The Year of Linen and Silk
Today, July 23rd, is a trés important day, you know.
‘Tis the day that my beloved and I got married twelve years ago.
After a brief, whirlwind relationship worthy of any romance novel where the protagonists were poor, and distinctly counterculture, we decided to marry. It wasn’t the cool thing to do and we certainly didn’t KNOW any other married folks but that didn’t stop us.
With almost no knowledge of how to plan a proper wedding, I forged ahead and did my very best. My only glaring mistake is that I planned it (he let me handle all those tiresome details) for July…in Florida…outside. HELLLOOO? Must have been all that acid I took in college…
But honestly, it was the best (as in not boring) wedding I’ve ever been to and according to everyone who attended, it hasn’t been topped yet. I’m rather proud of that fact, although knowing what I know now, Martha Stewart would have been appalled. Good thing I don’t give a crap.
The huz and I started with almost nothing. Neither of us had “career” type jobs yet and neither of us had very much to bring into the marriage other than our clothes, a little furniture and some mismatched household items. There were no down payments on a house given to us or any of the other newlywed niceties that are so common today. We registered for practical things (no china, no crystal) and got most of them and with that we started our lives together. Honestly, I’m actually really proud of how how far we’ve come in twelve short years
We’ve been through some hard times. The road to this grown-up life we now have was not always smoothly paved. And yet here we are…still together and still happy.
This photo, the same one I gave for my BlogMe interview with lovely Christina, is of a tattoo above my hipbone that I got on our honeymoon. People always used to ask how I could do that. What if we got divorced? And my answer was that I didn’t get married thinking about divorce.
Notice that it’s kind of blurry now. Those black lines aren’t as crisp as they used to be and though you can’t tell, the skin isn’t so tight anymore. But this tattoo has seen me through twelve years of marriage and two babies and that means something.
Happy anniversary to us :)
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Don’t forget to read the results of the alien mind probe sessions with Sue of Red Stapler and Catherine of Her Bad Mother. This information WILL be on the exam. And besides…they’re very interesting.
Happy anniversary! You have accomplished so much, and you’ve had fun doing it - one of those rare couples who really and truly LIKE each other. What a fantastic example you’ve set for your own kids.
awwwww- super duper happy anniversary! that is awesome!!! i am proud of you 2- YAY!!!!!! i can’t wait to get married!
Happy Anniversary Izzy! Kewl tattoo. I have not gotten one yet. If I do I think I will get a dragonfly one. I have not been around for quite awhile. I am staying with friends and am enjoying a break from the Internet. This is a special day for me too. 8 years ago I watched my nephew being born. Have an awesome day!!
Happy Anniversary! Now I want to see photos of the wedding!
Congrats Izzy. What a lovely tribute to your marriage!
And rock on with the ink.
Happy Anniversary!!!!!
Ooh, yes, bridal pix!
Happy anniversary, Izzy. Sounds like you kids got something special goin’ on.
I love that you got married when you wanted to and not when you could afford to buy all the stuff that supposedly goes along with marriage. If I’d waited for financial security before I got married or had my kids, I’d still be single!
Yay! Happy anniversary to you! I hope you celebrated in style tonight!
Congrats, Izzy. I am sure being married to you is wonderful and easy. Hubs got lucky!
Sounds like you have built a wonderful life together. Congratulations to you both! Now go have a glass of champagne…
Happy happy anniversary Izzy! May you enjoy many many more blissful years ahead! I’m working up the courage to get a tattoo for my 40th b-day (3 more years). Pls tell me it’s worth it?!
That is truly beautiful. The story. The tattoo. The marriage. I admire how you started out, and you can always feel proud of that! Happy anniversary.
Lisa
Okay, so I think it is AWESOME that you got your husbands name tattooed on you on your honeymoon.
Jay and I had a whirlwind romance that ended in marriage as well. Hmmm… well… it didn’t END in marriage, but you know what I mean.
Happy 12 years and happy million more in the making.
Happy anniversary!
Happy Anniversary! In these times, when most throw in the towel when the going gets tough I applaud you. 12 years is something to be very proud of, and I am sure we will read about your 24th! Have a great celebration (if you can with two little ones….).
