Our 5th Wedding Anniversary

This day five years ago, Daddy Low and I tied the knot. To be exact, that was the date of our Chinese wedding dinner; our legal, civil marriage date is really 7 May 2004, so that spells 6 years together. And when you think about when we started dating ... wow, it's been almost eight years!  How time flies!

Daddy Low and I were from the same junior college, but we never dated then. He was one year my senior and we knew each other from being members in the Outdoor Activity Club. After we graduated, I kept in touch with my seniors and somehow, was more or less the only junior to consistently join them for their gatherings.  But Daddy Low was not always there; he was moving in other circles. I think we reconnected over one Christmas gathering, when he made his one-in-a-blue-moon kind of appearances. And the rest is history :)  

It was a bit odd at the beginning, when you know the same frens and you have to break the news. I mean, everyone is happy of course, but I think there is always that initial awkwardness, as you now grapple with how to behave in front of everyone else - the classic question is: Hmmm... hold hands or not? :) And you sort of feel like, suddenly, you are under everyone's scrutiny. But I guess the funniest thing is when Daddy Low told me this after we were together - that he has always wondered which of the senior guys I was eyeing, since I was the only junior (hence, the odd one out), who persistently turns up at the seniors' outing.... Hahaha...  Well, I wasn't, just enjoying everyone's company... but who knows? Life moves in strange ways ... and it did so in a good way for us, didn't it? :)

Looking back now, life with Daddy Low has been a great adventure. He has brought me to America, Switzerland and now, the UK. And almost every wedding anniversary, we have celebrated it in a different country - Japan, Egypt, Switzerland, the UK. And every one has been the same - memorable and filled with joy, peace and love. 


I don't buy the sexist traditional vows, where the husband is the head of the family and I have to be the obedient wife. "Submitting" myself to another's "headship" just sounds terribly wrong in the egalitarian society of our modern times. But I have to say, that between the two of us, Daddy Low is the more analytical one and the clear leader, and in times of dilemma, he is the one I turn to for advice. And so far, he has given good counsel. Daddy Low has also steered us well in terms of direction for the family. Did I give up my career for his, to be here, far away from home? No, I took a rest from work willingly, because I really needed a break. And as we had yet to have children then, it was the best time for us to take a gamble, as Daddy Low sought to stretch himself in a new profession. After all, what is the meaning of life, if not the sampling of it in its various possibilities? This is Daddy Low's philosophy and ever since he asked me to join him on Life's journey, I have stepped and walked on confidently, holding his hand. 


And now, we have a little one. And my other hand holds his, my little Julien. And as much as he is young, he is just as joyful, funny and generous as his daddy. And he trusts me. And that is something I marvel everyday and remind myself not to take lightly.


And after so many years together, our love has settled into a comfortable pace with no romantic expectations or trappings. I don't mean romanticism is bad; rather, when before, I would be all hyped up when 11 December rolls around, and thinking of candlelit dinners and what to wear and what presents to buy etc, we are now just easygoing about it. As long as we spend the day together, that is enough for me. And I know Daddy Low makes his efforts for me - he is now a very tired Santa's helper working 6 days a week, but he dragged himself out of bed and drove us to a fren's house for a gathering, because he knows I have been looking forward to it. 

So, the day was spent in great frens' company and in the evening, I booked us a nice dinner for 2. Well, actually, for 3 :)  It is our first wedding anniversary with a 3rd party, and it feels extra special because of that. Certainly, we had to take turns eating and you see this nicely dressed couple handing the baby over to each other over the table every now and then. But it was a great evening out. Julien was no fuss, just wanted to be fed and entertained now and then (in fact, a fellow diner complimented him on his wonderful manners :). And who can blame him? He is now part of the family and a most legitimate member of the onward adventure in our journey. Welcome to the Anniversary, Julien :)  


Daddy Low, thank you for being my best friend; thank you for everything. I am at a good place now - at peace and definitely in love, and with two tigers, no less. Bless! :)
 

A wonderful surprise from the restaurant

And Julien is just concentrating on the pudding...