That was quick. A year ago today, I was a demi-centenarian newlywed. Nicole and I have now been married for a full three hundred and sixty five days, the vast majority of which have been awfully nice. I’m looking forward to the next several dozen transits, too. My life is better than I ever hoped it would be, let alone expected, and she’s biggest reason for that.
To celebrate, we performed the ancient ritual of karaoke the night before our anniversary. At this point, I should point out that singing in public is a perfect storm of anxiety for me. The only college course I failed was public speaking. And as for my ability to carry a tune, the response to my best efforts is usually something like “Aw, at least you tried. Although, while we’re being honest, we’d really rather you didn’t try, or at least, not while we’re within earshot.” I’ve had several sincere attempts at singing mistaken for exaggerated jokes.
With that out of the way, it was a hoot. There were only four people in our room at The HIghball, which made for a very comfortable atmosphere. I set a personal record by singing three times (did I mention this is something that makes me nervous?). Nicole can really sing, and even though I know this now, I still get giddy watching her do it. My takes on They Might Be Giants (“Particle Man”), REM (“It’s the End of the World as We Know It”), and Cameo (“Word Up”) were less successful, but a lot of fun. Everyone had a great time, and nothing got broken, except the glass I knocked over playing air guitar to “Bohemian Rhapsody,” but it’s not a party until something gets broken. Usually by me.
For our actual, honest-to-goodness, anniversary, we hit up Garbo’s for some lobster rolls because who doesn’t love a lobster roll? They catered our wedding and, as I suspect is typical at these events, the bride and groom didn’t really get to properly enjoy the food. We did today.
Seriously. These are good.
It’s late now and tomorrow’s a work day, so things have wound down now but in a comforting soft of way. Nicole’s streaming Marfa public radio on her tablet, and we’re just chilling by candlelight and looking forward to spending a lifetime together.
-RK