Road music, well up here in Canada aye, I do like old Tragically Hip and old Tom Cochrane. My girls have discovered Barbie Girl (oh yeah…nice lyrics), Avril, the soundtrack from Oliver…so let me just say the Trans Am driving experience is not as cool as I picture it in my own head….
But ya, the Cult, I used to bomb around Toronto on my bicycle listening to them…they kick!
Have a great day! Anne
I think the idea of a tattoo to commemorate a marriage is a good analogy. Tattoos basically last forever, they may stretch and fade, but they will always be there to remind you of the way you felt when you got them.
Here’s to many more years of happiness ahead.
Happy anniversary, Izzy! Congrats on 12 years together with Tommy. Love the tat, by the way.
Love this post Izzy.
Happy Anniversary!
Happy anniversary, guys!
Happy Anniversary! I’d love to hear more about the wedding sometime (and pics would be great too) if you are so inclined — sounds like it was a ton of fun!
Love the commentary on the tattoo??? Does Tommy have an Izzy tattoo???
Bestest of anniversaries…
And getting married in July in Florida…
You are a brave, strong, woman..
Would love to see a picture from that day and compare it to now…
Happy Anniversary, Izzy! My husband got my name tatooed on his arm while we were dating. That’s when I knew he was serious. :)
I think your tattoo is completely romantic and I’m sure your hubby does too.
Happy Anniversary! I surfed in on BE and stopped and STAYED to read your entry. I think it is excellent. Gives some of us out there, hope. :) I hope you both have many more happy years together.
Well congratulations to you on making it through 12 years of marriage, having two kids, and still sounding like a newlywed.
And that toally makes me want to go get a tattoo. Hmmmm, maybe I’ll do it as a b-day present to my husband. He would LOVE it. Thanks for the idea.
Wow 12 years -Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary lady!
The wedding photos are packed away. Honestly, the best ones are of our backs as we say our vows. I told the photographer I wanted some candid shots and he just took all these shots like he was some drunk schmoe with a disposable camera. I’m still bitter …can you tell? lol
You’re so right. I tell people that when the subject comes up. The stars will never be in perfect alignment, your bank account will never be big enough, you’ll never be far enough in your career… Just do it!
Betty! Go for it!
You only live once.
Awww…thank you :)
Oh, I don’t know about that…lol He’s a very tolerant guy.
Yep, he got my name, too!
Go for it! It’s not that bad :)
Happy Anniversary, to both of you. I love what you said about getting a tattoo with his name on it.
What kind of idiots say, “what do you do if you get divorced?” Good lord. I hope you’ve developed some snappy answers over the many blissfully wed years.
Happy anniversary mama.
Happiest, again, always.
One more toast to do at BlogHer!
Happy Anniversary! I think you have a great tatoo and I think you deserve kudos for getting it on your honeymoon. I hope the next dozen years bring you closer and enable your love to bloom beyone your imagination. Good for both of you!
Toodles,
Maryanne
My gift to my husband for our tenth is to get his astrological sign tattoed under my wedding rings. I didn’t want an anniversary ring but really wanted another tattoo.
Happy Anniversary! I love that tattoo and what it represents, less sharp and all.
Congratulations and thanks for the great interviews!
Happy anniversary one day late! You are truly a badass for having your man’s name tattooed on you. Fuzzy or not, its still there for life. That’s love, man. Love, love, love, love, crazy love.
YEAY! Happy Anniversary woman! Congrats. And I’m with Mrs. Chicky!
Way to go Izzy! You’re badass like Mrs. Chicky says, first of all for having the tattoo, but mostly for being married that long.
Your story sounds so much like mine, except I’ve been married 14 years, and still counting.
Happy Anniversary!! I think the tattoos are awesome!!!
So, do we get to see a an ole wedding pic, Izzy???
Congratulations! Doesn’t it seem like it was only yesterday sometimes? For us it is almost 11 years and I feel at times like I have known him forever and at times like we just met. I love the tattoo idea!
happy belated anniversary!!!!