Happy 6th Anniversary

In case you're wondering, a good present for your loved one on your sixth anniversary is candy.

Six years ago - on a Tuesday - my husband and I were married at the oldest cathedral in the United States, which also happens to be in downtown Honolulu.

We invited a small group of close friends and family members and came back to Missouri to throw a big party.  There are so many things I'd do differently now in terms of putting a wedding together, but I was so happy to send our parents to Hawaii.

I've said it before, but Hawaii is really a special place.  If you've never been, the idea may seem somewhat generic with hula girls and Elvis impersonators -- a major misconception.  I can tell you it's wonderful, insanely diverse and unique in a million ways.  We loved it for the Asian influences and kind people... plus we were able to give our parents a gift that wouldn't require them to get a passport or learn a new language.

So, with that, six reasons why I love being married to my husband Jim.  Gag if you want, but this is my blog after all... LOL:

1.  He's unconditionally loving and supportive -- Jim has allowed me to follow my pursuit of happiness as a journalist.  He also is my biggest cheerleader, and it's a nice feeling to have someone in your court always encouraging you to be limitless.

2.  He's smart -- I always knew he was intelligent, but I've discovered recently that hes REALLY SMART.  He is going back to school full-time and he's actually impressing the heck out of me with his computer skills.  That's about as indepth as I go on his learnin'.

3.  Jim is charming - Duh, that's why I married him!  He has insanely nice eyelashes and he can bat them in a masculine way that makes any woman weak in the knees.  I saw them in action in my 20s.

4.  He is an honest and loyal person.  Did you know that's a Pisces trait?  Well, he is committed to our marriage, and I have to say... I dig it.  I am equally committed.  He is my safe place.  And he's my person! (Grey's Anatomy reference)

5.  Jim is a good family man.  We don't have human kids (only furry ones) but he will be a great people-dad one day.  And, he's a nurturing older brother and wants to do right for both of our parents.

6.  He's devilishly good looking... at least, to me anyway.  I have joked... "It doesn't hurt!"

For real, being married changed me, just like I'm sure it changes EVERYONE.  I love Jim because he's a great man, but also because he's agreed to accept me and change with me.  We've really grown together.  We have gone through a lot of ups and downs, struggles and triumphs.  We have been together for 11 years but I've never felt better about being life partners.  We have chosen to be a family, and I am excited for the rest of our lives!  Sometimes I feel really old (he'll be 40 and I'm a little younger) but we still feel like we have a whole life ahead of us.

Our guy friends Taka, Dave and Tanner

My BFF & MOH: Lucy (A kickbutt attorney)

My BFF Leigh (a kickbutt teacher)

Wonderful family: Ryan, Tiffany, Erika and Mike

Brothers from another mother: Taka and Dave

Amazing women from my Theta days: Christy, Lori, Leigh, me, Amanda, Tracy, Sara. Front: Jenny and Megan

The whole gang. Honolulu 2008