10.13.07

  Normally this time of the year means celebrating another year together for Justin and me.  Typically it is spent at The Melting Pot; where we always get the same thing; spinach and artichoke dip, caesar salads, mojo cooking style and the original chocolate fondue. Sometimes Matt and Steph would join us since their dating anniversary is the day after ours.  While I will have to wait until June 30^th to celebrate our new anniversary date, it has left me reflecting on our past years together.  From our first little apartment in Bradenton, which remains Justin’s favorite to this day, where we had zero furniture to our name but thought it was a good idea to get a dog.  I generally like to think of us as having good common sense but buying a dog before furnishing our home seems to negate that.  Needless to say Charlie was brought home and the furniture came later.  I am a true believer in couples raising a puppy before getting married because they are WORK.  Sleepless nights, messes, training, and parenting styles are all involved and if you can survive that then you are in good shape.

  As it turns out Charlie is one of the best decisions we have made as a couple and she could not be more perfect!  We got through school, worked hard and had a blast while doing it.  I am always saying how lucky we are for the great people and opportunities we have in our lives but Justin reminds me luck has nothing to do with it, we are blessed.  Before we left Florida we had a gorgeous apartment filled with new gifts we were lucky blessed enough to receive from our wedding.  All of which was left in Florida and we packed the car with Charlie and a few clothes when we headed to California.  Now we live in an apartment that is practical but nothing special.  Our kitchenware consists of four plastic plates, two bowls, one pot and one pan that we bought when we got here.  The funny thing is that we have never done as much cooking as we have here with our limited tools.  But some of my favorite memories have been made in our little kitchen. 

  We have changed and grown a lot since we were seventeen, together.  Now we have gotten to see so many things that I never imagined myself seeing in the short time we have lived in California.  I look forward to what lies ahead for us and the places we will travel.  I am excited about our new anniversary and the traditions yet to be made.  And whatever else come our way :)

I love you Justin,

<3 L