31 years!

Happy anniversary to my wonderful parents! Today they celebrate 31 years of wedded bliss. I mean, it's obviously been blissful, having a daughter like me around for 29 1/2 of them. You're welcome, guys.

They don't look traumatized... do they?

We spent the day just as you'd expect. My Dad, Bean, and I went to Northwest Trek Wildlife Park with our preschool friends. My Mom stayed home and washed and ironed clothes. And DH went to work. This somehow sounded reasonable to all of us at the time. At Northwest Trek, we explored a bit and then took a tram ride through the park. Here are a few shots:

Tonight, DH and I (and Bean, of course) are taking my parents out for Mexican to celebrate their anniversary. This dinner destination was the result of exhaustive negotiations.

Me: "How about the new Italian place that recently opened up nearby?"

Mom: "How about you and DH go to the restaurant while your Dad and I stay home with Bean?"

Me: *heavy sigh* "That is ridiculous, Mom. It's your anniversary."

Mom: "You know my favorite place to eat out is Taco Bell."

Me: "Seriously?"

Mom: "Absolutely."

Me: *another sigh* "Well, I'm not going to argue as long as you're not home eating grilled cheese while DH and I are feasting on shrimp ravioli."

Mom: "Great!"

Dad: "Wasn't there a family Mexican restaurant next to Home Depot?"

Indeed. And that's where we are headed in about 20 minutes. I haven't had Taco Bell since college, when I daily enjoyed a three-course meal (tostada, nachos, cinnamon twists) plus drink for less than $3. I'd like to keep it that way.

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In random news, I got an email informing me that my phoned-in question will *finally* be heard on the Suze Orman Show this Saturday at 9 pm Eastern (6 pm Pacific). I know, I know... you've heard that before. I don't blame you if you don't bother to look for it. In fact, please don't look for it, it's really stupid. To hear about my call, click here; and my subsequent discovery, click here.

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Also in random news, my husband is still the sweetest man on earth. A couple of nights ago, he came home with an employee recognition award he had received that day. He was told that the director wanted a meeting with him, and he was surprised to be presented with the certificate in front of coworkers and managers. He works long hours, which can be hard on me during the week, but he is wonderful at his job and he gets paid for his overtime.

DH: "I brought home the award just to show you."

Me: "I'm so glad you did!"

DH: "I wanted you to see... you know... that I'm not just screwing around all day."

Me: *laughing* "Oh honey, of course I don't think that."

DH: "No, I know you don't." *pause* "I guess I just think that you deserve the award, too."

Be still my beating heart, he's wonderful. And I'm grateful that he doesn't know think that I just screw around all day.