I learned that when you want a small wedding, but have a giant family that wants to attend, it’s best to fly across the country to avoid them.

Las Vegas was a very interesting experience, which I never would have had if it wasn’t for Zai.  I saw some good shows, and went to Coca-Cola world, and even had a flyer for a whorehouse shoved in my hand by a passing person.  But most of all, I nearly ruined our wedding.

It’s been quite a year since then, living with the greatest woman in the world.  Through thick and thin, and through my bumbling, she still stands by my side.  I guess all I’m trying to say with this whole spiel is, thank you Zai.  I love you.

Happy Anniversary.

Zel-kun out.