| yesterday was one year. haleigh and i went to a nearby park, what we thought to be secluded and romantic turned out to be overcrowded with children playing an unorganized game of baseball, and using language suitable only for Vietnam veterans. It was enjoyable nonetheless. We grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, (we tried grilling squash = unsuccessful), and we ate macarroni, a must have at a picnic, and apples. Then we played some frisbee and took a nap in the grass. One year. From Texarkana, TX to Colombia, SC to Monterey, CA. All in one year. It will be perhaps the most memorable of our entire marriage.
We shocked our friends and families with our news of getting married, Haleigh bought a brand new car while I was getting smoked at boot camp, haleigh and my family drove 5 states to my graduation then I was flown to Monterey while her mom and step-dad u-hauled 5 more states where she would live alone for one month in Seaside. I was released from the barracks only to begin fighting with an insane landlord with whom neither I nor Haleigh could handle anymore. We consulted a lawyer and managed to move to a better apartment. We went to San Francisco for Haleigh's birthday, we kayaked in the bay for mine. We snow-skiied at Lake Tahoe for Thanksgiving. Sadly though, my baby didn't get her Thanksgiving dressing. Learn from your mistakes, right? Haleigh finished her seasonal work at Mervyn's, a God-forsaken place so I hear. We flew home for Christmas and realized how much our lives had changed. We flew back and saw Pilotdrift in San Fran. Twice. Haleigh started college and began working as a scientist, then as a teacher. We made friends from Salt Lake City who later became pregnant making us future god-parents. We accommodated Peyton and David on a holiday weekend. Then Nikki. Then my parents, then Haleigh's. Haleigh flew back home by herself under unfortunate circumstances. I learned again how miserable I am without her. I remained stressed in Arabic and training but content with my many blessings, while Haleigh continued to pursue her degree in business, no, international studies, wait, sociology, =), and then on our anniversary we decided to sell our car.
I can't wait to see what the next years holds for us. What have I learned this past year? That marriage is as good as the two spouses want it to be. That it can easily be lost if you are selfish but can be restored even faster. I've learned the importance of having friends within a 15 mile radius. I've learned instead of saying, "it's not rocket science," to say "it's not arabic." and I've learned that Haleigh is the best gift on Earth that I have ever received. And that though we have areas for improvement, we're doing and have done just fine if I may be modest. Haleigh I love you, and to all those who are seeking the perfect one I hope you will find. |
