New happenings

In our first year of marriage, I have discovered a plethora of benefits from being married. Many are fairly run of the mill: Matt takes out the garbage, shares in laundry duties, and provides some bed warming in the evenings. More exciting has been learning about the myriad small, fringe benefits of my spouse.

This week I played my first game of backgammon. I lost by just one chip, though I think this is more due to Matt being a kind opponent than to any innate skill on my part. I found the game enjoyable, and I look forward to having that as part of our game regimen. We enjoy Scrabble, two player Blokus, and a few other titles, but we're still lacking in two-player offerings. This is a good addition, even if it does make me feel a bit old-school.

Another first from this week is Star Trek: The Next Generation. I was a Star Wars gal growing up. I remember seeing the inevitable glimpses of Star Trek here and there, but I never pursued the series. Matt grew up watching this with his family on the "family couch." On Netflix, he discovered we that we can watch the whole series. I only have three episodes under my belt so far, so I'm withholding judgement. I find the show fairly enjoyable but haven't converted.

Other miscellaneous changes include me skiing (cross-country is fun, but downhill is not my bag), lots more camping than I've ever done, and a good bit of hiking and outdoorsy fun. I might have done some of those without Matt, but his prodding has certainly pushed me farther than I would have gone alone.

We realized tonight that Matt has also changed from knowing me. When we met, his idea of cooking dinner was warming up a burrito or cooking ramen if he felt fancy. Now, he has dinner ready for me if he didn't work that day, and he also often starts dinner for us to finish together once I get home. He also reads far more than he ever did before.

Yes, having a spouse has suited me well so far. Our anniversary was December 30th. Here's to one great year and hopefully many more.

Comments

[Rachel]

My Mom was a total Star Trek: Next Generation fan!! We grew up watching it on the family couch, too! :) I wasn't a huge fan, but I still secretly loved it.

[The Maiden Metallurgist]

I can't believe it's already been a year! Congrats!

[Jerry]

Oh--I love that picture!! Yes, life together with someone you love is a great experience--Hugs
Jerry

[Alissa]

Happy Anniversary!

I grew up watching TNG too. Charlie recently started watching through it and it's funny how campy some of the episodes are. I think you'll still get some enjoyment out of it ;)

[Jerry]

P.S. My husband, Ron was a "Trekkie"--he watched every episode--Many, many times--It got to be a family joke when he would remark--"Oh, I think this is one I have never seen"--
Jerry

[Palmer_kun]

And of course I'm the only one to come in with game suggestions.

THE classic definitive traditional 2 player game is Gin Rummy. I prefer Cribbage though.

More modernly speaking... I would look at Hive, Ingenious (get the much cheaper travel edition, the full size one is 2-4), Qwirkle, and maybe The Stars Are Right.

[Leah]

Thanks, Palmer! We definitely play cribbage; that's our camping game. We just played Qwirkle cube and enjoyed that, and the game reminds me that we have a set of dominoes and could play that with two players. Thanks for the other ideas -- I haven't heard of those.

[Chris]

Congrats on a great year! I've got about a year and a half before my fiance and I head down the aisle, and less time before moving out of the Portland Metro Area and toward the Oregon coast. Change is always good. You guys could always go for the wonderful world of Trouble, Bobble, or shoots and ladders. :)

[Viola]

Happy Anniversary, Leah! Hope you two can make it over here some time soon!
xxoo,
V

[Jerry]

Hi--every day I check to see if you have added anything--and always pause to enjoy that great pix of you and Matt!!

Hugs

[Lana]

Sounds like a keep. LoVE