Pete and I got married 8 years ago today, July 14, 2001. We got married in his sister's house in New York City. It was magical. We had just friends and family and catered some food for dinner after the ceremony. The one thing that wasn't perfect was the pianist we hired forgot to bring a song that I wanted. I don't even remember what I wanted or what he played, so it wasn't very important, I guess. We've been told we need to have a screenplay written about how we met, but that hasn't happened just yet.

Today, my kids asked me how you know it's the one you're supposed to marry. And they are almost 7 and 5! Heavy stuff for little kids. The first thing I mentioned was that the person treats you nice. And you get butterflies and are attracted to him/her. And you need to have some of the same goals. I'll go into it more when they are older, but it was sweet reflecting on the reasons I fell in love with Pete.

One of the things we have in common is our love for other cultures. While Pete has traveled from a very young age, I only started in my early twenties. We enjoy getting away with just the two of us as well as introducing other countries to our children. One hope I have is to live in another country one day, if only for a year. I don't think Pete feels it's as important, but I can always hope. He's already done it, I should say.


One thing that's great about traveling is picking up some meaningful souvenirs. My favorite object from New Zealand is the stylized fish hook necklace, Hei Matau. (*It represents not only the Maori land, but also prosperity, fertility and safe passage over water. The fish hooks also denote the importance of fishing to Māori, and their relationship to Tangaroa god of the sea.) I was told it's also for health. My necklace is made from Jade. In New Zealand, they call it Greenstone.

So, happy anniversary, Pete. I love you.


*taken from Wikipedia